Name:        Mona S. Smith
Company:    Mona Lisa’s Deli Foods
Phone:        (816) 756-2327
E-mail:        
Web site:    www.monalistasdeli.com
Type of Business:    Deli restaurant
No. of Employees:    3

    
A 10-year veteran of the restaurant industry, Mona S. Smith opened her own restaurant in January 2003. Mona Lisa’s Deli, located at 603 E. 31st Street in Kansas City, Mo., is open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner.

In addition to serving food from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, the restaurant specializes in catering events, parties and business meetings.

A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Smith assisted with her family’s Snack-n-Staff Deli in Kansas City, Mo., from 1992 to 2001. She earned a master’s degree in human resources management from Ottawa University in 2000.

Mona Lisa’s Deli strives to provide quality food and service and at the same time develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with customers, employees and vendors. The restaurant also works with community leaders and participates in community service activities. The restaurant supports the AIDS Awareness Program, Save Our Sons Organization, Urban Coeur Development and Troostwood Corridor Community Association.

“In spite of the struggling economy, we continue to increase sales,” she said. “We cater to local schools, churches and companies.”

The restaurant also caters to its customers needs, Smith said. As an example, she noted that the menu is being expanded to include food items for customers with diabetes and high cholesterol. “I feel very deeply about providing a healthy selection of menu items for customers who desire to live a more healthy life,” she said.

Mona Lisa’s Deli is in the process of becoming certified with the city of Kansas City, Mo. “The biggest challenge as a business owner seeking certification has been the process of compiling all the needed information,” she said. “My advice to business owners is to keep accurate records of the daily affairs of your business and to see the process through because once a business is certified it brings unlimited possibilities.”

A member of the American Business Women Association (ABWA) and the FirstStep/Fast Trac Alumni Organization, Smith has found resources and support through her church, Sterling Chapel AME Church, the Minority Supplier Council and the Kauffman Foundation First Step program. She serves as a mentor to others interested in going into business.

“My goal for my own business is to hire full-time employees and provide them with benefits,” she said. “My goal is to build an organization that challenges its employees to be versatile, creative and multi-talented. We support the education of our employees and encourage them to pursue their gifts and talents through further education or entrepreneurship. Or goal is not just to provide jobs, but to provide opportunities.”