ADA Bistro: A Crypto-Themed Café with Cardano Payments

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Mariamawit Yohannes Yegltu

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Individual

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

10

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

 a café where customers can pay with Cardano (ADA), enjoy crypto-themed experiences, and participate in educational events, fostering real-world cryptocurrency adoption and learning.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

We intend to make the educational materials, workshop curricula, and informational pamphlets about Cardano used in ADA Bistro fully open source. These will be available under the MIT License, allowing for broad use and modification. The repository will include all content developed for crypto events, workshops, and community resources. The POS system and crypto payment integrations will remain proprietary to ensure compliance with security and regulatory standards, but we will consider sharing key insights and guidelines to help other businesses adopt similar solutions.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community Outreach

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We aim to address the lack of real-world use cases and accessibility for cryptocurrency, specifically Cardano (ADA), by creating ADA Bistro, a crypto-themed café and restaurant. The problem we're solving is twofold: first, many people find blockchain technology and cryptocurrency intimidating or abstract, with limited opportunities to interact with them in everyday life; second, businesses in the hospitality industry are not leveraging the potential of cryptocurrencies for real-world applications.

Why this approach?

Our approach uniquely integrates the world of blockchain into a popular and familiar environment—a café and restaurant—making cryptocurrency tangible, interactive, and fun. By blending hospitality with blockchain, we aim to offer a gateway for the general public to understand, use, and experience Cardano in an everyday setting. We will use ADA as a payment option, which serves as a practical demonstration of how cryptocurrencies can be seamlessly integrated into daily transactions.

Engagement:

Our project will engage a broad audience:

1. Crypto Enthusiasts: For those already familiar with Cardano, ADA Bistro will be a community hub, offering meetups, hackathons, and advanced educational workshops.
2. The General Public: Curious about crypto but not yet engaged? ADA Bistro will offer a welcoming environment to learn about Cardano and blockchain without the technical barriers, through interactive displays, themed events, and easy-to-understand guides.
3. Developers and Innovators: We will host coding events, hackathons, and networking sessions for developers working on the Cardano blockchain, furthering innovation in the ecosystem.

Impact and Measurement:

We will demonstrate our impact through key metrics:

• Cardano Transactions: We will track the volume of ADA payments made by customers, demonstrating real-world adoption.
• Workshop and Event Participation: Success will be measured by the number of attendees at our workshops, meetups, and events.
• Community Growth: By fostering an environment where crypto enthusiasts can network and newcomers can learn, we’ll track the growth of our local and online community presence.
• Partnerships: Collaborations with blockchain education groups, local businesses, and Cardano-based projects will be a strong indicator of success.

Why ADA Bistro is Unique:

What sets ADA Bistro apart is its combination of culinary experiences with the latest in blockchain technology, creating an immersive environment unlike any other. The restaurant will feature crypto-themed décor, NFT galleries showcasing art on the Cardano blockchain, and live feeds of crypto market data. Patrons will learn about cryptocurrencies through interactive elements such as QR codes, digital menus, and even trivia nights based on blockchain concepts.

Additionally, our solution fosters both education and adoption. By simplifying crypto transactions and demystifying the technology, we aim to increase trust and comfort around using ADA. Our regular events, such as "Crypto 101" workshops, advanced blockchain classes, and guest speaker engagements from the Cardano ecosystem, will empower the community with knowledge and confidence to engage with Cardano long term.

Why this Matters for Cardano:

ADA Bistro is not just another café—it’s a real-world demonstration of how blockchain can be integrated into everyday life. By offering the ability to pay in ADA and educating customers about Cardano, we help solve the adoption challenge that many cryptocurrencies face. This project supports the Cardano ecosystem by showcasing its use in practical applications, encouraging more people to hold and use ADA, and fostering a community that continuously engages with Cardano through events, learning sessions, and collaborations.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The ADA Bistro project will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by serving as a real-world example of cryptocurrency integration into everyday life. This will promote Cardano (ADA) adoption, increase awareness, and provide educational opportunities for both crypto enthusiasts and newcomers. Here’s how we plan to measure and share the impact:

1. Value to the Cardano Community:

• ADA Adoption in Daily Life: ADA Bistro will encourage customers to use ADA for real-world purchases, demonstrating its utility beyond digital wallets. This will drive wider acceptance of ADA as a legitimate payment method, helping it to gain mainstream traction.
• Blockchain Education: Through workshops, events, and interactive displays, ADA Bistro will act as a knowledge hub, making Cardano and blockchain technology more accessible. This contributes to increasing the community's understanding of blockchain, fostering a knowledgeable user base.
• Strengthening Community Bonds: The bistro will serve as a meeting point for developers, enthusiasts, and newcomers, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, and Cardano-based project development.

2. Measuring Impact:

We will measure the impact of ADA Bistro using both quantitative and qualitative methods:

• Number of ADA Transactions: We will track how often ADA is used for payments to quantify real-world adoption.
• Workshop and Event Participation: Attendance at educational workshops, meetups, and events will be measured to assess the project's reach within the community.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: The success of partnerships with blockchain groups, educational institutions, and crypto enthusiasts will indicate broader community engagement.
• Customer Feedback and Reviews: Qualitative data will be gathered from customer reviews, surveys, and feedback to assess how the project is being received and areas for improvement.
• NFT and Merchandise Sales: The sale of crypto-themed products and NFT artwork will help measure engagement with the broader Cardano ecosystem.

3. Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Open-Source Educational Materials: All the materials from workshops and crypto events will be made open-source and accessible to the entire community through an online repository (using platforms like GitHub). This ensures that the knowledge shared in our events is available for future use and learning, contributing to global blockchain education efforts.
• Community Engagement Through Social Media and Forums: We will share updates, insights, and opportunities from ADA Bistro through platforms like Twitter, Telegram, and Cardano community forums. We’ll use these channels to promote events, highlight success stories, and invite others to participate in the learning process.
• Partnerships with Cardano Ecosystem Projects: We will collaborate with other Cardano-based projects and stakeholders to create synergy, cross-promotion, and potential for growth. Hackathons, coding sessions, and blockchain game nights will offer developers opportunities to engage with real-world use cases of Cardano and foster innovation within the ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

1. Existing Capabilities:

• Restaurant Management Experience: Our team has successfully managed multiple restaurants in the past, giving us a strong understanding of the logistics, financial management, and customer service that are required to operate a full-service establishment. This experience ensures that we can provide a high-quality dining experience while also implementing our crypto-themed elements.
• Blockchain Expertise: Our team includes blockchain experts with hands-on experience in developing and integrating cryptocurrency payment systems. We have deep knowledge of the Cardano ecosystem and the technical skills required to ensure that ADA Bistro runs efficiently and securely, particularly when it comes to crypto payment processing and education.
• Event Planning and Community Building: We have organized and hosted multiple community-driven events, including educational workshops, meetups, and hackathons. This gives us the ability to foster a thriving community around ADA Bistro, making it more than just a café but a hub for crypto enthusiasts and learners alike.

2. Steps for Ensuring Feasibility:

• Detailed Planning and Budgeting: We have developed a clear, step-by-step plan for ADA Bistro, including detailed budgeting for all project phases, from concept development and location setup to hiring and training staff. Each step is designed to mitigate risks and ensure the project progresses smoothly.
• Partnerships for Crypto Integration: We will partner with established crypto payment providers and secure technology solutions for POS (Point of Sale) systems that accept ADA. This ensures the smooth and secure handling of transactions, with a proven framework for crypto payments in everyday settings.
• Compliance with Local Regulations: We will ensure that all legal and financial regulations regarding cryptocurrency payments are met, including working with legal advisors to ensure compliance with both local and crypto-specific financial laws.
• Initial Testing and Validation: Before the full launch, we will conduct a “soft launch” of the café with selected customers, including crypto community members. This will allow us to gather feedback and test the entire payment process and service delivery in a controlled environment, ensuring that any issues are resolved before scaling up.

3. Trust and Accountability in Managing Funds:

• Transparent Fund Management: We will adopt transparent accounting practices, providing regular reports on how funds are allocated and spent. These reports will be made available to the community and backers of the project to ensure full accountability.
• Milestone-Based Funding: To further build trust, we will implement milestone-based funding. Each phase of the project will be tied to specific deliverables, and funds will be released only when those deliverables are met. This provides clear accountability at every stage of the project.
• Open Communication Channels: We will maintain open communication with the Cardano community throughout the project via regular updates on social media platforms, blogs, and community forums. This ensures transparency and allows for feedback and course corrections as needed.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Concept Development & Branding (Month 1)

• Tasks:
• Finalize the crypto-themed menu with detailed descriptions and recipes.
• Develop branding materials, including logos, signage, and marketing collateral that reflect the crypto theme.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Crypto-themed menu finalized.
• Branding assets (logo, website, and marketing materials) completed and approved.
• Deliverables:
• Menu and branding package.
• Branding documents shared with stakeholders and community.

Location Acquisition & Infrastructure Setup (Months 2-3)

• Tasks:
• Secure a prime location accessible to both the general public and the crypto community.
• Set up kitchen and dining area with themed décor, kitchen appliances, and interactive displays for crypto payments and live market data.
• Integrate the POS system for ADA and fiat transactions.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Lease signed for location.
• POS system installed and successfully tested with ADA and fiat.
• Interior and kitchen setup completed.
• Deliverables:
• Photos and documentation of location acquisition.
• POS system test results.
• Interior setup shared with the community for feedback.

 Staff Recruitment & Training (Months 4-5)

• Tasks:
• Recruit experienced staff, including chefs, service personnel, and crypto ambassadors.
• Train staff on crypto payment processes, customer engagement, and crypto education techniques.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Staff hired.
• Successful completion of training sessions.
• Deliverables:
• Staff contracts and training documentation.
• Video update of training and preparations.

 Soft Launch & Customer Feedback (Month 6)

• Tasks:
• Conduct a soft launch of ADA Bistro to a select group, including crypto community members and local influencers.
• Gather feedback on all aspects of the dining and educational experience.
• Refine menu, payment process, and customer experience based on feedback.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Soft launch event held.
• Customer feedback collected and analyzed.
• Adjustments made to address issues identified.
• Deliverables:
• Soft launch event report, including customer feedback.
• Updated menu and process changes based on feedback.

roject Close-Out Report & Video (Month 8)

• Tasks:
• Compile a detailed report on the project’s outcomes, including financials, milestones achieved, and community feedback.
• Produce a final video summarizing the project’s impact, success stories, and future plans.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Project close-out report and video produced.
• Feedback from the community incorporated into future plans.
• Deliverables:
• Final report and video shared with the Cardano community and Catalyst.
• Open-source materials and outcomes published.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Our team combines expertise in hospitality management, blockchain technology, event planning, and community engagement. Below is a list of the key members, their roles, and relevant LinkedIn profiles:

1. [Main Applicant -Mariamawit Yohannes ]

• Role: Project Lead & Hospitality Manager
• Responsibilities: Oversee the overall development of the ADA Bistro, from concept and design to execution. Responsible for daily operations, including the culinary and service teams, ensuring a seamless customer experience.

2. [Co-Proposer - Blockchain Specialist]

• Role: Blockchain Integration & Technical Lead
• Responsibilities: Lead the integration of ADA payments and crypto technology into the café’s point-of-sale (POS) system. Ensure secure and seamless transaction processes and compliance with crypto regulations. Organize blockchain educational workshops.

3. [Co-Proposer - Event & Community Manager]

• Role: Community Engagement & Event Coordinator
• Responsibilities: Plan and manage regular crypto meetups, workshops, and community-building events. Develop partnerships with local blockchain groups, crypto influencers, and Cardano developers to bring in guest speakers and organize hackathons.

4. [Marketing & Branding Specialist]

• Role: Marketing Lead & Brand Developer
• Responsibilities: Create and implement marketing strategies, manage social media presence, design promotional campaigns, and develop branding materials aligned with the crypto theme of the bistro.

5. [Chef & Menu Developer]

• Role: Culinary Director
• Responsibilities: Develop and execute the crypto-themed menu, ensuring it aligns with the concept and appeals to a broad customer base. Work on sourcing ingredients and managing kitchen staff.

6. [Crypto Payment Integration Specialist]

• Role: POS & Payment System Developer
• Responsibilities: Responsible for the technical integration of ADA payments into the bistro’s operations. Ensure secure transactions and easy access to Cardano-based payments. Work with the blockchain specialist to provide a seamless customer experience.

Recruitment Plan:

We plan to recruit additional team members with specific skill sets to ensure the project's success:

• Crypto Ambassadors: Staff who are knowledgeable in cryptocurrency to assist customers with payments and learning opportunities.
• Graphic Designer/Web Developer: For ongoing branding, website management, and marketing collateral.
• NFT Curator: To manage the NFT gallery and collaborate with artists using Cardano for digital art.
• Event Staff: For hosting workshops, meetups, and other educational sessions.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

We have already begun engaging with local crypto enthusiasts and blockchain education groups through Telegram and Discord to secure partnerships for event programming. Additionally, we have reached out to technical advisors and partners who are experienced in crypto integration to ensure all technological aspects of the project are feasible.

Proof of Life Verification

We understand that Catalyst funding requires verification of team members and our involvement in the project. We have obtained consent from all team members to disclose their involvement publicly and have ensured they are committed to the project’s success.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1. Concept Development & Branding (10,000 ADA)

• Branding Materials (Logo, signage, marketing materials): 5,000 ADA
• Graphic design services for branding.
• Printing and production costs for signage, menus, and marketing materials.
• Website Development: 3,000 ADA
• Development of a user-friendly, visually appealing website to market the bistro, highlight crypto features, and accept event bookings.
• Marketing & Promotion (Pre-launch campaign): 2,000 ADA
• Social media advertisements, content creation, and local promotion to generate pre-launch buzz.

2. Location Acquisition & Renovation (40,000 ADA)

• Lease Costs (First 6 months): 20,000 ADA
• Securing a prime location for the café in an accessible area for both the general public and the crypto community.
• Interior Design & Renovation: 15,000 ADA
• Crypto-themed décor, NFT displays, kitchen setup, dining furnishings, and installation of digital art screens for showcasing blockchain data and NFT art.
• Crypto Payment POS Setup: 5,000 ADA
• Purchase of a POS system capable of accepting ADA and fiat currencies, integration with Cardano payments, and initial setup fees for secure transactions.

3. Staffing & Training (25,000 ADA)

• Chef & Kitchen Staff Salaries (3 months): 12,000 ADA
• Hiring an experienced chef and kitchen staff to prepare crypto-themed meals.
• Crypto Ambassadors (Service Staff): 8,000 ADA
• Salaries for staff trained to assist with ADA payments, customer service, and crypto education.
• Training Costs (Crypto Payments, Customer Experience): 5,000 ADA
• Training programs to educate staff on ADA payments, customer engagement, and blockchain concepts.

4. Marketing & Community Engagement (15,000 ADA)

• Grand Opening Marketing Campaign: 5,000 ADA
• Social media advertisements, influencer marketing, and partnerships with crypto communities to drive attention to the grand opening.
• Event Planning & Promotion (Workshops, meetups): 5,000 ADA
• Event planning costs for crypto workshops, guest speaker sessions, and community meetups.
• NFT Gallery Setup & Launch Event: 5,000 ADA
• Promotion and setup for the NFT art gallery, featuring Cardano-based digital art.

5. Technology & Software (10,000 ADA)

• POS Integration & Security Software: 5,000 ADA
• Development and maintenance of a secure payment system for ADA and fiat payments. This includes regular security updates and software licenses.
• Interactive Displays (Market Data, Educational QR Codes): 3,000 ADA
• Installation of monitors and QR code setups for blockchain transaction visualizations and crypto educational materials.
• Website Maintenance & Software Licenses: 2,000 ADA
• Ongoing costs for website updates, hosting, and software licenses for secure operations.

6. Merchandise & NFT Sales Infrastructure (10,000 ADA)

• Merchandise Production (T-shirts, mugs, etc.): 5,000 ADA
• Initial production costs for branded merchandise like Cardano-themed T-shirts, mugs, and crypto educational kits.
• NFT Sales Infrastructure: 5,000 ADA
• Infrastructure for facilitating NFT sales within the bistro, including display systems, sales facilitation, and smart contract integration for artists.

7. Legal & Compliance (5,000 ADA)

• Legal Fees (Crypto Regulation Compliance): 3,000 ADA
• Consulting with legal experts to ensure compliance with local cryptocurrency regulations, tax laws, and secure transaction handling.
• Accounting & Auditing: 2,000 ADA
• Professional accounting services to manage funds and provide transparent financial reporting back to the community.

8. Project Reporting & Community Engagement (5,000 ADA)

• Documentation & Project Reporting: 3,000 ADA
• Regular project updates, reports, and community engagement to keep the Cardano community informed on project progress.
• Video Production for Final Close-Out: 2,000 ADA
• Professional video documenting the project’s success, the launch event, and community engagement for the final report.

Total Requested Budget: 120,000 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Why This Project Offers Value for Money:

1. Real-World ADA Utility:

• One of the primary goals of Cardano is mass adoption. ADA Bistro will provide a direct avenue for people to use ADA in everyday transactions, promoting its utility beyond the crypto space. This drives both local and broader adoption, fulfilling a key part of Cardano's mission.
• The cost of setting up ADA payments and educating people through a mainstream service like a café is far outweighed by the potential return on increased Cardano usage and awareness.

1. Community Education and Engagement:

• Our café will act as a knowledge hub for both crypto enthusiasts and newcomers, providing education on Cardano and blockchain technology. This will foster a more knowledgeable and engaged user base, which is crucial for the long-term growth of the ecosystem.
• By hosting educational workshops, hackathons, and community events, we increase Cardano’s visibility and involvement in the local community, offering a high return on educational outreach at a modest cost.

1. Cost Justification:

• Staffing and Wage Costs: We have ensured that our staffing and salary allocations are proportional to average wages within the hospitality and tech industries in our region. For instance, the salaries for chefs, crypto ambassadors, and event coordinators reflect fair compensation, ensuring that we attract top talent while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Crypto Payment System: The integration of ADA into our POS system is designed to be scalable, making it a valuable investment not only for our café but also as a model that can be replicated by other businesses looking to adopt ADA payments. The costs for POS setup and security reflect current market rates for these services.
• Event Costs and Merchandise: The costs associated with community events, merchandise, and NFT sales infrastructure are in line with typical promotional and operational expenses in the restaurant and crypto industries. Our approach to hosting these events offers high engagement at a modest cost.

1. Long-Term Sustainability:

• While the initial setup costs may seem high, ADA Bistro is designed to be a self-sustaining business. Once established, the café will continue to generate revenue through food and beverage sales, merchandise, and events, ensuring ongoing promotion and education of Cardano without requiring further funding.
• The creation of open-source educational materials ensures that the knowledge shared within the bistro extends beyond our physical location, further driving value for the wider Cardano community.

1. Supporting Evidence for Costs:

• We have benchmarked our budget against average rates in the hospitality and crypto industries. For example, kitchen equipment and renovation costs reflect current standards for setting up a mid-sized restaurant, while technology costs are based on competitive rates for secure crypto payment systems and digital displays.
• Our marketing costs, while essential for driving initial awareness, are allocated efficiently across social media, influencer engagement, and crypto-specific marketing channels, which offer a high return on investment.