Success Story - A "Lill" Taste of Cuba
A "Lill" Taste of Cuba
Opened: 2009 Principle Owners: Loray and Scott Lill
Loray and Scott Lill, owners of A "Lill" Taste of Cuba located at 607 N. Court St. in Marion, Illinois are proud to celebrate their one year anniversary of their store opening. In celebration of this milestone, the owners are expanding their menu and daily special offerings to its new and loyal customers. The Lills came to the SBDC in 2008, both employed by local chain restaurants, with a dream of opening their own Cuban-themed restaurant. They worked dilligently with their counselor to develop a thorough business plan, only to have their loan requests denied by several banks in the area. Despite their good credit, and investment capital, the lending industry at that time was tight and not confident in taking a chance on a restaurant with such a different menu for this area. The Lills persevered however, because they knew from their experience at the Friday Night Car Nights in town and the response they received from dishes they took to work and friends, that they had a product people in this area craved: authentic Cuban food. They found a location, remodeled it themselves, and purchased all their startup equipment and inventory with their savings, credit cards, and a small family donation. One year later, they have a loyal customer base, a huge following on their Facebook page, offer daily specials, and are expanding their catering opportunities as time and manpower allow them to do so. Currently, a regional hospital has asked them to cater for over 600 people at their holiday party. The Lills are continuing to work with their SBDC counselor to evaluate expansion plans and opportunities, as they see a profitable and sustainable future with A "Lill" Taste of Cuba.
