Describe your business.
We offer home-style and upscale sweet and savory treats. We serve breakfast all day. As the only Canadian restaurant in Las Vegas, and possibly in the entire U.S., we are thrilled to offer many Canuck specialties.
Why did you think it was time to bring a Canadian restaurant to Las Vegas?
Ever since I moved to Vegas in 1992, I’ve dreamt of bringing Canadian food favorites to my adopted home town. Knowing that there were many ex-pats like myself living here, including “snowbirds” and retirees, I felt that there had to be plenty of people who would appreciate having a place where they could satisfy their nostalgia and craving for the foods and hospitality they miss most from home.
Why do you think it took so long for Canadian restaurants to appear in the U.S.?
Salted Malted Bakery and Creamery
• Address: 6584 N. Decatur Blvd., Suite 120, North Las Vegas
• Phone: 702-754-6500
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: saltedmalted.com
• Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
• Owned/operated by: Cait Messina
• In business since: September
While Canadian cuisine is not much different from American, there are certain treats that are unique to Canada. The abundance of food and travel shows has broadened Americans’ exposure to Canadian food specialties. Poutine, a delicious concoction of fries, cheese curds and gravy, is one such specialty that has been featured on cooking shows. The proliferation of international cuisine in Las Vegas and other cities is evidence that diners are looking to broaden their food horizons and Canadian cuisine seems to be an untapped opportunity.
What are some of your most popular foods?
Of course, our Canadian treats are a huge hit, particularly our authentic poutine. Our all-day breakfast items are also immensely popular.
What is your business philosophy?
Providing genuinely warm, gracious and upbeat service is key. I want customers to feel like they are part of our family.
What is the hardest part about doing business in Las Vegas?
Competing with national chains with huge marketing budgets is definitely a challenge. And the transient nature of the Las Vegas population makes it difficult to retain long-term customers. Due to our proximity to Nellis AFB, we have dozens of military customers, and I have had several tearful goodbyes due to relocation just in the short time we’ve been in business.
What obstacles has your business overcome?
As a start-up, we have had very little to spend on marketing and advertising. However, we have been fortunate in that the Yelp community has been prolific and positive.
How can Nevada improve its business climate?
Embrace those who dare to dream and launch original business concepts by promoting and endorsing entrepreneurship. Providing incentives and/or tax breaks could go a long way in helping start-ups survive first year financial struggles.
What’s next for Salted Malted?
Expansion plans are definitely in the works. I would like to open at least 3 more Salted Malted stores in Las Vegas and hopefully create a franchising program to take the concept to other states and possibly internationally.