Today we’d like to introduce you to Dollymae Carnegie
Hi Dollymae, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Welcome to Island Touch cafe, where passion meets flavor in every cup and bite. Founded by husband and wife duo, Creigton and Dollymae Carnegie, our journey began with a shared love for coffee and a dream of creating something truly special. Drawing from our Jamaican and Liberian culture, we embarked on a flavorful adventure, blending the bold and vibrant tastes of the Caribbean and Africa with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Driven by a desire to offer coffee lovers a unique experience, we took a leap of faith and opened Island Touch where every sip tells a story and every bite ignites the senses. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be enveloped in the warm embrace of our cultural heritage, infused into every aspect of our cafe.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the coffee beans; it’s woven into the fabric of our menu. From our signature blend to our tantalizing Caribbean-inspired dishes, each creation is a labor of love, crafted with care and attention to detail.
At Island Touch, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey unlike any other. Whether you’re savoring the bold flavors of our Jamaican jerk chicken sandwich, indulging in the rich flavors of our signature coffees or invigorating smoothies and refreshers, every bite and sip is an invitation to explore the depths of our heritage.
Join us at Island Touch and experience the fusion of flavors that define who we are—a celebration of love, culture, and the joy of sharing good food and great coffee with our community. We can’t wait to welcome you to our table and share our passion for flavor-filled adventures.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting Island Touch Cafe was a dream, but it definitely came with its share of challenges. One of the biggest obstacles was finding the right location that would not only reflect the vibe we wanted but also attract our target customers. The goal was a drive-thru for our first location, but given the real estate at the time, this itself had its challenges. After a lot of searching, we finally found our home in Ocoee, Florida, and even though it was not a drive-thru, we loved the area and felt it was the good location to bring our vision to life.
Another challenge was developing a unique menu that would set us apart while staying true to our Caribbean-Afro inspired roots. We spent countless hours testing recipes, sourcing fresh ingredients, and creating flavors that were authentic yet appealing to a broader audience. For example, our jerked chicken and specialty coffees are the result of many iterations and taste tests to capture that authentic island feel.
Building a team that shared our passion and vision was also crucial but challenging. We wanted employees who understood the importance of quality, customer service, and the culture we aimed to create. Training and nurturing this team to deliver the experience we envisioned took time and patience.
Of course, like any new business, we had to navigate financial hurdles, marketing our brand in a competitive landscape, and learning the ins and outs of the food industry as we went. But overcoming these challenges has made Island Touch Cafe what it is today—a place where people can feel the island spirit, enjoy unique flavors, and connect with a sense of community. Every obstacle made us stronger, and seeing our customers enjoy what we’ve created makes it all worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know?
Island Touch Cafe is a cozy, Caribbean-inspired cafe located in the heart of Ocoee, Florida. We opened our doors in October 2023 to share a taste of the islands with the local community, blending traditional flavors with a welcoming atmosphere. Our mission is to provide a place where customers can experience a mini island escape in their everyday lives, whether through our unique menu, the relaxing ambiance, or the genuine hospitality we offer.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
At Island Touch Cafe, we specialize in creating flavorful, Caribbean-inspired dishes and beverages that are both authentic and approachable. Our menu includes a variety of island favorites, like our jerked chicken and the Beachside Medley, as well as refreshing drink options like the Island Mimosa and Tropical Island smoothie. We’re known for our attention to detail, our high-quality ingredients, and the unique fusion of flavors that you won’t find anywhere else.
What sets you apart from others?
What sets Island Touch Cafe apart is our commitment to offering a genuine island experience right here in Ocoee. We don’t just serve food and drinks—we share a piece of the Caribbean culture, from the ingredients we use to the music we play. Our team is passionate about creating an atmosphere that’s warm, inviting, and vibrant, giving each guest a sense of belonging. Plus, our menu is thoughtfully crafted to bring the essence of the islands to life with flavors and combinations that reflect both tradition and innovation.
What are you most proud brand-wise?
Brand-wise, We are most proud of the community we’re building around Island Touch Cafe. Seeing our guests return, connect, and celebrate their special moments with us is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the hard work and heart we put into every detail of our cafe. We’ve built a space where people feel comfortable, inspired, and a bit like they’re on a mini vacation from the everyday. We’re also proud to have a diverse menu that reflects our Caribbean heritage while welcoming everyone to explore new flavors.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
We want readers to know that Island Touch Cafe is more than just a cafe—it’s an experience. We invite everyone to come by and try our menu, which is constantly evolving to introduce new and exciting flavors. Our goal is to make each visit special, whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee, having lunch with friends, or just taking a break from the hustle and bustle. Come join us at Island Touch Cafe and experience the warmth, flavor, and hospitality of the islands right here in your neighborhood!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
For apps, Canva is an essential tool for us at Island Touch Cafe. It allows us to design visually appealing social media posts, menus, and promotional materials that reflect our brand’s vibrant, Caribbean-inspired aesthetic. With Canva, we can quickly create and share content that engages our customers and showcases what makes Island Touch special. It’s a fantastic tool that keeps us creative and consistent in our branding.
When it comes to bringing awareness and building a following, Facebook and Instagram are invaluable platforms. They allow us to connect with our community, share updates, and give customers a glimpse into the Island Touch Cafe experience. Through Facebook and Instagram, we can reach a broad audience with detailed posts and updates, and share the visual beauty of our dishes and cafe atmosphere. We use these platforms to announce new menu items and interact with our followers, creating a sense of community and excitement around the brand.
On a more personal level, the Bible is a daily source of strength and guidance for us. Running a business can be challenging, and we turn to the Bible for wisdom, encouragement, and perspective. Passages about perseverance, faith, and serving others remind us of the bigger purpose behind our cafe. The Bible grounds us, helps us stay centered, and encourages us to lead Island Touch Cafe with integrity and compassion. These principles shape our approach to customer service and the welcoming environment we strive to create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.islandtouchcafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/island_touch_cafe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551633165587
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BG9q5Z9txJTjxzyf9
