Optimus has expertise not only in developing business plans, but also in our particular business segment. After the initial meeting with Optimus to discuss the scope of our project, we felt that they were the ones who could do the best job of researching the area where we wanted to expand our business and to provide those and other details needed for the bank to evaluate our loan request. Their research was very thorough, and we were confident about the accuracy of the data provided by Optimus. Our main struggle was having adequate time to thoroughly research the opportunity and assemble a business plan while already operating our first location in Grapevine.
Farina’s Winery & Café has been well received by Granbury and the surrounding communities. Our primary goal with Farina’s is to continue growing the daily business by becoming a destination for those seeking an interesting menu of delicious food at reasonable prices, with an excellent selection of wine and beer from Texas and around the world, while enjoying the warm and inviting ambiance that has been created in our historic building. We also intend to continue expanding private events such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers and parties, as well as business meetings and catering opportunities. In addition, Casa Farina, our 3-suite B&B above Farina’s, is continuing to grow as it becomes more well-known. For Casa Farina, maximizing the occupancy on weekends, in conjunction with events on the Square and for vacation and holiday getaways, is the focus.
We received a Preservation of the Year award in 2013 from Preserve Granbury for the renovation of our building, which was built in 1890. That award is given for “honoring exemplary work in the restoration or rehabilitation of a historic resource or the preservation of material culture and heritage”. Our customers have appreciated the level of detail that was incorporated in renovating our historic building. In addition, the Historic Granbury Merchants Association (HDMA) has nominated our renovation project for the Texas Downtown Association President’s Award, with this year’s winner to be announced in early November 2014.