Today we’d like to introduce you to Marija Ujkic Brown.
Hi Marija, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2020, the world was shutting down. but I was opening the doors to my very first restaurant. For me, it was more than just a business opening—it was the start of a new chapter. Not only was I opening the doors to my future as a entrepreneur , I was also beginning my life as a proud U.S. citizen.
Why open a restaurant in the midst of a pandemic? I had been working in restaurants for many years, and knew what was missing from many moderately priced places was the focus on fresh, simple ingredients that could taste great and be healthy. I knew that my place could give all of these things. I also knew that what keeps people coming back to most restaurants is the food and the service. Since great customer service was not going to be possible with COVID protocols, my food had to speak for itself and leave a lasting impression. It definitely did that.
Once restrictions lifted, I could invite those who had been ordering takeout to come in and experience my place in an entirely new way. We got to deliver a complete experience, layering great service on top of the strong foundation my menu had already built. That foundation has been the thing that has kept us going.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Personal and profession struggles will always exist, but with a great base to build from, it has allowed us to see our way through and keep delivering on our promise to our customers of a good time centered around fresh, quality food.
As a first-generation immigrant and a single mom, life has never been simple. There were days when I wondered how I could possibly manage running a restaurant and raising my child on my own, relying on the strength I could find inside myself. Through the ups and downs, I pushed forward, because cooking isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. I love making food with all my heart, and I love seeing people happy.
Running a restaurant is not just a job, it is a passion. That passion kept me going through staffing issues, erratic schedules due to personal emergencies, and everything else that life could throw at me. Through it all, I have never thought about throwing in the towel.
Five years later, I’m still here. My restaurant has become more than a place to eat—it’s a story of resilience, love, and hope. It’s proof that even in the hardest times, you can build something beautiful if you never give up.
As you know, we’re big fans of Mia’s Tasty Bar & Grill. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a moderately sized bar & grill in Madison Heights, Mi. We have a core menu built on real, fresh ingredients and feature new specials every day.
We are known for our food and quality, hand crafted cocktails.
What sets us apart is the open air kitchen, friendly staff who knows our customers by name, and a schedule that provides our staff a work-life balance to be energized so they can deliver an amazing experience every time.
The biggest thing readers should know is that no matter the time of day, they can always expect a fresh, quality meal or beverage without breaking the bank.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We are a tight knit group of 7 staff.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MeetAtMias.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miastastygrill/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miastastygrill/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mia-s-tasty-grill-madison-heights
