Former Mayor Selling Double Rainbow

Double Rainbow Cafe, the popular spot for cake, ice cream and conversation is for sale. Co-owners Steve and Cindy Messina are selling the establishment as a turn-key operation after 15 years of business on First Street.

For many Benicians, Double Rainbow was more than a place to hang out, it was a place for a first job opportunity. In a press release, Cindy Messina noted that “for most employees this was their first job… We are a real family business. High school employees stopped by on their way to prom to show off their gowns.”

Cindy’s departure from the day-to-day operations of the café last year, has resulted in reduced hours for the business. Co-owner, former Mayor and current Steve Messina has managed the business since then which has proven to be much more work without Cindy. 

Although he’s selling the business, Messina says he is not retiring.  “There’s other interests that I have, and there will be other things I’m involved in," Messina said.  "Certainly the School Board takes some time…I’ve got some apartments that I manage and take care of…and I am a real estate broker, so I’ll do some real estate."

When asked what those other interests might be, Messina replied, “Who knows, I’ll find stuff that will keep me occupied.”

Messina did admit that he is thinking about running for another political office.  “I’ve received a lot of encouragement to go ahead with it…from the general populous,” Messina said.  But he did not name any specific person who may have encouraged him to run.  “I’ve been around town long enough that I talk to absolutely everybody,” Messina said. “I’ll make up my mind before too long.”