Media & Reviews

This book is truly inspirational work which features the story of how a family business blossomed into something more than... read moreThis book is truly inspirational work which features the story of how a family business blossomed into something more than just a small business. Although they faced many obstacles maintaining their business (including bankruptcy) in the beginning and middle of the book, their perseverance and unique hiring style brought second chances to many people. The workers range from refugees to people recovering from addiction. I highly recommend this book because it inspires readers to do good in the world and that fighting for a good cause is worth it in the end. It’s an easy read that you can finish in about 3-5 days. I recommend it to young adults and older audiences because of the author’s style and how he portrays the story. The way that Wesslund captures the ups and downs of this story can not be written any other way and overall, this is a great book to pickup for a quick and uplifting read. read less

Small Business, Big Heart is an inspiring story of both restaurant owners, Sal and Cindy Rubino, and those they employed... read moreSmall Business, Big Heart is an inspiring story of both restaurant owners, Sal and Cindy Rubino, and those they employed who were trying to find their way back from addictions or refugees just trying to find their way in a new home. The author covers the journey, the struggles and eventually the success the Rubinos experienced in their careers in the restaurant industry. The path didn’t turn out like they expected, their marriage was almost derailed, they left the restaurant business, later came back with a different concept and eventually found the right balance in their business and family life. Wesslund develops the many layers of their story and the back stories of those to whom they give a second chance by giving them employment. The reader leaves with a good feeling, knowing that doing the right thing in business is good for business. An added bonus is that several chapters begin with recipes, including some of Cindy’s best like The Café’s Tomato Dill Soup, Cindy’s Amazing Bread Pudding and The Café’s Country Chicken Salad. Highly recommend. read less

Wesslund's narrative was rich and filled with in-depth information regarding the trials and testaments one can expect (and endure) in... read moreWesslund's narrative was rich and filled with in-depth information regarding the trials and testaments one can expect (and endure) in running a small business. Cindy and Sal, the focus of the writer's "case study" shed a light into their personal relationships. In what should have been to their detriment actually drew them closer together as they were forced to face calamity after calamity. For most, this would have been the breaking point. However, for the couple, it was their building block to success. Because they were able to endure, others were able to benefit and be blessed by their commitment to each other and their beliefs. After reading this piece, I'm convinced that the phrase "it's not personal, just business" is far from the truth. Business is a personal issue as it affects a person's life. If this philosophy was adopted by the majority, the family dynamic that shifts negatively due to business would be a thing of the past. read less

This book is full of really great advice and information as well as being an inspirational tale. I have been... read moreThis book is full of really great advice and information as well as being an inspirational tale. I have been buying copies for my staff and management team, as well as clients. It's the account of a couple that was able to create a thriving business, while also reaching out to their community, particularly people who had been having a difficult time in life. I have done graduate work in economics at Brandeis and Columbia yet at the same time realize that there are a lot of important lessons that can be learned from everyday entrepreneurs. I highly recommend this book no matter what industry sector you work in, or what your role is. read less

I found this book so helpful. It teaches good morals especially in the field of business. It has enlightened my... read moreI found this book so helpful. It teaches good morals especially in the field of business. It has enlightened my thoughts on how to treat everyone in business despite their origin. Such a superb business plan. read less

Successful business owners don't achieve their dreams by magic. Hard work, difficult decisions, chance encounters, and deeply held beliefs each... read moreSuccessful business owners don't achieve their dreams by magic. Hard work, difficult decisions, chance encounters, and deeply held beliefs each play a role. Author Paul Wesslund's carefully researched and engagingly told story of the up, down, sideways, and up again journey of two restaurateurs, and the refugees and recovering addicts they hire and mentor is a compelling read. Wesslund structures the narrative carefully to show readers not just what happens, but how and why. With direct quotes included at appropriate points, readers enter not just the lives of struggling human beings but also come to understand their thinking processes, with insights into why they are willing to do what they do to achieve their hopes and dreams. I highly recommend. read less

“Small Business Big Heart” tells the true story of a restaurant-owning couple, Sal and Cindy Rubino. Their Louisville, Kentucky... read more“Small Business Big Heart” tells the true story of a restaurant-owning couple, Sal and Cindy Rubino. Their Louisville, Kentucky restaurant is a small family business and throughout the course of the book you get to know them, their story, and their values. Sal and Cindy gave many people a chance to work in their restaurant and a chance to build a life for themselves. The stories of the people who were given a chance to be an employee were heartfelt and engaging. At some point it actually brought a tear to my eye. I liked this book because it made me feel like good things can happen. It also made me realize that if other people can overcome worse obstacles than I have, then I can too. Sal and Cindy don’t claim to know all the answers, but they lay out a path as to how to get some of the best outcomes possible as a small business owner. Right now it is especially important to support small businesses, and this book is a poignant, inspirational, and educational example of why. Oh- and there’s recipes! read less

Small Business: Big Heart is about the journey of two inspired people and how they started their own business to... read moreSmall Business: Big Heart is about the journey of two inspired people and how they started their own business to help and encourage those struggling in their lives to find a way to get themselves back on track. Sal and Cindy's restaurant, known as The Cafe, brings people together and is very popular among those dealing with drug abuse and racial status. When I read this book, I was very amazed. It was nice to see how this business could bring people together and help others out. The stories of the customers and the employees reached my heart. There was one woman who worked at the restaurant who had dealt with drugs, and she said how her job helped her get back on track in her life. Another thing I liked about this story was in every chapter, there would be a recipe for one of the meals cooked at the restaurant. I think I might follow them and make those meals for dinner some time. Overall, the memoir was wonderfully written, and I do recommend this to others who haven't read it yet. This book inspires me to continue to help those in need, and I hope that it encourages others to do the same. read less

I highly recommend Small Business! While the topic of small businesses isn’t something I’m generally interested in, Small Business reads... read moreI highly recommend Small Business! While the topic of small businesses isn’t something I’m generally interested in, Small Business reads like a heartfelt biography of the struggles Sal and Cindy went through to open their restaurant and build it into the success and community hub that it is. I found it personally touching to read through Sal and Cindy’s struggles to maintain their marriage amidst the extreme stress and chaos of working in the restaurant industry. And it was also interesting to learn about their family histories. Small Business is also surprisingly inspirational. Rather than focusing exclusively on the bottom line, Sal and Cindy, in the course of running their business, made it a point to hire those often shunned by society: drug addicts, refugees, former convicts, and so on. In reading about Sal and Cindy’s good actions, my faith in humanity has been renewed a little.At times, the book also reads like a collection of Humans of New York stories as readers are treated to vignettes detailing moments in their employees’ lives. For example, Small Business details how Melinda became a drug addict, the trauma of losing so many important male figures growing up, the struggle of raising kids as an addict, and her eventual exit from her rehab. Small Business is full of little stories like these of Sal and Cindy’s employees. It’s these little stories that add more color to Small Business, as a whole.Again, I highly recommend this book! read less

This book is amazing. I was starting to lose hope and then when I read this book it made me... read moreThis book is amazing. I was starting to lose hope and then when I read this book it made me realize that I wasn't the only one going through this and that there are others, like me, and this book helped me to realize that things will get better. read less

“Small Business, Big Heart” by Paul Wesslund tells the story of the couple Sal and Cindy Rubino starting their own... read more“Small Business, Big Heart” by Paul Wesslund tells the story of the couple Sal and Cindy Rubino starting their own small business called “The Café” in Louisville, Kentucky. This book is about working through life's challenges with, "compassion, high standards, and living the same ethics in church, at home, and at work" says the author Paul Wesslund. The complexities of the restaurant business and employing refugees and people in addiction is a tribute to perseverance. I want to congratulate Paul, on writing this wonderful story and Sal and Cindy for sharing their journey. I happen to go to church with all these folks and have eaten many meals at The Cafe, but if you don't know them and have never been to Louisville, you will delight in this inspiring story. read less

Small business big hearts by Paul Wesslund is a very creative and inspirational book. The author brings out all... read moreSmall business big hearts by Paul Wesslund is a very creative and inspirational book. The author brings out all the possible measures to run and maintain a starter business despite all the struggles faced by all the entrepreneurs. The book tells the story of a couple who started a small restaurant business. Sal and Cindy are married a couple who decided to start a business, a small restaurant to be specific but did not go as planned. All businesses have challenges what matters most is how willing you are to keep pushing and see it through. In their case, they did not give up, they prioritized their business over everything else which later causes family problems but they do not let the family feud drag the down. Everyone has a lot of faith in the business including the employees and that really matters because sometimes you need people to believe in what you do to succeed.This was a very positive book in every perspective with great tips and points to help any small business owners become successful and how to handle problems in their businesses. I found this book very important and helpful with great information. I highly recommend this book to anyone out there. read less

A positive message of hope and perseverance. This is the true story of Sal and Cindy, a married couple who... read moreA positive message of hope and perseverance. This is the true story of Sal and Cindy, a married couple who realize their dream of opening a restaurant. Through struggling through business and personal challenges, they find that with hard work and consideration for others, business success and community betterment can go hand in hand. Their café becomes a hub for people looking for positive change and stability in their lives. In the book you’ll hear stories of the many people whose lives have been touched by the café, including people who came to the United States as refugees and were able to use their time at the café to learn English and find a place for themselves in their new country, as well as people recovering from drug addiction who needed a job to get themselves back on their feet, and a caring community to be a part of. Overall, the book presents a hopeful outlook that a place of business can be a focal point for people to come together and improve themselves and their community. read less

A review of Small Business Big Heart (How one family redefined the bottom line.By Paul WesslundWhen I decided to read... read moreA review of Small Business Big Heart (How one family redefined the bottom line.By Paul WesslundWhen I decided to read this book, I thought it would be all about running a small business and, would show me how to get results provided I put in the effort. However, it was nothing like that, but I still carried on reading because the opening chapter was intriguing and written in mysterious way that made me want to read further.Paul Wesslund has written about the owners Sal and Cindy who run a simple restaurant in the state of Louisville Kentucky based on community involvement. It is a well thought out book that tells the reader what real life is about, and also how success can come from keeping everything nice and simple. Business book are seldom anecdotal, and rarely focus on the emotional side of the individuals involved in running it. In this book although not highly anecdotal, Wesslund tells a story of The Cafe and its influences on the life Sal and Cindy and those they employ.The story is quite inspiring because it deals the problems of one lady called Melinda Quire who managed to get a waitressing job in The Café in 2015. Wesslund writes about the life of Melinda, and the insurmountable problems she has with drugs, an unwanted pregnancy and several bad relationships. It is well worth reading all of that because he is hard hitting, clear and tells it as it is.Much of the book also revolves around Sal and Cindy’s first failure at opening a restaurant, which did not go as planned. It discusses how their present venture has had far more success, because they had to almost rethink everything and open a smaller more basic restaurant that is within everyone’s means and provides high quality meals. They decide to focus on quantity rather than quality and manage to make a go of it and get positive reviews from the press and other sources.So, success was really achieved by them through sheer ingenuity and hard work, with Cindy taking an aggressive role in menu planning and learning what to cook so that it sells and Sal looks after business side of things and making customers feel satisfied. The End read less

“Small Business, Big Heart” by Paul Wesslund tells the story of the couple Sal and Cindy Rubino starting their own... read more“Small Business, Big Heart” by Paul Wesslund tells the story of the couple Sal and Cindy Rubino starting their own small business called “The Café” in Louisville, Kentucky. After completing culinary school when they were younger, they struggled to open their own restaurant and that nearly drove them into financial ruin and caused family tension. The restaurant business is a tough world but they decided to reassess their priorities and reinvent themselves. Rather than focusing on wealth, they put their family first and worked to open a small business. They hired people with varied histories, many coming from difficult life circumstances like addiction issues or criminal backgrounds. But their staff was hard-working and loyal and together they all built a blossoming business. There are personal anecdotes from both the family who runs the business and the employees they hired there. There’s also several recipes included as well, which I enjoyed seeing. I love supporting small businesses so it was interesting to read both the business and personal aspects of one. read less

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for inspiration and insights on how... read moreI enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for inspiration and insights on how to stay consistent and keep pushing on despite all the challenges which life throws at you. This book beautifully explores the journey of a persevering couple and how they overcome their difficulties with the help of spirituality and create a egalitarian work atmosphere at their workplace, even though this book has so many lessons for people venturing into the service industry, the part I relished most was how Sal and Cindy created a progressive work environment by giving opportunities to refugees and recovering addicts, how they saw the human beings behind their employees and most importantly how they practically applied their spiritual learnings in their lives. I am giving this read a full five stars as it has helped me see my current circumstances from a different angle which makes me feel more encouraged. read less

Small businesses make the world a better place. I have always had positive experiences with them. Each owner, each employee... read moreSmall businesses make the world a better place. I have always had positive experiences with them. Each owner, each employee takes their time to make sure everyone is satisfied (and more) with whatever service provided. And if there ever is a problem, they are quick to fix it and ensure it never happens again. This book dives into what it is like for a family to run a small business, the challenges they face wondering if it is really worth it. I enjoyed reading about Sal and Cindy Rubino's journey as they discuss chasing their dream. I think their story is honest, and holds nothing back, in a good way. People tend to idealize everything from a distance but it's rarely as perfect as we'd hoped it would be and that is okay. That does not mean that anyone should give up. Sal and Cindy did not and they do not regret ever throwing in the towel. I would recommend this book to anyone starting a new chapter in their life, let this be a reminder to keep going. read less

The Cafe. A business plan .A small business and a twist on the traditional business plan. A beautiful message of... read moreThe Cafe. A business plan .A small business and a twist on the traditional business plan. A beautiful message of hope in a couples approach to business, life, faith and hope. The titles of the sixteen chapters provide a guide to the journey of The Cafe. The author did an excellent job providing a background of the owners of The Cafe and led them to create a business and training plan for employees who likely may not need the criteria of the job qualifications. A second chance. I am profoundly left with hope and inspiration in today's profit and red tape small business makes a safe space for community members for individuals who normally would be turned away’; “took me back with open arms” The book provided a humble approach and the concept of the ‘whole person’ rather than just an employee. The opening of each chapter starts with either a recipe from the cafe or a quote guiding the reader to the subject being emphasized. Thank you to Sal and Cindy for providing light of hope and dignity. I am inspired. A sweet and enduring message that is relevant for the time we are living.An inspirational message of hope and community. Second chances. Kudos to the author's diligent work in completing over eighty interviews to provide readers the opportunity to see past the profit and status that has become a marker of success by today's standards. . The book truly leaves a Big Heart impression. read less

"Small Business Big Heart: How One Family Redefined the Bottom Line" by Paul Wesslund is a must-read for any small... read more"Small Business Big Heart: How One Family Redefined the Bottom Line" by Paul Wesslund is a must-read for any small business owner, especially those in the restaurant industry. Sal and Cindy Rubino have always dreamed of owning and operating a successful cafe.However, what it takes to be successful is mental and physical strength to overcome obstacles, and the resiliency to bounce back after setbacks and failures. Pursuing this dream tested their marriage, brought about financial insecurity, and created an uneven relationship between work and life.Learning by making mistakes. These two entrepreneurs reprioritized family over wealth and success followed soon after. They hired refugees and people recovering from addiction as staff. Giving a fresh start to many. Throughout the building of their business, they displayed kindness, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to their faith.A truly inspirational book, and a great read for any restaurant owner during COVID-19. read less

This book was very positive from the start to the end. The plot was amazing and the characters were great.... read moreThis book was very positive from the start to the end. The plot was amazing and the characters were great. This book explains about a married couple Sal and Cindy who started a small restaurant business. The introduction was amazing the family, employees and the members. The reader feels engaged. Though being married Sal and Cindy kept their personal lives aside and worked very hard to keep their business running. They are kind hearted people who give opportunities to people with strange personalities who other people would not hire in their businesses for example those addicts, criminals and jail convicts. Through trust, hardwork, motivation, faith their restaurant one of the best with great recipes. They are very positive and they dont underate anyone, they offer everyone opportunity to create a healthy living for themselves. Sal and Cindy's love for each other helped them conquer all their challenges and from nothing to something they became very successful. Am planning on starting my own restaurant soon and this was a great inspiring read for me. Very interesting with great guidelines and was very educative. I recommend this read to anyone who wants to start or owns a small business. Because great things start from small things. read less

In their restaurant, Cindy and Sal Rubino don’t just prepare and serve good food in a delightful place, they attend... read moreIn their restaurant, Cindy and Sal Rubino don’t just prepare and serve good food in a delightful place, they attend to the relationships of everyone associated with it. The place is The Café in the eclectic city of Louisville, Kentucky. The relationships are among their own family, plus staff members, patrons, local businesses, non-profit agencies and churches. Beginning in 1996, Cindy and Sal turned a breakfast-and-lunch place into a community that became known as much for its compassion as for its food, family and Christian faith. In this heartfelt story told in engaging longform journalism, Paul Wesslund introduces us to the characters of The Café, then as the story progresses we understand the “big heart” that is the restaurant’s business engine. Cindy and Sal deliberately extend a hand and a heart to immigrants, refugees, recovering addicts and the unfortunate among us who, with a healthy dose of kindness and encouragement, can eventually help themselves and others. One employee at The Café who made his way from jail to a halfway house to his own place says, “This is as happy as I’ve ever been.” The story shows how this way of doing business can be both superior and profitable. As a Louisville CEO observes, “There’s a business case for taking care of the whole person and not just their professional side.” Paul Wesslund tells how the heart of The Café led to prosperity in this part of Kentucky. read less

This book was an incredible page turner! Business Owners Sal and Cindy Rubino's restaurant business and Sal's Real Estate business... read moreThis book was an incredible page turner! Business Owners Sal and Cindy Rubino's restaurant business and Sal's Real Estate business have plenty of ups and downs due to personal (their marriage) and financial (keeping their businesses afloat). They are a strong couple who persevere under pressure yet wholeheartedly give others struggling with addictions or foreign life circumstances, etc. seriously needed second chances with life balances.Both Sal and Cindy learn about each other and their restaurant crew through patience, faith, and love. This strengthens their marriage and their business over time. There is such a lack of patience, faith, and love in this day and age. We can also learn how to find these within ourselves with empathy in life's journey. They believe that by such a discovery that they were given a second chance in life. So they believe that they can help others that badly needed second chance at stability with employment and belonging like family at The Cafe' too.They are very determined Entrepreneurs, their combination of hard work and due diligence of taking massive action in life and business. This shows how anyone with such a mindset can overcome all sorts of obstacles and gain so much more than expected in return beyond even major financial success. Sal and Cindy not only help themselves over the decades but also others who would have never been given a second chance at life. They have learned what it means to be successful Entrepreneurs and compassionate human beings by going above and beyond other Business Owners' ways of doing business. read less

Small Business Big Heart is a terrific read! Very well written and engaging, it tells the story of a family... read moreSmall Business Big Heart is a terrific read! Very well written and engaging, it tells the story of a family in the restaurant business, how they got there, their trials and successes, their heartaches, and happily, their recipes! The tale relates the way their dream restaurant came into being and how they came to hire people others wouldn't even consider: those with criminal records, those with addiction histories and other challenges. But they knew who was driven and who had the motivation and perseverance to succeed. Together with these employees, they made their dream restaurant into reality and into a success, which garnered awards and national recognition as well as features on food television. The reader cares about these people and their stories are compelling, inspiring and educational. One learns about the inner world of the restaurant business, not just the surface one sees when dining out. Hard work, high overheads, challenges of all kinds occur. This book tells how these owners learned the food business top to bottom, the years of work and effort, the way the lessons learned the hard way eventually led them to great successs, I highly recommend this fascinating book to anyone who likes food! Get it and read it - you'll be glad you did! read less

Small Business Big Heart: How One Family Redefined the Bottom Line, recounts the story of the wholesome humanitarian-like couple of... read moreSmall Business Big Heart: How One Family Redefined the Bottom Line, recounts the story of the wholesome humanitarian-like couple of Sam and Cindy Rubino acting on their ambitions and starting their cafe business that grew slowly, but surely in Kentucky. This book intertwines stories of not only this couple's beginnings of romance, family, the rebuilding of their marriage and balancing a business at the same time, but also their employment pool of taking chances with those looking for a second chance. Hiring those who faced obstacles and adversity whether it was addiction, abandonment, or refugee issues, this couple built a safe place for them and looked beyond the surface level. Furthermore, the book delves deeper on how big dreams such as these can impact and influence on so many layers. What I liked about this book was some chapters start with a nice recipe or a quote which I thought was really unique which kept me reading. This book does an excellent job of illustrating the power of faith, trust, dignity, respect, and fairness; not only in the workplace environment but in your own foundations and communities for life and a business. My faith in humanity was restored after reading this! read less

This book is a gift, a welcome encouragement to pursue principle-based business. For me, it's a tearjerker disguised as a... read moreThis book is a gift, a welcome encouragement to pursue principle-based business. For me, it's a tearjerker disguised as a business book and all the more notable for it. It's a lesson in excellence, love and redemption. The owners wholeheartedly support others as they grow their business with integrity. If you would like to renew your faith in what's possible for humanity, as well as, business, this book is a fine example. read less

Sal and Cindy share their compelling story about how they started from the bottom and eventually made it to the... read moreSal and Cindy share their compelling story about how they started from the bottom and eventually made it to the top. This book includes their early business blunders and personal struggles. Most business owners aren’t as transparent about their short comings and the intricate details of succeeding in entrepreneurship. However, Sal and Cindy lay it all out there for aspiring entrepreneurs to be able to relate and never give up. What’s inspiring about their story is that Sal and Cindy employed people who were having a rough time with addictions and criminal histories and let them have a fresh start. While helping others, they helped themselves create a positively infectious environment which kept their customers coming back. If you are on the verge of giving up your business dreams or need some positive reinforcement, Small Business Big Heart will light a fire under your butt to keep going. Get this book for anyone who needs a little push when it comes to entrepreneurship. read less

This little book is something special, a quick read that takes you on a journey of what principle, and standard... read moreThis little book is something special, a quick read that takes you on a journey of what principle, and standard can do for you in your personal and professional life. How day by day. A little becomes alot.Impact in our families in our businesses and communities start with standards, with principle and with that lives change and around you the world starts to be a little brighter and more unified. We chose.This is a lovely read.Highly reccomended in these covid times for motivation and that extra push before doing something great. read less

Small Business Big Heart is a great read. The first couple of pages make you think you're reading one book,... read moreSmall Business Big Heart is a great read. The first couple of pages make you think you're reading one book, but the story evolves to so much more. This book was greatly inspiring, and resonated with me on a different level. Good feels after reading, worth the time. read less

Wonderful book. It was such a pleasure reading about the everyday practice of niceness and love. True love is when... read moreWonderful book. It was such a pleasure reading about the everyday practice of niceness and love. True love is when a couple overcomes their obstacles and difficulties. Most people simply trade their partner in for a new one, like a car. The heart that holds on finds it. Most relationships have deal breakers. If you do this, I leave. Somehow that practice got into mainstream life and relationships. It's not true love. Love is unconditional. The mentality must be no matter what happens we do it together. Marriage vows, “Love, honor and obey (God) until death do us part.” It's a commitment, a promise, a way of life. Sal and Cindy had a time when divorce seemed like the answer. But they stuck it out. How wonderful that makes me feel. The answser to any problem is not sin. The answer is love and love is not sin. If a person feels like that is the only solution they are not in touch with God. Remember, the intelligence that created us out of love, knows far more than we do. If we trust in His guidance, all are served in love. I was so glad to read the story of Sal and Cindy's journey. Such a pleasure read about their kindness, devotion, compassion and their triumphs. There should be more books like this. read less

This is an inspiring story about a man, a woman, and a dream. That dream was to be in the... read moreThis is an inspiring story about a man, a woman, and a dream. That dream was to be in the restaurant business. Their first attempt almost drove them to bankruptcy due to inexperience in the business industry and fierce competition, and almost tore their family apart due to the shear colossal amount of time it takes to run a restaurant, and the party culture. After that experience, the couple then changed their approach by reevaluating their values to prioritize family over money. In addition to that, they hired refugees and ex drug users to work in their restaurant. With this new approach to business, they learned that if you do what you love while holding the right values, you will be successful. And because of all of that, I fully recommend this book, especially to anyone looking to start a business or to anyone who's had trouble with starting one in the past. read less

Paul Wesslund tells the story of Cindy and Sal Rubino through stories, examples and snippets of their lives as owners... read morePaul Wesslund tells the story of Cindy and Sal Rubino through stories, examples and snippets of their lives as owners of a popular Louisville restaurant. I can’t remember too many times having read a book where in mid paragraph of a chapter, I stopped and quickly texted several friends to tell them they must read this book. I hope they read it, and many others do too.MG read less

Written by Jack EdwardsThe first reason I gave this book a 5-star rating is that it is truly an inspirational... read moreWritten by Jack EdwardsThe first reason I gave this book a 5-star rating is that it is truly an inspirational story, encapsulating the moral that, no matter what lies in your past or the background you come from, if given the right opportunity, anyone can prosper. I found it especially poignant that it told not only the story of an elderly couple with big hearts, but also the strength and courage of people who have come from some of the darkest places in human existence.As someone who has had some (albeit small, by comparison) issues in my past, I can truly appreciate the helpfulness and significance of the book. Though I’ve never been to Indiana, it makes me hopeful that I can find just the sort of folks that I can be myself around. I am not sure how much detail I can go into that wouldn’t end up mentioning spoilers for someone, but I will say, certainly, that you will not regret giving this book a thorough read, and hopefully, multiple more. I highly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of your background and past experiences. read less

For the most part, I enjoyed Small Business, Big Heart. I appreciate the way Sal and Cindy run the Cafe,... read moreFor the most part, I enjoyed Small Business, Big Heart. I appreciate the way Sal and Cindy run the Cafe, letting it be run by refugees and drug addicts in recovery. Not many businesses welcome refugees in open arms so I was pleasantly surprised. The story about a drug addicted individual in the beginning of the book touched my heart. It was also interesting to learn about Sal’s past and how he’s always been motivated by work-life balance and respectful management. He’s a dream entrepreneur. I felt connected to the part where Sal and Cindy struggled to establish their restaurant. It reminds me how often I have these big dreams but the world crushes my hope. Their success is helping me a bit to keep faith. Additionally, I thought the part about Sal being a pothead in his youth was funny. It gave him more depth. Lastly, the book was pretty full of fluff, I’d like it more if it was condensed. read less

It makes us question our sense of superiority. It also makes us realize that going thru the zig -zags... read moreIt makes us question our sense of superiority. It also makes us realize that going thru the zig -zags of life, even one kind gesture or one helping hand make a difference. read less