S6E4: Taste of Rondo

A Taste of Digitization, History, and Community

During the middle of a pandemic, Charles and Kasara Carter managed to fulfill a lifelong dream – opening their restaurant in the heart of what was once the historic, vibrant Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul, Minnesota. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the same Interstate that devastated the community in the 1950’s, Taste of Rondo stands as a beacon of hope to the neighbors who have long called Rondo home. But start-up woes are catching up to the Carters, who desperately want to see patron counts grow, while keeping costs in line.

Deluxe brought in JJ Haywood, CEO of Pizza Lucé, a renowned, multi-location pizza business in Minnesota, to evaluate operations and help the Carters reduce bottlenecks before expanding their outdoor seating. Meanwhile, the team from Deluxe brings more flavor to the restaurant’s overall brand and online presence. Watch the transformation unfold, as St. Paul’s newest restaurateur power couple steps up to the challenge.

Everyone has a favorite restaurant. They make for great spots for community hangouts, family traditions, and long-lasting memories. They can be staples in their communities. And many are packed with a deep history that’s not always on display. Taste of Rondo—featured in episode four, season 6 of Deluxe’s Small Business Revolution (SBR)—is a St. Paul, Minnesota, Small Business that embodies what it means to be a community-focused restaurant, while showcasing its rich, impactful past. Created and run by power couple, Charles and Kasara Carter, the restaurant works to tell the story of Rondo—the predominantly African American neighborhood that, in the 1950s, was destroyed by the construction of Interstate 94. This weakened the vibrant and dynamic culture of Rondo’s close-knit, supportive community. Despite all of the obstacles, the story prevails. And Taste of Rondo, occupying one of the last remaining original Rondo buildings, continues to serve up great food and great stories despite obstacles of their own.  

What seemed like just a pandemic pipedream became a reality for the married couple. Fueled by their passion for cooking and uplifting the community, they remained resilient in the face of various tech challenges. They needed a tech upgrade that could better streamline their serving ability and reduce customer wait time. Their digital experience had to be seamless across every facet of the business—including the kitchen, staff, and their online presence. Everything needed to be cohesive, which meant that their systems all had to be connected and managed intently. But, even in the face of modernizing and transforming the business, the Rondo story and history needed to remain prevalent.  

Improving the customer and employee experience through tech would allow Taste of Rondo to inspire its many guests—which is why Diarra Jerome, Lenovo’s Regional Sales Director, was honored to join Deluxe and the Small Business Revolution to introduce Charles and Kasara to a series of handpicked tech solutions, designed specifically for their restaurant. 

Thanks to Lenovo and Deluxe, Charles and Kasara were able to provide a positive customer experience that extended beyond just the restaurant. They brought to life Rondo’s inspiring story and helped emulate the high-spirited, thriving community from years past. Today, Taste of Rondo is a strong staple in its neighborhood, providing many with a profound sense of community and celebrating its legacy. And it’s here to stay. The owners expressed their interest in passing the restaurant on to their kids to continue its legacy. 

Small Business Revolution, by Deluxe. 

Catch up on Episode 3