The cuban sandwich

Palms were sweaty, i looked down holding onto the back of Debs back shoulder… she is only 4’9″ so it natural for me to lean on her… they announced #3 for Traditional, nada.  then #2, nada, ok so we are #1.. nada… What?  must be a mistake about all those people that almost attacked us about an hour ago… I told the boys back in the kitchen we were not coming back without placing.. a $30k food trucks parked cranking out a cuban every 20 seconds, on there 5th delivery of food in a day and we just went 0 for 3.  So the final round was the non-traditional, back in the stance, head down, more sweaty palms… #3 place nada, strike 1, #2 place nada, strike #1… ok here it is the winner is…. and i am about to move through to the stage past deb only to hear Faedos Food Truck.  What? Wait they won last year, and they place first in Traditional and Non-Traditional, and they were just on the cover of Latin Times… Hmm… my girl hugs me, I smile….she is very emotional.  You know that smile that you see in award ceremonies… That look of dignity when your ego just a direct hit the floor bounced back up like a yo yo.  And then some random fan, walks over and whispers in my ear, “its a fix”.  nah… we are not going there… I decided we are going to win or not win with class.  We get back to the truck and they are just exhausted at this point. We wrapped things up scratching our heads and said we’ll get em next year!  In the meantime, we have some cash that needs to make its way to the bank!

On Monday we realize there is one more category… PEOPLES CHOICE! We reach out to the organizer to find out the results or the process and we get the rest of the story.  She tell us she will have the results by end of day.  She also informs that apparently there was a miscommunication with out entry into the competition.  I could tell on the phone she was genuine.  They requested 75 samples of both traditional and non traditional.  We only submitted 50 samples of each..  We did such an amazing presentation with retro storage crates, mojo dip, rice, individual boxes that the media and vips in the VIP/Judging area rushed our table and some of the judges did not have a chance to taste our sandwich. Hence, we sort of disqualified ourselves.  She apologized and said next year we need to give up more food and that she plans on hiring an independent accounting firm that will oversea the entire process.  That explained why all day we were the rave with the crowds but silent with the judges.

All in all we are thrilled, to be competing with such good company, to be judged by Tampa’s Dignitaries and the Columbia Restaurant.  They say the cuban sandwich is the most diverse sandwich made well it doesn’t get anymore diverse than a Russian Jew overseeing the making a pork sandwich on Passover, the day before Easter, in the heart of Ybor City!!  We have the most diverse workforce as well.  I think race and creed is represented.  Many thanks go out to the Staff, and all those that QUIT on us or just said we would never make it.  They said you can’t sell soup in Florida, they said you will never succeed.  Those that quit saying the management of this Company was too harsh or too intense.  Well its the intensity that fuels success.  Its intensity that creates change!  And we are just warming up!!  Thanks for all the support Tampa!

So we have said NO to all efforts that do not contribute to our goal and mission.  In doing this we have upset some folks because they do not understand what it is we are trying to accomplish.  We have even lost some friends Many of these events are a group of food services or restaurants that give out samples of their foods for free in an effort to showcase themselves.  A fee is charged or tickets are sold to the general public.  We think these events are great they raise money for the charity and they do bring some light on a restaurant trying to get but we just chose not to participate in 2013.  We are focused on bring the best product to the restaurant and bring our new food truck on the road as well as working with Tampa Bay Harvest.

Thanks for all your support to our little restaurant.  Follow our story and find ways to make your workplace or business a stone soup.  Share your services, excess products with those in need and you find benefits beyond your belief. 

Peace, 

Soupman

Early pictures of our efforts….

Food truck parked before we forked over the dough

On January 14, 2013, The Stone Soup Company set out on a new adventure.  We have been looking for a way to grow and a way to share our food with those that can’t always visit our location in Ybor City, Tampa.  Our first thought was to open up a second stationary location but it seemed too traditional and we usually do non-traditional approaches so a Food Truck seemed natural.  As we started looking around at food trucks many either seemed like they were created by handy owners or purchased.  As we started looking around we found a truck on the outskirts of Orlando that seemed like a good candidate.  The prices was right and it needed some work.  It was a little short school bus, with an awning, lots of equipment and an owner that really needed the money.   After seeing it once we set out to close the deal with a local mechanic that was to meet us for a quick inspection.

We were running about 30 min late and as we turned off of I-4 on Ivanhoe about half mile down we see a random food truck parked in front of an existing restaurant with a ‘for sale’ sign on it.  We look at each other and say lets pull over.  We being Wilder and I.  Wilder Robles, yes his name is really Wilder is my partner on this thing and is currently working with us at the restaurant as a sous chef.  Former Coast Guard, studying culinary at The Art Institute here in Tampa is itching for a chance to get into the mobile food business and we make our way to this truck.  It looks so clean, inside the layout is right with all the equipment.  We do a quick look with owner and he explains this truck is ready to sell food, he had a heart attack a few months ago and needs to take it easy.  The truck and his restaurant are no long on his horizon.  So we tell him we will be back.  We make our way to the original truck we were supposed to see and as we pull up the the school bus we both feel like we need to leave and go back to the box truck we just say.

So along with the mechanic we make our way back to the box truck.  We have lunch at this 30+year establishment and have one of the best Gyro sandwich I ever had.  Homemade sauce, shaved meat, soft pita this guy was good.  So we do the transaction, and we go to pull out of the spot and our new purchase is overheating.  The mechanic did say the water pump was not in the best of shape.  From this point on, Wilders and I test our friendship and working under stress.  We decide to drive to the mechanics shop about 6 miles away with a 5 gallon jug of water close to the cabin.  Every 1 mile we have to pull over and add water, mind you its now about 3pm and Orlando is in the midst of rush hour traffic.  We finally make it to the mechanic who has the part ready by 4:30pm.  Only one problem, he closes at 5.  So we decide to leave the truck with him so he can look it over, install the part and make sure we can get it back to Tampa.

More pictures to come and we will be looking for your feedback on where we should park the truck and the best way to utilize our new purchase.  So far on horizon are office parks, schools, festivals, rallies, and most importantly we will be using the truck to work with Tampa Bay Harvest to pick up food when we are heading back empty.  Stay Tuned!

Eat Smart Eat Stone Soup!!!

~ Soupman

here are some bullets of the lastest:

• 

  soupman

~ poetry night

~ open jams

~ deliveries, to-gos, caterings

~ 4000 cubans (not mario boat lift)

~ food trucks for sale, look for FEB/APR

~ 2nd location? st pete beach

~ Food Network Producer called “Food Paradise”, then they said “next time” :/

~ 17500 cups of soup… and going

~ new menues… pot sticker clubs…. milk shakes

i am just glad people come and eat and allow me to get the place a little better everyday.  we are no where near the completed vision and there is still so much more to do…. in the meantime its time to make some soup!

~ soupman

On May 26^th we got a shot of good fortune and traded in some karma points for placing 2^nd place in the State wide Cuban Sandwich Festival held right here in Ybor City.  At the time we really didn’t think we had a chance of winning and just did it on a whim and a prayer.  We never realized how many doors it opened.  I would encourage any food business to enter any food contest because you just never know.  Well since that we have had producers call from various shows.   We have been on Telemundo and made some great friends… the Travel Channel called, a reality show called , the Tampa City Council is doing a special recognition…. No one has called back but there is a Buzz.  This weekend we were invited to participate in the Taste of Cuban sandwich and we suggested making the worlds largest Cuban.  And low and behold we are all going to make a 36’ Cuban sandwich with the entire thing being donated to charity.   On that day we were able to become more than just a soup place.  While all this is going on we have literally run out of space.  We are shopping almost daily sometimes several times.  With every catering order we are scrambling to a store or a supplier.

In the next month we have a new menu coming out… most of your favorite items will remain but we are adding fresh tacos…from fish to shrimp to pork to gyro meat… this isn’t a run for the border but a run for some fresh salsa, a squeeze of lime with a margarita to wash it down.  We are going to have pot stickers, perogies , a po’ boy, portabella mushroom mini pizzas, all while nixing lasagna and chicken parm… we are going even fresher, with smaller plates, more sharing, and more fun.  We are expanding the beer selection, making more truffles and creating a dessert shooter while eliminating cakes… We have started doing some entertainment nights with the sword in the stone on Wednesday nights made up of local and regional poets that show up and belt out some of the most amazing stuff… on Saturday nights we have started with open jam nights where we have a PA set up and few guys playing some jazz and blues while allow local musicians a chance to show off their stuff.  Look for more fun and weeknight activity in the next few month.

We have our sites set on helping Tampa host the Republican convention and making Tampa proud.  Whether we agree with the ideas of either political party we love our city and want to be the best hosts we can be.  We hope we meet Mitt and his entourage and hope that he gets a little soup and a lot of questions.

I hope you all continue to support us… don’t forget to review us on urbanspoon and yelp as both of those are important and all your opinions matter.

~ soupman

Many ask us what is The Stone Soup Company?  What is the difference between this concept and any bistro or diner?  Why is it making it and growing with over 1000 restaurants in Tampa?

Top 10 reasons TSSC is making a difference:

10.  The product has to be as local as possible.  We believe in supporting those that are in our shoes.  The Gelato is made here in Tampa.  The Cigar City Beer that we carry two varieties of and more to come is brewed here in Tampa.  Our coffee supplier is Café Bustello of Florida and a Tampa distributor.  Local artwork that gives artist a chance to display without a grand gallery.  The bread is made in Ybor city, the list goes on and this pays itself back.  Because we are keeping the money in our community and making a local effort.

9.   Keeping it small.  The ability to manage a smaller place is easier, it allows us to plan for more locations, it allows for a fuller look and employ the K.I.S.S method (keep is simple silly).  The largest franchise in the world is Subway. In no way is there really a comparison but they do keep things simple and it works. 

8.   Coupon management.  We have been very effective at managing our coupons and discounts.  It is our goal to donate more soup and eventually have enough of a base that couponing is selective and targets our core repeat customers.  We like the idea of fresh and reasonable rather that overpriced and heavily promoted.

7.   Casual Atmosphere.  No table covers, no fancy forks, just simple tables fork knife and spoon if needed.  We rather spoon than fork.

6.   Family or friend time.  TVs in the background and even wifi but the true charm is in the decks of UNO, checkerboards which  brings us to #5

5.   Old School.  Sodas in the glass bottle are showcased, no fountain drinks.  From the beginning we hated the thought of 20oz refills.  First it was bad for the bottomline and second its not good for you.  Old school cooking, old school signs and a throwback to a time when things were more simple.  Where families sat together and talked while eating… 1950 meets 2012.

4.  70% cooking 30% bought.  So many of the others do the opposite.  Big walk in coolers, lots of fryers and a few things are being prepped.  We don’t have that luxury nor want it.  We shop daily and we cook most of what we have.

3.  7th Avenue.  A national landmark and one could say an national gem.  A place where immigrants came for years to make it.. one of the most urban areas in Tampa and this is home to the first spot.  We are on the street with the likes of Columbia Restaurant, Carmine’s, and next door to King Carona.  If we can make it here well in the words of the great one we can make it anywhere.

2.  Distribution.  Stone Soup is available in 6 ways.  Sit down, drive up and drop, walk in take out, 1.5 mile scooter delivery, Delivery service companies for outside the zip code, and lastly Catering. Hence the food service center..

1.   B1G1.  The ability to track the success of any organization based on the amount it gives to a local community and not the bottom line on a quarterly statement is something that truly defines TSSC.  As we strive to having a board of directors one day we will make this a line item on the corporate report.  It is the fabric of Stone Soup and can be used as a model across industries.

Monday – Italian with Marks Lasagna and Chicken Parm with free mini salad.. Bruschetta, and pizza all on spacial…spaghetti and meatballs only 6.99 with garlic bread… drink specials… and kids eat FREE

Tuesday – Latin foods with a roasted pork cuban free yellow rice and beans upgrade when getting a platter, Taco Tuesdays (fish, pork, shrimp, or chicken) only $3, Sangria specials, Kabobs over yellow rice and beans, cuban toast and cafe bustello specials

Wednesday – Medi-Day with specials around Greek foods such at a gyro with free fries upgrade.. Greek salad with free potato salad upgrades, ex wife pasta with free mini salad, bruschetta, hummus all made fresh daily.

Thursday – Russian Day with focus on soups paired with authentic Russian cousine such as stuffed cabbage with a meat filling and tomato sauce, boiled potatoes with garlic butter and dill, shashlikee (kabobs) chicken and steak, pelmeni (Russian version of a mini ravioli) best in mammas chicken soup almost like a dumpling or have them in a dish with butter or sour cream, Borscht the kind with beets and beef stock and a dash of sour cream, Mammas chicken soup… drink specials will be White and Black Russians, and Bloody Mary

Friday – Seafood Day with seafood pasta in curry and basa fish in lemon butter or tomato basil sauce with free mini salad upgrades… seafood thai soups, fish tacos and white wine parings

Saturday – Chill Lounge with chef selections and drink specials all day

We hope you enjoy our casual dining experience.  As we continue to try and bring you cutting edge fresh foods at reasonable prices.

Eat Smart!  Eat Stone Soup!!

~ Soupman

Russian food

I am shocked at the treatment I received at your restaurant. The staff was unfriendly, discourteous, and bored and the owner was grumpy and incredibly rude. I recall the establishment was a ghost town and not one customer (other than my out-of-town guest and me) walked through the door during the lunch hour when I dined. It is evident that this will be the future of your restaurant if the service doesn’t drastically improve. I will be contacting colleagues and business owners within Ybor City to report that your extreme behavior will continue to devastate surrounding businesses if you are not immediately reprimanded for the way you have treated customers. Furthermore, I will be filing a complaint with the BBB. You, as a business owner, would be wise to heed this advice: do not judge a book by its cover; appearance can be deceiving. One unhappy customer speaks seven times louder than a happy one.

Over the course of a week we probably serve over 500 customers.  We try to make contact with as many of our patrons as possible and for the most part I think we do an amazing job.  But sometimes you have to scratch your head wondering what we missed.  In this case, we sent a follow up email immediately wanting to know more and attempting to improve on the situation but we heard nothing back.  Its a bit suspect that they claim we were dead at lunch and that hasnt been the case in months but we will take all feedback very seriously.  Its just interesting the mix of people one meets during the day.  How one person can praise you while another tries to destroy you.

But one thing remains we review every piece of feedback, good or bad and improve on whats working and change what is not working to be better.

Sincerely,

Soupman