Cosmo's Food for Thought

Well we start a new year @ the Cafe.  2012 was full of many ups & downs to say the least!  We have new owners of the building, which is now known as the Molloy Professional Building & that was an upper for sure.  Another upper is because we have many new tenants of which some have become great customers and friends.  A sales bounce to close out the year and of course the Military lunch box order in November are huge uppers.  Sad to say while we have made many new friends, we may have lost a few along the way & that is a downer.  Some who moved away from the building and some who just don't like me & have chosen to move on, have made for more downs.  As we begin this 2nd year in business we certainly hope for only positive actions.  However, whatever comes our way I will still thank God for this opportunity & that I may always gain some wisdom from my failures to help me become stronger & wiser when 'stuff' happens in the future. We have an updated m

       It has been awhile since my last post, but all is well @ the Cafe as we approach Christmas & the New Year.  With all that has happened last week in Connecticut it can certainly he hard to embrace the Holidays.  There is no making sense or understanding of the killing of any human being let alone 26 children & their heroic teachers.  We can only pray for all & continue to love & support each other as best we know how.  No words will ease the pain of the families affected & they will need to grieve in their time & their way.  I hope we can all come together regardless of our politics or agendas & find away to at least ban these assault weapons that seem to have no purpose related to hunting or sport shooting.  The 2nd amendment was enacted in 1791 & I am quite sure that the 'arms' that we have the 'right to bear' did not take into consideration the massive destructive weaponry made today.  If you have this compulsive desire to

Well it is Saturday December 8th & the Cafe just hosted the Liverpool Community Church Men's Breakfast. We had 17 attend & what a blessing to have these guys to fellowship with.  Paul is the leader of the Ministry & He, Don & Roy all stepped up to cook, serve & clean while I sat back!  They did an awesome job. This was something that I needed because I have experienced a rough couple of weeks & needed to get 'grounded' again.  With Christmas just around the corner here I was beginning to act like the 'Grinch. '  I sometimes let the stress of operating the Cafe takeover & don't step back & just 'chill'.  After all I do have great & dedicated people for which I am extremely thankful, but again I need to let them do their tasks w/out my interference.  Now that sounds easy but I am a doer & it is so hard for me to just let things flow, even if it might mean an extra few minutes to get the food out. My words can hu

Well last weekend we made & delivered 479 lunch boxes to the 27th Brigade!  Thanks to all the awesome helpers, Julie, Kenzie, Kenson & Kenly, Andy (our Sysco Rep, hows that for caring about your customer!) Ella Mae (who never lets me down) & Don who delivered the first & largest order (206) on Friday.  Also, Emily & Paul for helping with the beverage purchasing & getting them all to the Cafe.  Special thanks to Sgt. Mahoney for her supporting a local small business.  We used 44 loaves of Bread - 479 Lunch Boxes - Apples - Bags of Chip - Wrapped Cookies - Assorted Beverages - Napkins - Mayo & Mustard Packs.  33 Pounds Of Turkey - 33 Pounds of Ham - 20 Pounds of Roast Beef & Almost 10 Pounds of our 'Signature' Chicken Salad!  Thanks to all! This week we celebrate Thanksgiving.  Now is the time to really be thankful for all we have.  It's not a time for reflecting on what we want, for after all God does provide for all our nee

 All is well @ the Cafe.  It was a slow day today (Thursday) have no idea why!  Nothing is easy for sure & running any small business is a challenge.  I can only speak for this business or more broadly the food business.  You have to be on your game everyday & just wait to see whom will show up!       We are going to be open on Monday (Veterans Day) for breakfast from 6 am - noon.  Maybe this will give some 'folks' a chance to stop in because they have the day off.  We need to remember to say thank you to all the guys & gals who have served us in our Armed Forces.  I am very proud that my Dad &  his 3 sons served in the Army!  My Dad in WW11, Pat in Korea, Jimmy in Vietnam & thankfully I was in Germany with no bullets flying, but where the beer was flowing, lol.  We do offer a 15% discount to all military, everyday & on any purchase, specials included.  It is a small gesture for sure but I believe a welcomed one by those who come in.  The building we

 All is well @ the Cafe after hurricane Sandy blew by CNY, thankfully.  I was worried about the power going out & if out for a few days how that would cause us to lose business & possibly our refrigerated food. Well no worry now & we can continue our mission of building the sales. Business has been very steady & we have been introduced to some new faces.  Pastor Ken, Michele & their daughter Loren have been coming by on Fridays & what a blessing they are to see.  They could go anywhere for breakfast but they have chosen to support us.  The church family from LCC has proven to be an amazing group for sure.  Mike a truck driver out of Ohio now makes sure he comes in after he drops his cargo off down the street.  Tom, Renee, Paul, & of course the guys & gals (Pat, Rich, Stephenie & Beth from the nearby Army & Air Force base, thank you.  We now have Frips on the menu.  They are skin on Potato Chips that we deep fry, then season.  Also Haddock s

It's Friday morning @ the 'Cafe'.....I actually had a customer come in @ 6:45!..... Might be a sign of a good day.... Pete, who I alluded to in a previous post is now a proud Grandpa to a beautiful baby girl, Zoe..... Congratulations to Pete & his wife Yvonne!..... This all got me thinking today about my own Grandchildren, I/we ( Ella Mae) have 4..... Addison-Aden-Daniele&CJ & now 3 new additions ( by unanimous vote) Kenson-Kensey&Kenley! They are the adopted boys of Paul & Julie (yes, the Julie who works here @ the Cafe) all brothers from Haiti!....What an honor to now get to know them better & maybe share some of their experiences....That is why I do what I do.....To continue to stay healthy, get this 'Cafe' to where we need to be to make enough to meet the all the bills, personal & business & have just a little left over to share with all these Grandkids.....How blessed I am to have this network of family & friends...

 It's Friday morning @ the Cafe & since I was here @ 5:30, I have time to sit & reflect......Made New England Clam Chowder, sliced some turkey, prepped some & now just 'chillin' which isn't far fetched because it is cold & damp out there today.....Still wondering what it will take to turn this place around...I could actually not see my first customer today until 8 or so.....Crazy when the signs are out @ 6:30 & we are ready to roll.....Crazy business for sure!.....When I first opened last August one of a customers requests was for clam chowder.....I made it for the following several Fridays & she never bought it once!.....Someone said to me yesterday that they wished we were open @ 6, for which I replied "I am, just knock on the door & come on in"....I am not going to place any bets on that happening....If this seems like I'm a little 'down', it's because I am, but just a little....After the first customer I will g

 Happy Columbus Day.....It was a little quiet @ the Cafe today, but pretty much expected since many 'folks' were off....Tomorrow will hopefully bring back the 'regulars' & we will get back to some kind of normal....This Cafe is still a 'work in progress' for sure....We still are not hitting our sales goals, but I haven't given up just yet!....I keep trying to scale down my expectations but I also need to not let my heart get ahead of my brain & keep emotion out of this.....I keep thinking that its location-location-location & sure with us being inside & not a stand alone it is.....However if you were to take a short drive around us you would be astonished at the amount of businesses that offer all the potential workers thus customers......I am still having a hard time understanding why we have not been able to break through to them yet.....There is no consistency from day to day or week to week & it makes for a very stressful time tr

 This past week we received some good news....We had been waiting to see if we would get a lunch order from the Army & we did!....A total of 395 boxed lunches served over 3 days in mid November....This is a great boost for us & a chance for us provide some good food for the 'Troops'.... We offer a 15% military discount & we were more than happy to apply it here as well..... Sandwich (ham-turkey-roast beef-chicken salad) - Chips - Sliced Apples - Chocolate Chip Cookie & Beverage all in a Lunch Box Carton ..... As always thanks for your support & prayers......& for allowing me to share.....

A hectic but fun week @ the Cafe.....With only two of us it can get a little crazy, but it was crazy in a good way....We did have 2 catered events & both were well received....This could be the jump start that will help with further events & help with the bottom line....I am so thankful for the chance to provide food for these 'parties',  it gives me a feeling of great accomplishment..... Sales @ the Cafe were also good for the week & that is certainly encouraging...This upcoming week we will do some more 'home comfort cooking' with Ziti & Meatballs & Beef Stew served over Biscuits....I have to give a shout out to Julie.....She finished our new menus & made some cool signs for both of the catered meals....It is so great to have someone 'on board' who has these extra talents & is willing to go the extra mile for me & the Cafe..... We will also begin a $2.99 Breakfast Special which consists of Eggs-Home Fries & Toast....! As

 It's Sunday night & the eve of a new week @ the Cafe....I am hopeful of a good week & up for the challenge....We do have 2 small catered affairs......Thursday a breakfast & lunch for 17 'folks' & on Saturday a baby shower for 22 ladies.....This will help with sales but also it is a great opportunity to get our name out.......We have been operating with a 2 person staff & I'm one of the 2!.....This does help with the bottom line & it keeps me 'hopping' which is great,  plus I am back to cooking all day & this is what I love......I will begin making more soups as the weather is beginning to get cooler....Tomorrow is Chicken Vegetable....mmmm....We have also added a third 'Lunch Box' that offers a cup of soup as another option....We will also be introducing our new menu.....The main change is the format & that it is now a three fold.....Julie has designed it & I am very thankful for her input & talents....

Well another week is complete @ the Cafe.....We had a pretty good day Friday so maybe we are through these last days of summer 'melt down'......We are down to me & Julie, so at least the payroll is reduced & that may be the boost needed to turn a profit.......The main problem I see is our location..... Being inside & not having a visible store front it is making it very difficult for 'folks' driving by to see us....The  outside of the building is receiving a face lift & maybe that will help to brighten up the view.....The love I have for this business has not wavered, but I would be less than honest if I did not say I am also very discouraged @ times.....I still will do all I can to provide good food @ reasonable prices......I am constantly trying to come up with new ideas for menu & marketing....... It's not over until the fat lady sings" or should I say "the fat man".....Still waiting on hearing from the Air Base for an upcomin

  Labor Day weekend & an extra day off from the Cafe.....Much needed as once again there has been another change this past week.....Stan is no longer working here as of Tuesday, but he will always remain a special friend & I do thank him for his efforts these past months.....To say I was in need of a break would be an understatement, lets just say this Holiday came @ a perfect time for me......I am  on my feet most of the day now & with my back problem, I have experienced some pain....."The Show Must Go On" is not just for show business, but for any business!.......So we will continue to push on & with Julie stepping up I have no fear & know we will succeed.....We have just introduced our new catering menu & next week will unveil our new & much more user friendly regular menu..... Julie has designed & made changes & this menu should be a plus.....It will be the last update until Spring of 2013...... We do have a catered baby shower

Monday Monday, so good to me, Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee That Monday evening you would still be here with me. Monday Monday, can't trust that day, Monday Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way Oh Monday morning, you gave me no warning of what was to be Oh Monday Monday, how you could leave and not take me. Every other day, every other day, Every other day of the week is fine, yeah But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes You can find me crying all of the time Monday Monday, so good to me, Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee That Monday evening you would still be here with me. Every other day, every other day, Every other day of the week is fine, yeah But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes You can find me crying all of the time Monday Monday, ... by The Mamas And The Papas Always loved that song & sinc

 It's Saturday & time to reflect on this past week @ the Cafe.....It turned out to be an average sales week for us & for that I am thankful.....Friday was Trevor's last day...I will miss him, he gave me 100% & even when I was the tough taskmaster!....He will always be a special friend & former employee who has helped us grow.....The NY State Fair starts this coming week & I know it will affect business.....Money is still tight & 'folks' will have to eliminate some choices in order to have the needed extra funds to hit the Fair......Who knows maybe someday we will have a venue there!....A new business has opened across the hall & they are great 'kids' & have become loyal customers....The building is beginning to fill up & the improvements are ongoing....When we have a 'full house', this will certainly give us a fighting chance of survival....Who wouldn't want to have the convenience of an in house cafe serving bre

Today is Sunday & a good day to reflect on the past week @ the Cafe.....It was our 2nd week of our anniversary drawing special & 'folks' are getting their names in for a chance @ a $50. or $100. gift card!.....I found out that Trevor will be leaving us & Friday will be his last day......He is going to go to ITT & his day classes won't allow for his working here....He has been with us since January & I will miss his sense of humor & smile.....Believe me as anyone will tell you, you need that to work with me!.....Trevor never took it personal & for that I am thankful & very appreciative of his being able to separate our friendship & business relationships.....As things happen today Stan, Trevor, CJ & myself all went out for a lunch together.....This was planned weeks ago before I knew of Trevor's departure, so it was a nice way to say thanks & wish him well.....I am hoping that we can survive these last few months of summer by h

 Thanks to all who wished us a Happy Anniversary this week.....We have achieved one milestone & hopefully we can begin the journey to many more.....We have some great lunch specials this week & some will automatically enter you in for a chance @ our end of month giveaway!......First prize is a $100. gift card & 2nd is $50.......A revised menu is in place & we added a few new items....I hope 'folks' will stop in & give us a try......Location - Location - Location.....Yes we do not have the best but I still am confident that we can overcome that with great food, prices & service.....I am praying that this Cafe will now sustain itself & continue to serve the community for many years to come....Thank you God for walking along side & seeing us through some rough spots....As always thanks for allowing me to share & for all your support & prayers.....

 Happy Anniversary!......No not our wedding anniversary...... Ella Mae & I do not celebrate ours until August 22 & wow, 42 years at that.....This is the Cafes, One Year Anniversary & what a year it's been.....I was working for the Phi Si fraternity on Comstock Ave up @ SU.....I had just begun the summer break when I saw an ad on craigslist for the lease of the Cafe.....I had looked at this place about 4 years earlier when it was again on the market, but I decided that it just didn't feel right back than.....This time all seemed different & I being the always 'entrepeneur' could not let it slip by this time....It was fully equipped & Diana (the proprietor) had done a great job making this truly, 'turn key'.....I did have a few reservations, one being I would be leaving a great job cooking for the guys & with summers off to boot!....A regular paycheck bi-weekly, with all the deductions taken out & even a promise of getting some hea

Friday turned out to be a very good day @ the Cafe.....We even sold out of Haddock & Shrimp!.....One not so pleasant moment was when a man came in & asked for a coffee to go......I 'hooked' him up & as I told him where the lids & fixings were to be found I rang up the sale.....Well that's when it turned a little ugly.....Our 12oz to go Paul De Lima coffee is $1.75 & with tax $1.89......When I announced the cost he says "kind of high isn't it!".....I can take a lot & I believe my service to our customers is beyond reproach, so I am insulted & take this very personally, after all it's my name on the door.....I reply that he certainly is welcome to go elsewhere & make the purchase....I know, not very 'cool', but those of you that know me or of my business tactics, know that I have never cheated anyone, ever..... & greed is a word that burns my tongue when I just verbalize it.....So I explain in so many words that ev

Well another week is coming to an end @ the Cafe....It has been a very quiet one, I believe that it is due to the very extreme heat & also it's vacation time in CNY....We can only hang on & hope that our sales will increase as the summer fades to fall.....The good news is that we are approaching our one year anniversary!.....I'll post our plan here for the event we have planned.... I am very proud of this milestone as this journey has been strewn with lots of obstacles....No, I am not looking for any pity, I am just telling it like it is......When I decided to run this business I came in with eyes wide open & knew it was going to be a tough go.....The location, a building only 50% occupied & in need of some updating, an area that is almost 100% industrial which leaves little room for drive by or walk in customers, are only a few of the road blocks I knew we would encounter......Now add in the fact it takes a long time to build trust & get 'folks'