Alex Litras Café Margaux and Ulysses’ Prime Steakhouse

As a young boy, Alex Litras spent hours in his grandparents’ fabric store in Brooklyn, New York. He’d stand on the stairs and watch his grandfather pull down giant bolts of fabric in a rainbow of colors and eye-catching patterns, measure and cut it precisely for his customers. His father worked for the textile factory and helped his grandfather negotiate fabric deals.

Although he is not in the fabric business today, he still continued to follow in his family’s legacy and fulfill his father’s dreams – to get a college education and open a business.

Keeping It Consistent

Since 1989, Litras has owned Café Margaux, a restaurant with a special blend of French and European dining, along with infusions of Asian and Mediterranean flavors located in downtown Cocoa Village.

He sums up his business philosophy in one word: consistency.

“The greatest compliment we can receive is when a seasonal customer, who comes once a year, states that their experience – the customized service, the quality of the food and the ambiance – is just as good as the first time,” Litras said.

It’s What I Signed Up For

Everyone gauges the success of a business differently, and understandably, most think immediately of profit. But Litras said the most important thing to him is reputation.

His father’s work ethic and his wife’s constant support and unwavering motivation are what keep Litras inspired to continue giving everything he has and working hard.

For those wanting to blaze their own trail in business, Litras said to make sure you’re ready to do anything required of you – especially in the hospitality industry.

“There will be no such thing as, ‘I didn’t sign up for this.’ You signed up for all of it!”