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![Todo un Poco co-owner Marie Mertz is an art lover and collector. All of the restaurant’s paintings are original works she commissioned. Todo un Poco co-owner Marie Mertz is an art lover and collector. All of the restaurant’s paintings are original works she commissioned.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0914_taste_lead_jc.jpg?1577874530)
A Little Bit of Everything
Delightful global fusion in a faceless Elk Grove bistro
Todo un poco means “a little bit of everything,” and that’s exactly how co-owner Marie Mertz describes her strategy. She runs the bistro’s operations, cooks, builds menus, chooses the daily specials, buys fresh produce, trains staff, handles community relations and hand-selects her wines. She’s proud of being in business for so many years, but “who’s counting when you’re having fun?” she says.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/fr_3396.jpg?1577874530)
Sports Bar 2.0
Television, beer and a modern spin
Failing in the restaurant business is a great way to go broke. The risks are huge, and the collapse rate is high yet there’s always the chance you’ll hit the sweet spot.