Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Lardy.
Hi Mike, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The story of Bravo Burrito is one of food, family, love, and community. Opened in April 1985, the founder’s vision was fueled by a passion for bringing delicious, California-style Mexican burritos and cuisine back to their hometown in Central MN. I (Mike Lardy) discovered Bravo in the late 90s90’s as a part-time employee while attending college and playing music at local nightclubs. A few years later, my wife, Samantha Hennen, began her career as a burrito slinger. Fast forward a few more years, and we’re a couple, prompting the founders (Bill and Helen Ellenbecker) to build a succession plan, anticipating their eventual retirement and desire to sell to a family-focused couple willing to maintain their original vision. In April of 2021, the sale was finalized. Sam and I, with some help from our kiddos, are committed to serving the St. Cloud and the surrounding area with Bravo’s unique take on home-cooked burritos, tacos, nachos, bowls, and catering.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? I wouldn’t say that. The challenges we have faced are by no means impossible, but owning a business and a restaurant at that comes with some very real turbulence. To say that we bought a restaurant during an “interesting” time in American history might be a bit of an understatement. You see, 2021 was our purchase year, and the economy was still reeling from the unforgettable tragedies of 2020. Staffing and supply shortages were real problems, and we had to act quickly as new owners to resolve difficult situations immediately on day one. Fortunately, we have the best team, fans, friends, and regulars at Bravo Burrito, and we could have achieved our success with them.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bravo Burrito is a four-decade-running, family-owned, and operated Mexican-style burrito shop specializing in big burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos, and catering. What we do best is create a hyper-local atmosphere beyond just serving lunch and dinner. People come to Bravo for the fantastic, home-cooked meals and to meet friends for a bite or get the whole family together in one place. Over the holidays, folks are returning to Central MN to see family love to come to Bravo for nostalgia. We cater to many grad parties, corporate gatherings, and weddings, and we constantly hear tales of new graduates who grew up on Bravo or newlyweds who had many date nights sharing nachos and burritos. Just this past summer, we catered a wedding for the son of a couple that met their midwife for the first time over burritos in the early 90s! Our local roots run deep, and we are proud to be a staple in our community.
How do you define success?
Ultimately, success is a mind state. You could wrap the definition of success in tangible things, like money and stuff, but that depiction rings pretty hollow. But when dusk is upon us, literally and figuratively, how we act and create defines our success. What kind of legacy does one desire to leave behind for their family, friends, and the world? Is the environment around you in a better place than when you arrived?
Pricing:
- • Average ticket $14-$20
- • Catering is about $15.50 a person
- • $5 for a bottle of amazing hot sauce
Contact Info:
- Website: bravoburrito.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravoburritos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravoburritos
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bravoburritos
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAzpetTVX0SSZ1cngYfRIBQ
Image Credits
All Photos by Mike Lardy except the the black and white one. That one is Ryan Unger on a vintage 8×10 box camera.
