Cosmo's Food for Thought

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...

  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...

    Well it's almost time for the 'Fair'.  This is the 12 days that brings fear to all of us other businesses that are not @ the Fair.  It can be a very slow time for food sales, etc. Than the hammer falls again because shopping for school cloths & supplies also begins in earnest!  We have to be realistic as money can only go so far when it's being pulled in so many directions.  Hopefully though we will hold our own & actually gain a little from last year.     We do have a catered event coming up in mid September for the Army.  Lunch bags for 50 on Saturday & a hot lunch for 50 on Sunday.  Very thankful for the opportunity to serve those who serve.  On October 5 we are catering a bagged lunch for between 80 - 100 for a Mennonite conference.     As always thanks for allowing me to share & for all your prayers & support.....

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...

 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.......

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 ...

 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.....

 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...

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...

 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 th...

 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 gestu...

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 d...

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...

       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....

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 fu...

Wow, where has this month gone?  We are rapidly heading thru our 18 month in business!  As the saying goes "Time Fly's When You're Having Fun".   I would be less than truthful if I said operating the Cafe has been all fun, but I have to say even with all the obstacles & extremely hard work the fun has far out distanced the 'not so' times.  I really believe that we are turning the corner & going to be here for a long while.  That is only because of our loyal customers & our staff & I thank you one & all.  We have a new tenant in the building, Myers Tires, & they have already become good customers.  The more that the building becomes occupied the more of a customer base we will have. As always thanks for allowing be to share & thanks for your prayers & support.  I have to add that another new tenant who is just down the hall, Jackie of Jacqueline's Salon said today that she prays for the Cafe everyday that it will be...

Yesterday (Monday) was an amazing day @ the Cafe.  Pastor Ken from LCC, Pastor Chris his children, Olivia & Christian, from Sojourn FMC & Peter Loth @peterloth.com, a Holocaust survivor came in for lunch!  Peter spoke at our Church Sunday & his story is one that will bring you to tears at the carnage caused by man's hatred & then you will rise up to see the hope & forgiveness of a man committed to his faith & Jesus.  It is so humbling to listen to Peter's story & how God has used him to spread this message of peace & forgiveness.  The unspeakable atrocities that Peter endured & saw have become his mission to tell this story & speak so all can hear.  These Pastors & Peter laid hands on me as Peter prayed for me & my business!  I am so grateful for that & for these men taking time out to care about me & my well being.  Thank you for these men of God who have made my heart smile today...Go to peterl...

This post is a tribute to my Mom, Grace.  She was an amazing Wife, Sister, Aunt, Friend and Mom.  She died this past Friday @ Loretto where she resided for the past few years due to Alzheimer's.  She was 89 but could have passed for 65.  She was one hard working lady.  In her last years before she developed this horrible disease, she would travel across the country and back riding shotgun as my Dad drove his 18 wheeler.  She also helped me in the fruit stand I had in Pulaski, the restaurant in Sherrill, my brothers fruit stand in N. Syracuse and many other ventures.  This is only a small part of where she worked, but the point is she always was willing to pitch in anytime or place that we needed help.  When my brother Jimmy ran his dream business (the pool hall in Liverpool) Mom was right there making her meatballs & sauce for lunch to be served to the many customers.  She never complained or expected anything in return, for after all t...

 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...

 The week off is almost over & it was much needed.  We could not make the trip to N Carolina as planned because my spinal stenosis has escalated leaving me in much pain.  Had to take more meds than I would like, but it is the only way out of this for now.  I am really looking forward to getting back to it as I do love this place.  The Cafe is starting to make the turn to profitability & that can't come soon enough as Ella Mae will be losing her 'House Mom' position in May & the Cafe needs to help pick up the that loss & I am confident it will.  God will find a way where there is no way, & I believe that unconditionally!  A new menu will come out in April or May & will have just a few changes, some are needed to just correct some errors. We will still have our popular Lunch Box Special which will now be offered as eat in, too!    To those who still enjoy reading my posts, thanks & thanks to all for your suppor...

Jesus has risen!  Happy Easter!  That event made all the difference in this world, we now have a Savior who took our sins to the the grave and gave us the only way to eternal life!  Thank you, Jesus.  Thank you for loving us beyond our own comprehension.  Thank you for forgiving our sins.  Thank you for hearing our prayers.  Thank you for giving us all a true meaning to our lives. As always thanks for allowing me to share & thanks for all the prayers & support......

The Cafe is rollin' along.  A updated menu, some new decor changes and soon a new paint job.  Business has been a little slow for the past 3 weeks so I am looking forward to an upturn soon.  The fact that we are off in sales still does not dim my thanks for what we do get each day. We all need to be thankful that the events in Boston have come to an end and need to pray for all the injured and the families of the deceased.  We know there is evil in this world and that it will only be defeated when Jesus returns.  In the meantime we must continue to love each other and pray for one and all.  Spring is very allusive this year and today there were even some snow flurries flying around.  I would still rather live here than most anywhere else.  At least we do get four seasons even if some may try to push out another! Thanks for allowing me to share & for all the prayers and support....

May @ the Cafe & the weather is beautiful.  I even heard a rumor that the air conditioner would be up & running tomorrow!  The 'heat is on' & not just from mother nature but from our new deep fryer! the old one was 'fried', literally....lol.  So I ordered one online from a place that had an electric one but as luck would have it I needed a 240v not a 208v.  So had to send that back & order another one, which after some fun phone calls to Fedex, I was able to pick it up in Liverpool yesterday afternoon.  It is up & running & we can now fry away.  This may not seem like a big deal to most but believe me after almost a $1000. outlay & some stressful dealings, this is major for me.  if you have been following any of my posts you would know that business has been off some & that makes for a rough go when something like this happens.  I know one thing you will love our fries & chicken tenders again!  But I am sm...

Vacation is coming up @ the Cafe....Monday July 1 to Sunday July 7 & we re-open Monday the 8th. Going to give the dining room a new paint job & re-decorate a little.  This will be the start of our 3rd year!  Sales are not where I had hoped they would be & our location inside this building is not helping because we are unseen by those who travel Molloy Rd.  Trying to get some signage up, but not sure how to get through the Town of Dewitt zoning regulations just yet.  Please don't think that this is all being negative.  I do not quit easily & am just sharing my thoughts & yes sometimes frustrations of trying to run a small business in this land of 'Giants'!  We are 'still standing' backache & all (lol) so I am extremely grateful to all who have become our customers & friends, & with a wife like Ella Mae who 'hangs' in with me how can I/we fail.....   We now offer a Panini Pizza & Panini Sandwich Specials.  Soup '...

This has been a sad week for EM & I as we have been told that our dear friend Bill has been stricken with cancer.  Words will not describe the pain we feel for both Bill his wife Rosemarie.  We were neighbors back in Baldwinsville a few years ago, but we have all continued a flourishing friendship. We love these 'guys' & are praying for complete healing according to God's will. Philippians 4:6-7...Vs 6 :Be careful for nothing; but in every thing and prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Vs 7 "And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus"Amen.... For all those who follow this blog & would like to pray for Bill, thank you.  Thanks for allowing me to share & for all the support & prayers......

Well, it is Thursday & only 1 more day until our staycation!.  Folks here @ the Cafe have been choosing between the 3 paint colors & like I say," majority rules", "unless I don't like their choice".lol.  Ella Mae & I are going to do some day trips & just, 'chill'.  We actually can, if it's hot, because our new apartment complex has an awesome pool.  I think the "Buddy Holly' musical in Cortland is a must do, the Windmill Market in Penn Yan, of course a movie in the afternoon & some dinning @ some local spots.  Then on the weekend before we open back up we will set the Cafe up & maybe put up some new wall pics & then prep for Monday.  The last week in July will begin our third year!  I need to thank all our customers, friends & family for your support & prayers for our success.  Also all those who have worked for me & with me these past 2 years.  While some will say I am glad to be rid of ...

Well day 1 of the stay/cation & I'm exhausted all ready! lol.  We went to 'The Wind Mill Market' in Penn Yan & it was a nice scenic drive & a great place to eat & shop. Paul, who is painting the Cafe, just called & said he would be finished by 7 pm tonight, so we are excited to see the new makeover.         I  now must introduce you to our next door neighbor here @ our apartment.  Michael (as in the arch angel)!  He has become a cherished friend to Ella Mae & I & all only in these short few weeks.  You know it is right when the bond is so complete that quickly.  He has taken an immediate interest in the Cafe & has designed a new website, which I hope to launch next week.  His smile is contagious & he has a absolute want of helping people.  He is a Mid-Westerner, from a town near Fargo, North Dakota & with that 'draw' to match. lol.  Before my pre saved days, I used...

  Today (Wednesday) makes the 5th day of our staycation.  EM & I have gone to see a musical, 'The Buddy Holly Story', the movie 'Heat', hit a few local restaurants & have hit the pool for some relaxation.  In between we have made it over to the Cafe to set it back up after the new paint dried. Tomorrow it's another movie, a little cooking out & some more pool time if the weather cooperates. Good time to wish everyone a Happy 4th!     I am looking forward to the next few days & to next Monday's re-opening of the Cafe. We have new updated website  http://cosmoscafe2011.com Also a new redesigned menu...We hope to see all our 'regulars' & meet & make some new ones. As always thanks for allowing me to share & for all your prayers & support.