Behind the Burger: a day in the life of local business owner, Susie Kastella
Napa-native Susie Kastella has been the owner of Andies Cafe for over 20 years. After two decades of working at the cafe, Susie feels like she’s mastered the art of managing a small business. The toughest struggles and streaks of success have taught her how to run Andies with ease. These days are a stark difference to Susie’s life 10 years prior, when she faced seemingly never-ending hurdles and was raising two young kids with her husband, Joe.
Susie’s mom and grandma bought the cafe in 1995 from a single mother.
“My mom was looking for somewhere to retire,” Susie said. “And also give a place for my grandmother to go after my grandpa passed away so she can talk to people during the day.”
At the time, Susie was a student at the Santa Barbara community college but felt like she needed a break. Susie started as the manager, working with only two other employees.
“It just became a job, because I didn't think I'd stay there,” Susie said. “I thought, oh, I'd move on and do other things ... well, it became a successful job.”
Before her grandmother passed away, Susie purchased her out, and Susie's mom gave her the rest of her shares to the company. Susie grew the business, bought a home in Napa and started raising two kids. Andies Cafe went from making $150 a day to $3,000 - $4,000 a day.
“None of my children have desires, at this current moment, to take the business for me. So eventually I'll just have to sell the business,” Susie said.