Wake Up Cafe North

Whether you are a new guest or one of our many “regulars,” Welcome to Wake Up Café!  We are so grateful for the encouragement we’ve received since our opening in December 2013.

Owner David, an Argentine native, grew up in the restaurant business helping his dad serve his famous Lomito sandwich and watching his mother delicately form homemade empanadas.  David was happily running his own place in Argentina, when in 2001, the country suffered an economic collapse.  With unemployment topping 45%, he lost everything.  With $50 in his pocket, David headed for Spain and landed work as a cook.

It was there in Sevilla where David met Jenny (who was studying Spanish abroad).  Following college graduation, Jenny stayed on in Spain to teach English.  Meanwhile, back in the USA, shortly after Jenny’s parents relocated to NSB, her dad Roger suffered a serious stroke.

So, Jenny & David decided to “move home” to help her folks.  While Jenny had spent most of her childhood vacations in NSB, David had never been in the USA and spoke very little English

Over time, Jenny & David acclimated to the “small-town” life in NSB, David even became a US citizen in July 2013, and they decided to stay and make NSB home!

Sadly, both Roger and David Sr. passed away shortly before the café opened, but their presence remains embedded in the family recipes you enjoy here at Wake Up, including the famous Lomito, homemade empanadas and family soup recipes.

The Wake Up is a true family affair.  Francisco, David’s son has joined them in NSB and the addition of Olivia & Simon round out the family!  Aunt Susie is our “best employee” and is the familiar face greeting our guests, while Rosemary (Jenny’s mom) “keeps the books.”

Although Jenny can often be seen at the Wake Up, she is a teacher at her core and currently works at New Smyrna Beach High School, where she enjoys forming a part of the NSB community.  We truly believe that NSB is the perfect place for the Wake Up Café.  Here, the family restaurant is a mainstay and a trip to town will most likely mean an encounter with friends.

The Wake Up Café was named both for its “morning” feeling and also to harmonize with our ocean to river surroundings. Our food is made to order from fresh ingredients.  We serve traditional American fare mixed with Argentine & Spanish influences.  We hope that you enjoy your visit both to the Café and to “our” adopted hometown.