Daily Inspiration: Meet Michael Solis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Solis.

Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I moved to Denver in 2014, and the more time I spent in Colorado, the more I missed my home in Miami. The Latin culture, food, and conversational buzz I was used to at every corner just wasn’t the same here.

Baking within our family comes with a very rich history. Starting with my tio abuelo, or great uncle, in the early 1900s in Cuba, to opening one of the first Cuban bakeries in Miami. Tio was the only baker in the family at that time. Thinking of what they were going to do for work once they arrived, he decided to teach the rest of the family and friends as they slowly trickled in over the years from Cuba to Miami.

Many Cubans would swing by the bakery after arriving looking for work and were given employment or opportunities to pick up shifts and help out until they got on their feet. We kept the bakery’s doors open for nearly 50 years until eventually closing in 2008.

Café Tres is a Cuban bakery in Denver, CO, and is the 3rd iteration of our family’s business. We’re sharing a taste of Cuban culture and morning traditions that hopes to broaden the Latin experience within Colorado’s local communities. We specialize in pastelitos, which are sweet & savory-filled Cuban puff pastries and Cuban espresso. At the time of this article, the best place to find us is at City Park Farmer’s Market, every Saturday from 8 am – 1 pm.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’d say the biggest challenge has just been trying to figure out how to start a business for the first time. Although I grew up around the bakery, it had always been all hands on deck with multiple family members playing a role in keeping things moving.

Fortunately, I have a great support system here with my girlfriend and friends willing to help any way they can, and a world of family knowledge back home just a phone call away that I continuously tap into.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve spent my entire career, up to this point, in art direction and design.

I’ve tried to carry over as many skills from my previous profession into building out my brand so it’s attractive and inviting to others as well as tying into my culture and family history.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafetresdnvr/ 

Image Credits
Jeremiah Corder