Cafe Strives For 'Wow Factor' With Its Menu

The building that houses Wilderness Market and Café was never designed to be a coffee shop.

Yet it sure as heck works as one, said business owner Dennis Slater. The lodge-like structure with the faux fireplace used to be a welcome center for the community subdivision behind it.

“The facility was vacant for a year or so,” Slater said. “I looked at it and said this was a fabulous building. I made arrangements to buy it.”

So 20646 Wildness Lake Blvd. was birthed as a cafe in its second life last fall. Slater sees the establishment as an oasis for those seeking quality coffee, specialty sandwiches, smoothies and whole food juices, gelato and a WiFi connection.

“I tried to think of things I personally like and enjoy,” he said. “I like to go to Whole Foods and enjoy the products they have. I like the atmosphere of Panera Bread and Starbucks.

"Everything we talk about putting on the menu, we first say, 'Is it different?' I say that it has to have that wow factor," Slater said.

Slater, who runs a private consulting company that handles investments for high net-worth individuals, leaves day-to-day café operations to General Manager Tiffany Tsoutsos and husband, Chris.

Tiffany, who has a master’s degree in business and years of experience in the food industry, said Wilderness Market and Café fosters a sense of community. Products from local vendors are for sale on the café’s shelves and periodic events are held at the site.

What makes the café stand out from the competition? 

“The variety,” Tiffany said.

More Info:

Wilderness Market and Cafe
20646 Wildness Lake Blvd.
Land O' Lakes
813-388-6872
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