Since it opened five years ago, Sea Link Cafe has become a beloved spot in Milpitas. Known for its delicious sandwiches and unique flavors, the cafe has drawn many from the community to its cozy space on 187 S. Main Street.Â
However, amidst the financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, owner and chef Marielena Enriquez has decided to close the Sea Link Cafe down.Â
“Everything has been so hard, and I’ve been working so much,” said Enriquez. “COVID-19 affected me so much.” Â
The Sea Link Cafe’s last day will be this coming Sunday, July 19. And although she’s sad to say goodbye to that chapter in her life, Enriquez is hopeful about the new opportunity that lies ahead…
For although Sea Link Cafe will be no more, a new cafe will open in its place. This cafe, financed by a new owner, will be called The Best Sandwiches. Enriquez will still be onboard as a chef, and will run the new cafe. And she wants to tell the community not to worry, and that all of the sandwiches, like the famed Cubana, will still be on the new cafe’s menu.Â
“We’re calling it The Best Sandwiches, because so many people have told me that the sandwiches at Sea Link Cafe were the best sandwiches they’ve ever tasted,” said Enriquez. “So this new cafe will have a new concept and a new name at the same location. And we’ll have more options on the menu.”Â
Along with the original sandwiches that everyone loves, the new menu will feature an assortment of breakfast wraps, salads, and mojitos. In the evenings, the cafe will also become a taqueria. The Best Sandwiches’ hours will be from 8am-3pm on Mondays, and from 8am-9pm for the rest of the week. Â
Enriquez sees this new cafe as a doorway to a world of positive changes. Although she won’t be the official owner anymore, she will now benefit from more help. Four new people have been hired to help her cook and keep things running smoothly.Â
In just a few weeks, The Best Sandwiches will be open for Takeout and Outdoor Dining.Â
“I feel a little sad about the change, but I also feel happy,” said Enriquez. “I feel happy, because now we will have a bigger menu during the days, and a taqueria during the nights. And I’ll finally be getting more help.”Â
Here’s a peek at a draft of the new establishment’s logo:
