Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Dila.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
At the start of our journey in 2020, we wanted to see if opening a restaurant was an idea worth entertaining. After years in the HR world, I wanted to pursue something I truly enjoyed. With the support of family and friends, I would sell our popular Birria tacos once a month out of my own backyard.
We had amazing support from the community and people throughout the city. After months of doing this, we decided to open Califas. It was a long and tedious process as we were opening a business in the middle of a pandemic with shortages in everything imaginable.
We would spend every day from sunrise to sundown for almost 4 months straight making sure we have everything we needed. From making renovations, and finding vendors and suppliers, to developing our brand, and menu and creating marketing strategies. For our Grand Opening on July 10th, 2021, we had an amazing turnout!
With a line that wrapped around the building, we sold 2,541 Birria Tacos in 6 hours. The love and support we’ve received from the community are beyond anything we could ever repay. We just hope we can continue to satisfy our guests and offer an environment where they feel like family each time they come in.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening a business is never an easy task. However, opening during the peak of a pandemic makes it more challenging. We were met with shortages everywhere.
It was challenging to find food, supplies, and equipment that was needed for our restaurant. It is why we spent so long in preparation for our grand opening.
We had to change our original grand opening date three times as we were originally aiming for the end of May. Nonetheless, we believe that everything is meant to play out the way it should.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Califas?
Califas is a Latin American fast casual restaurant with inspiration from Californian Street Style foods. We have a little bit of everything found throughout Central America and specialize in everything Birria. Birria is a traditional Mexican dish eaten in many forms.
The most familiar is Birria Tacos. Our many iterations include Birria quesadillas, burritos, bowls, empanadas, and so much more! The brand we’ve established focuses on family.
We believe that the closest comfort you can find is by the foods made at home. That is why we strive to make each dish with love and welcome all of our guests as if they were coming home.
Our slogan is “A Taste of Home” as a reminder of what we try to achieve each time with all of our guests.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The most important thing we’ve learned is what it takes to go above and beyond for our guests. There are a lot of things that aren’t seen behind the scenes.
Having to strategize and plan accordingly around the shortages is the constant thing we deal with. We’re constantly pushing through obstacles like driving or ordering from suppliers in cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, and even Miami when we don’t have what we need here in Greenville.
It’s become such a norm for us but it’s been such a learning curve for us in regards to budgeting as we work around all of the price increases found in rent, workers comp, food, supplies, insurance, and so much more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eatcalifas.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/eatcalifas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/eatcalifas
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/Califas-Greenville
- Other: TikTok.com/@eatcalifas
Image Credits
Emily Everard, Andy Correa, Jose Mejia, Cynthia Burbano, John Dila, Erika Dila, Carmen Mejia, Julissa Dila, Kenia Fuentes, and Jesus Rodriguez
