About Us
In 1998, a mother-daughter duo set out to live the American dream. Carla, the oldest of three daughters born to Jose and Blanca Castellanos, knew she wanted to own her own restaurant and was determined to make her dream a reality. But she needed a business partner and what better teammate than her mother.
When Blanca Castellanos arrived in the United States 34 years ago from the small Central American country of Guatemala, she had no idea that she would one day be a business owner. Blanca greets each customer that walks through the doors of bbi with a warm welcome and a smile. Because of the family atmosphere that is apparent to patrons in their first visit to bbi and Blanca's friendly demeanor, customers know her as simply "Mom."
When bbi café and sandwich bar (formerly known as bbi sandwich bar) opened its doors on June 5, 2000, Carla and Mom had only their hope and faith to stand on as they waited for their first customer to come in the door. Shortly after the lights had gone on and bbi had completed preparations for the day, their first customer appeared. Knowing it was their grand opening, a neighboring business owner walked in with a smile and encouraging words, excited to provide them with their first dollar. That one exchange was confirmation that the dream was now a reality.
It wasn't long before the small, quaint deli soon drew a "buzz" around the neighborhood for its friendly service and delicious homemade foods. Carla takes responsibility of the menu, cooking and developing the recipes for almost everything customers order. The ingredients are fresh and bring a unique gourmet flavor to the northwest side of Indianapolis. A few of the most popular items on the menu, the bbi unforgettable chicken salad and the giant homemade cookies in traditional flavors, draw a diverse clientele ranging from teachers, postal workers and business professionals to local sports figures.
In addition to their dine-in service, bbi offers corporate catering services, delivering meals to local businesses for corporate meetings, doctor's offices and employee appreciation days.
In 2006, bbi café and sandwich bar will relocate around the corner from its current location to a larger space with a fresh new look.
"As bbi café and sandwich bar continues to grow, we look forward to providing our loyal customers with the same quality service and casual dining experience they have come to know and expect in a new, more spacious location."
--Blanca and Carla Castellanos, bbi café and sandwich bar Owners