“Always come back to the table,” Obed says thoughtfully. “That’s where life happens. That’s where families come together. And that’s what we want to give people here, a place to come back to the table.”
For Obed, the table is not just a place to eat—it’s the center of connection and community. It’s where laughter fills the air, stories are shared and relationships are strengthened. It’s the guiding principle behind everything he does at Casa Balbina, a breakfast and Mexican cuisine restaurant, where he brings people together through meals made with love, care and intention.
“We pour love into every dish we make,” he shares. “We source our ingredients locally, fresh, and high-quality. Every meal is made with care, because when someone sits at our table, we want them to feel like family. We want them to feel at home.”
Casa Balbina is more than just a restaurant, it’s a place where families and friends come together to create memories. From hearty breakfasts to vibrant Mexican dishes, every flavor is crafted with attention, with the goal of making every guest feel welcomed and valued.
But Obed didn’t want the joy of family and community to stop at meals. That desire inspired the creation of Mi Dulce, a candy and dessert shop designed to bring people together in a different, yet equally joyful way.
“With Mi Dulce, we’ve created a space where families can enjoy something sweet together,” Obed says. “Part of the variety you’ll find is amazing. We have over 90 candies to choose from and around 65 ice cream and popsicle flavors. We love to play with different colors, textures, and temperatures. You will find everything from the classic treats you grew up loving to the crazy, creative combinations you don’t see everywhere. And we make it easy to mix and match, so you don’t have to just stick to one flavor or one form. You can create your own experience every time.”
Obed takes pride in making Mi Dulce approachable and welcoming. “You don’t have and spend $20 or $100—you can come in, feel welcome and just enjoy what you want. That’s really important to us. We’ve made the space accessible, friendly and fun for everyone. We want people to feel comfortable exploring flavors, whether it’s tamarind treats, spicy and sweet combinations, Cookie Monster ice cream, Red Velvet cake, Tres Leches, pistachio ice cream, Mangonadas , or one of our weekly flavor specials. There’s always something new to try.”
At Mi Dulce it’s about creating an environment for families to connect and communities to gather. “We’re planning to create a movie space for kids,” Obed shares. “A place where kids can enjoy themselves while their parents know they’re safe nearby. A space for fellowship, for families to spend time together and for community to thrive. We want people to feel like they belong here, whether it’s at a table in Casa Balbina or enjoying a treat at Mi Dulce.”
Obed’s commitment to community runs deep. “The community here is incredible,” he says. “We want to support it, celebrate it and be a part of it. Everything we do, from the food we make to the spaces we create, is about connection, family, and love. When people step inside Casa Balbina or Mi Dulce, we want them to feel at home. We want them to know they’re welcome, they’re valued, and that they can come back again and again.”
Casa Balbina is open Mon-Fri 7 AM to 9 PM & Sundays 7 AM to 3 PM. Mi Dulce is open 7 days a week, from 11 PM to 8 PM. Both locations welcome everyone to experience the warmth and community that Obed has built. Every visit is an invitation to the table: a chance to connect and make memories.
Casa Balbina and Mi Dulce are located at 118 W. Van Buren Street, Columbia City, IN 46725.
