Taste the Heart of the QC: Women-Owned Eateries

In honor of Women’s History Month and in preparation for QC Restaurant Week (April 8-14), we spoke with the women who own and operate some of the QC’s best and newest restaurants and eateries.

Meli’s Pancake House, Moline

Owner Melisa Figueroa and her husband Onis strive to make Meli’s Pancake House an experience with a ‘Mom and Pop’ vibe, a place where families can gather around a great meal.

“We’re parents, so we always want this to be a place where people can feel welcome to bring their kids,” Melisa said.

After both working in restaurants for many years, the pandemic was surprisingly the catalyst the Figueroas needed to fulfill their dream of opening their own restaurant.

Serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week, Meli’s serves classic comfort foods such as breakfast skillets, eggs benedict and of course, pancakes. New additions to the menu like Meli’s Nacho Burger are quick hits with new guests and regulars alike.

Melisa’s advice for women who want to own their own restaurant is simple: “Go for it,” she said. “Our community is so supportive of small businesses – we have customers who have become like family to us. I always say go for it.”

At Meli’s Pancake House, it's not just about the food; it's about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone feels like part of the family. So next time you're in downtown Moline, make sure to stop by Meli’s for a taste of homemade goodness and a dose of genuine hospitality.

Bayside Bistro, Rock Island

LaTisha Howlett’s vision for Bayside Bistro has always been simple: real, good food.

Founded 19 years ago, Bayside Bistro has journeyed through locations, bringing loyal customers with it while attracting new ones. Offering a unique dining experience, Bayside Bistro can cater to diverse dietary preferences, including those with celiac disease and vegan or vegetarian diets. Even meat lovers and those who simply enjoy quality, made-from-scratch cooking will find something they love here, too.

Reflecting on the concept of Bayside Bistro, Howlett describes it as a destination. “It's not a place for a lot of televisions or a full-service bar,” Howlett said. “It's actually almost like a respite. We want it to be a peaceful retreat from the bustling world outside.”

Despite the challenges of running a restaurant, Howlett remains passionate about providing a safe and welcoming space for patrons, especially those with dietary restrictions.

To aspiring women entrepreneurs considering venturing into the restaurant industry, Howlett offers sage advice: “Be flexible and embrace lifelong learning.” she said, adding that running a successful restaurant requires adaptability and a willingness to continuously evolve.

Bayside Bistro is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday-Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sundays.

Grilled Cheese Bar, East Village of Davenport

Grilled Cheese Bar owner Natalia Mulica began her entrepreneurial journey two years before their doors opened in the East Village of Davenport. Alongside her partner, Natalia has put heart and soul into her business.

Originally from Chicago, the St. Ambrose graduate proud Quad Cities “transplant” took great care in planning the concept of the restaurant, which offers decadent grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, desserts and full bar service.

Natalia played a major part in renovations before opening. Even at eight months pregnant, Natalia was on location every day breaking down walls with a sledgehammer and removing carpet. Mulica views the renovations as a true labor of love.

While, like any QC eatery, the Grilled Cheese Bar has quickly attracted regular customers, Mulica said the Quad Cities is unique in the way it supports and promotes small business owners.

“Being a small business owner in the Quad Cities has a whole different meaning,” she said. “It’s really cool to see so many people here chase their dreams. When we were affected by flooding, we had a lot of support and so many other small business owners asking how they can help. It’s a great community to be a part of.”

Reflecting on her journey, Natalia offers advice to aspiring female restaurant owners: “It's hard, but it's really an experience.” Her words encapsulate the spirit of local entrepreneurship and resilience that defines the QC community—a place where dreams become reality and support is always close at hand.

Sugar a la Mode Dessert Bar, Moline

From humble beginnings in her home kitchen, Sugar a la Mode Dessert Bar owner Rebecca Mabis’ passion for baking blossomed into a thriving business. In October 2022, Sugar a la Mode opened its doors in downtown Moline, offering an array of treats, including custom cookies, cheesecakes, gooey cakes, and cinnamon rolls. Rebecca's philosophy is simple: she wants everyone who visits to feel warm and welcomed while treating themselves to something delicious.

Reflecting on her journey as a small business owner in the Quad Cities, Rebecca emphasizes the unique sense of community that defines the region. For her, the Quad Cities is more than just a place of business—it's home. “If you would have told me when I was in my early 20s that this was going to be home, and I was going to be happy to be back here - I would have thought you were nuts,” she recalls. “I think the people are what make it a great place to be. There's no other place on earth like the Quad Cities.”

Rebecca's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is both practical and inspirational. “If you have a passion that you think you can turn into a business - go for it,” she urges. “Don't let anybody tell you that you can't. Don't let anybody tell you that you're crazy.”

Beyond just desserts, Sugar a la Mode offers a range of fun events, from cookie decorating sessions to paint nights and even themed parties.

As Rebecca continues to write the next chapter of her culinary adventure, one thing is certain: Sugar a la Mode Dessert Bar will remain a fixture in the Quad Cities, serving up sweetness and smiles to all who enter its doors.