If you have been following this story, the 'hill' years for me are over and even though I may be considered 'over the hill' by some, I'm not finished just yet!....A seed was set long ago that drives me to continually keep this entrepreneurial spirit alive. Every time I do settle into a normal employment routine, I get restless and am always looking for a new opportunity. I loved my last cooking job for Phi Kappa Psi and it was a very difficult decision to leave. The 'brothers' were a class act and I will always remember my brief but enjoyable time there. I thank God for allowing me to travel this new path and I pray that I will always be faithful to His will. My goal is to bring this Cafe back to life, kind of like Gordon on Kitchen Nightmares...lol The past owner I believe, gave it her all and did the best that she could with her abilities. I would like to build on that foundation and take this to another level. The "food = love" formula is one that I will always adhere to, it's a passion! I will offer an uncomplicated menu that will stress fair pricing and good wholesome food that is prepared with gratitude. Nothing fancy here, just your basic breakfast and lunch fare with homemade soups and specials. Our signature sandwich will feature turkey baked daily and the only dessert item will be our homemade cupcake of the week! We will open @ 7 am and close @ 2:30 pm because we are primarily catering to a working 'man' clientele. I vow to not allow this venue to be something we are not. If anyone ever remembers the old sales principle 'kiss', or 'keep it simple stupid', you will understand my premise. I am reminded now of all the 'hoops' you need to jump through to get a small business like this up and running. My wife will surely tell me "what were you thinking", here we go again. I have to say that Ella Mae has always supported me and true to her character and 41 years together, still does. So here are just a few of those 'hoops': Insurance (many carriers frown on insuring a small cafe) Sales Tax # (always frightening when dealing with Albany) Workman's Comp and NYS Disability (for any employees) Health Certificate and Inspection (a big one) Health Insurance (I have none and even though I am a Vet, still no dice) and Vendors (most want c.o.d. terms on your first order, not a good confidence builder). So a couple of songs (all from "The Wizard of Oz') have invaded my mind and I can't get them to leave. "If I only had a brain" is playing repeatedly, but at least I am not singing "if I only had courage" and hey I do have a heart, after all that is what helps drive me......Opening day is August 1, 2011....If you become a customer, Thank-you.... and... if not.... Thank-you for taking time out to read my continuing story.....
Well it is almost vacation time! Never thought I would be closing the Cafe for a week of r&r, but the timing is right. With the loss of my Mom, the re occurrence of my spinal stenosis which brings on a pain that is sometimes unbearable, the fact that Ella Mae is on Spring Break from her duties @ SU & finally I'm pooped! If you have followed me on this blog than you know I have 'put it out there' that running a small business & most notably a food business, can take a lot out of you. The fact that I open & close 5 days a week & do all the cooking & dare I say it I am almost 64! That last reason would be enough for most, but I love what I do even when 'stuff' comes @ me. Some times these factors are self inflicted but really most are just events that life can bring to any one of us. So the Cafe will be closed from Monday March 11 & reopen on Monday March 18. EM & I are driving down to spend time with...
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