Thanks to all of you who took the time to vote for us – we are officially the number 1 “Slow Money” restaurant, ranking 9th overall. Joining us in the top 10 is Homegrown Co-op who ranked 5th overall. See Results Here.

That’s a huge win for Orlando & our local food scene. People across the nation will take notice that something is taking root here in Central Florida!

Tune into Front Porch Radio next Wednesday, May 26th for an on-air interview with author & revolutionary Woody Tasch to learn more about the principles of Slow Money.

Thank you for standing by us this year. It’s a beautiful example of what is possible when we participate in community. Have a wonderful holiday!

Thanks to alert friend & customer Nanette, we’ve just been turned onto a brilliant concept called Slow Money.

Think about it: A million Americans contributing to a grassroots, non-profit seed fund supporting small food enterprises and building the nurture capital industry. . . Is it typical philanthropy? No. Is it investing as we’ve come to know it? No. Is it achievable? Yes.

Slow Money is a new nonprofit organizing an international movement to bring money back down to earth. Founded by Woody Tasch, a pioneer in merging investing and philanthropy, Slow Money’s mission is to build local and national networks, and develop new financial products and services, dedicated to:

• investing in small food enterprises and local food systems;
• connecting investors to their local economies; and,
• building the nurture capital industry.

Update: Interview with Woody on NPR

LOVE it! Sign me up! We just donate $25 bucks & you can chip-in too! (Deja vous?)

American Clay Earth Plaster

We are excited to announce that American Clay has selected Dandelion to be a model home for their environmentally friendly natural earth plaster. This month you might catch installer Jeff Barrett applying this cover to the interior of Dandelion during our slow periods.

Volunteers Needed! Help us (eco) prime the walls on Sunday, October 11th in preparation for our new eco-friendly interior. RSVP here or contact us & let us know you are interested in lending a hand.

We are super excited about the transformation as the interior walls are overdue for some TLC, but they are about to get a sophisticated yet au natural makeover. Check out the color palette – we’ve picked out a buttery yellow for the lobby, earthy orange for the main dining room, jasper green for the piano room and sky blue for the back dining room.

This is the first installment in our Community Supported Enterprise (CSE) growth plan, which includes adding a covered patio to the front of the cafe.

Local Bliss

Stacey Murphy & Sean Ramsay are our most sensual customers & owners of Blissful Lotus Romance Boutique, located in Ivanhoe Village at 1810 N. Orange Ave. Their mission is to assist women & couple’s in creating more love and passion in their lives. They just opened Orlando’s first sophisticated romance boutique (halleluah!) providing customers with an upscale shopping experience for all their sensual needs in a positive and authentic way. Follow them on Facebook to learn more about our specials, classes, events, news and tips.

Time For Your Big Girl Pants!

Stacey & Sean invested at the $250 level, stating, “We are investing in Dandy because of their tireless investment in the community. Dandelion isn’t just a great place to eat; it’s a great place for people to connect. The community’s light wouldn’t shine as bright if Dandy wasn’t a part of it. The energy Dandelion radiates turned a desolate street into a cornerstone of holistic vibrancy. Dandelion is unique, cares deeply for the community and is a true advocate of buying local. It’s the local businesses who bring flavor, flare and culture to a community and this is something Dandy has done in spades.”

Want to join Sean & Stacey? Check out our Communitea Investment Opportunities

Avalon

Miranda Sophia Solace runs Avalon, a great magical shop a hop, skip & a jump from the cafe.

This is why she is investing: “While I’m not a vegan or even a vegetarian….I have enjoyed Dandelion food very much when I’ve treated myself or friends! Even more importantly, the whole Dandelion concept brought an entirely new movement and social scene to the area (reminds me of when I was in college and actually a veg eating at the Flying Teapot Cafe and shopping at the market co-op for my groceries) It’s important that you stick around…..”

Julie got her magic wand (really! a magic wand!) at Avalon during one of their awesome Psychic Fair’s. Avalon invested early at $250 & plans to reward her customers with gift cards as prizes.

Want to join Miranda? Check out our Communitea Investment Opportunities

Nancy

Nancy is the woman behind Daly Strategic Directions. As a Speaker, Author & Facilitator she ignites transformative change in organizations and individuals through planning retreats, workshops, presentations and book-signings. Author of: A Left-Brain Thinker On a Right-Brain Journey, and Finding Joy Amidst the Chaos. www.nancyrdaly.com

Nancy has been a Dandy fan since we can recall. Why did she invest? “What Julie has done for this community extends way beyond the physical café. She has demonstrated what living in harmony means, extending herself with trust, gratitude and hard work. The bonus is that the food is AWESOME, the people are heart-conscious, and the feel of the café is soothing, fun, colorful and welcoming.”

Nancy’s book has helped Julie operate Dandelion & she invested early at $250.

Want to join Nancy? Check out our Communitea Investment Opportunities

Brian & Maggie

“I believe that most couples have a warm fondness for places where they have first dated.  They are always places that are easy to remember.  For us, one of those places is the Dandelion Cafe.  But our love of the Dandelion Cafe goes much further than just a sentimental reason.

Not only does the Dandelion have healthy food, everything on the menu tastes really good… and for a reasonable price.

The Dandelion does not seem to be focused on “making-a-buck”.  The owner(s) and employees seem to really enjoy educating people on local resources for eating healthier and becoming a happier person.

The Dandelion is a community that we want to bless and see flourish.
The Dandelion is so much more than food.”

Brian & Maggie come to all of our potlucks & invested at $250 (before we even had it ready online – they just couldn’t wait!)

Want to join Brian & Maggie? Check out our Communitea Investment Opportunities

Jim Lussier

Local Legal

Jim Lussier is excited when his legal skills help small businesses succeed.  He notes: “The spirit of ‘new age’ entrepreneurs like the Dandelion Communitea family makes me excited and happy.  Quality products and service spring from quality people.”

Jim is a local attorney working for Matter & Harbert. We can tell you from experience that he is a very smart man who gives well thought out & sound legal advice.

Jim chipped in $11.11, donated legal counsel (priceless!) & invested at $250.

Want to join Jim? Check out our Communitea Investment Opportunities

Interesting suggestion, unfortunately, doing that would be the quickest way to put us out of business as we would be selling below cost (also would directly negate the Sustainable Business Plan). Organic, wholesome food made by hand in a small scale environment costs money and we already sell at margins that are less than most other restaurants to keep our prices affordable. (Julie discusses this topic in more detail in this podcast).

That being said, we’ve compared menus with similar cafes in the area and there is very little discrepancy in average price even though we are dedicated to organic, premium ingredients. Sadly, you can count on one hand how many places offer an organic menu in Central Florida and the majority of those places will cost you mega bucks for petite portions & fancy atmosphere.

Also, lack of customers is not the problem – we do have loyal masses who dream of devouring a Giddy Up and return over and over again. Our main issue is not having enough capacity in our small home-style cafe to capitalize on opportunities like bridal & baby showers, engagement dinners and the like & having events is risky when dealing with the weather. When a patron has to pull back from eating at Dandy three times a week to once, having these events lined up will offset the variability of individual consumption. That’s why we’ve outlined an expansion of adding covered patios to the cafe.

But back to the value of the fuel that we consume three times a day. One thing that most consumers don’t realize is the way a lot of our food in the mass marketed world is subsidized through tax money and the price on the menu at, say,  McDonald’s does not reflect the true cost of food.

If you have some time, watch this short clip to explain it & read about our food philosophy here: http://dandelioncommunitea.com/eat/our-food-philosophy/why-organic/ or go rent Food, Inc. for a detailed look at our mass produced food system.

Perhaps an organic cafe in an economic shift is what we all need to stay healthy, but some perceive that they cannot afford to invest in that. I would argue that the food you eat is the most important investment you can make. Our clientele is amongst some of the healthiest & happiest in the city – they are clear eyed, of good weight, physical shape & cheer. Some have come to eat organic food after a devastating illness and realized that proper nutrition is a foundation element to a healthy, vibrant life.

What you do not pay for up front will cost you dearly in medical bills & prescription pills, and the reduced quality of life that comes from the emotionally & physically draining aspects of heart disease, obesity & diabetes.

We welcome your comments & observations about how shifting to a healthier diet has improved your quality of life.