Basam Helwani described the past year of his life as very fun and one that has brought him a sense of accomplishment. He opened his second Muncie restaurant, Two Cats Cafe, on Jan. 29, 2016, in the Village.
He spends three to four hours each day preparing and managing things at Two Cats and Damask Cafe, but said he is in the business for the reaction from the customers. That is what keeps him coming back every day.
“When I first opened, I wasn’t sure what the reaction was going to be or if we could get any kind of niche market but I feel every day when I come here that people are here and that they’re happy. It really makes me feel better, [like] I’m on to something,” Helwani said. “Originally the idea was to have a place where students, they could come here and do their homework and chill and enjoy their time and I think for the most part, we did that.”
Two Cats will soon launch a new menu, but will still feature smoothies and Mediterranean cuisine, such as gyros. Helwani wants to focus on vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options and is currently talking to a bakery to provide vegan desserts as well.
He is also talking to some local breweries so Two Cats can begin to sell beer and wine.
“I think that’s something that most people are excited about. I’m not going to be another bar in the Village, what we are focusing on is bringing something that is not available in the Village — exotic beer, some kind of pairing with our food,” Helwani said. “[We’re in the process of] getting the proper license.”
The small stage on the upper level of the restaurant has been a space for poetry readings and a comedy show, and Helwani plans to host an event every month this year.
“We’re putting [together] a talk show where we have interviews with members of the Muncie community, live music and comedian stand-up. We’re adding belly dancing very soon [and] we’re going to try to bring a magician [at some point],” Helwani said.
Upcoming events include a tapas sampling as a fundraiser for the We’re Trying Collective, and a Valentine’s Day special.
Two Cats is staffed entirely by students — something Helwani wants to continue — to allow them to get real-life experience if they are interested in the hospitality business.
This has posed the challenge of finding qualified kitchen staff that can accommodate the restaurant’s hours.
“We open [for] lunch, breakfast and dinner. Most students have morning or mid-day classes, so the challenge has been figuring out the schedule for the kitchen staff,” Helwani said.
While it has been in the Village for a year, people still aren't quite sure what Two Cats has to offer, something Helwani wants to focus on improving.
“The other challenge for me is that people still don’t know what Two Cats Cafe is. They look at our front window and they see this neon color painting on the window, and it really doesn’t do it justice," he said. "Once they get inside, they are all at awe of the atmosphere here or the ambiance of inside … I’m working with a sign company to change our signage.”
Micaela Kosty, a junior exercise science major, has been working at Two Cats for the past month and a half. As a former barista, Kosty thought she could bring her skills to restaurant, which offers specialty coffees.
“It’s nice to see how many different types of people come in here and a lot of people come in here to do their homework, which I think is really cool," Kosty said. "They’re always down to have a conversation with you [and] tell you how their day’s going.”
After a successful year, Two Cats Cafe, complete with their friendly environment and exotic menu, is here to stay.
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