Fairfield Native Brings Fresh Ideas to Colombia
For Fairfielder, Melissa Ford, a successful career in graphic design and marketing did not satisfy her wanderlust. Melissa made a pivotal decision—she quit her job and explored, starting with Europe and South Africa. A three-month trip with her brother to South America proved to be life-altering.
Lulo Cafe Bar. Santa Marta, Colombia. Photo Cred: Melissa Ford
The siblings traveled to Argentina, Colombia, and then Brazil, while Melissa pursued freelance work to support herself. When Melissa’s brother returned to the United States, she remained in South America, visiting Peru and then returning to Columbia. This solo travel helped Melissa improve her Spanish and build her independence. On a whim, she chose to explore the seaside town of Santa Marta, Colombia. With limited hotel options, Melissa chose a “cool” hostel run by two American brothers. While immersing herself in the local culture, Melissa met David, a Colombian working at the restaurant of the hostel owners. The two clicked immediately, causing Melissa to extend her time in Santa Marta and stay with David.
Melissa eventually headed back to the U.S but her heart remained in Colombia. “I felt as if I’d just gotten started in South America.” It will come as no surprise that Melissa returned to Santa Marta and moved in with David. Their plan was to open a restaurant—a lifelong dream of Melissa’s. The pair saw Santa Marta as brimming with potential. At this point, the town had very limited offerings, with most food and beverages served from street carts. Melissa was surprised that locals didn’t take advantage of all the fresh produce and coffee, and set out to change that.
In 2010, Melissa and David rented and renovated a boarded-up space on a small cobblestone street. David put his background as a chef to work in the kitchen, while Melissa focused on the smoothies. The cafe’s initial menu included coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and innovative arepas, along with internet access. Their first customers were international tourists, as the locals weren’t very adventurous with new food and drink combinations. Lulo remained open all day, never closing for the classic afternoon siesta.
As Lulo’s popularity (and staff) grew, so did the street, seeing the arrival of eight more restaurants and gaining the reputation as a food destination. Santa Marta also developed rapidly, with numerous hotels, hostels, and restaurants opening.
In 2014, David went to Argentina to expand his culinary expertise and learn more about the business of running a restaurant. Both endeavors proved extremely helpful, and Lulo expanded three times into the surrounding space. Although Melissa and David opened another restaurant, Carambola, Melissa’s focus was on raising the couple’s two children.
Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic forced all of their restaurants to close for five months while residents lived in a strict lockdown. For a time, Melissa and David redirected their efforts to food delivery and then slowly reopened Lulo. At first, their only customers were Colombian travelers, but international tourism is gradually returning.
With a new focus on their original brand, Lulo, Melissa and David expanded their menu to include quinoa bowls, ceviche, homemade sodas, artisanal cocktails, and local craft beers. The entrepreneurs have recently opened additional locations of Lulo in Columbia but we hope the next Lulo is in Fairfield!
All Photo Creds: Melissa Ford
