It's Age That Matters – (not size)

We did it! We opened the café! I’m so glad we started with our “friends soft opening” last Saturday; it was a smart move. We found the kinks, what works and what doesn’t (the meat slicer). Also, since it was a private party, guests could bring wine which helped soothe and stall as we worked out various kinks in real-time. Daniel, Jaime, and I each ran a marathon as we filled glasses, turned in orders, and delivered food. We also used the experience to do a test run of our payment system with the help of our friend Suze who helped us add sales tax. It was the easiest part of the day.

The day was a success. Everyone seemed to like their food, although the service was a bit slower than we would have liked. Our friends were very understanding and patient, and I’m sure the wine and camaraderie helped. I assigned Jaime (considerably younger than me) the phone and iPad to ring up the checks. I realized that people in their early 20’s have no idea what life was like before smartphones! Speed counts: age is a detriment.

The Friday before our Saturday opening, Daniel worked 22 hours, prepping, cooking, making garnishes for the various dishes, and slept for 2 hours on the floor at the restaurant. After everyone left, and the doors were closed, we were doing dishes and clean-up when he walked over and hugged me and said, “we’re too old for this.” I bit my tongue, but I had several responses careening through my brain, which were better left unsaid.

I have fought not to have Facebook or Instagram accounts for years, but I finally had to succumb. Ugh! I immediately knew I needed assistance. I set up a lunch date with my friend and Whitman College tennis instructor to teach me how to set up the restaurant’s Facebook page help with simple updating on the café’s website. Lisa taught me the “joys” of Instagram! I now have people following me.

The official Café opening was Wednesday, and I couldn’t believe it when people said they read on Facebook that we were open for business. My words and information spread across the local universe – it worked! Social media, watch out, I’m figuring you out, and I’m weaponized!

Daniel is already reconfiguring the reconfigured kitchen to make it even more efficient since, for now, he is the prep cook, chef, dishwasher (with my and Jamie’s help), and expediter.

Jamie and I are trying to be respectful of his time, so rather than ask him to cook us lunch during the afternoon lull, we bring in food from the pizza shop down the street. We’re now tired of pizza, and it’s embarrassing to walk down the street with a Pizza box when everyone knows we work at the café. Are they questioning our food if we’re not eating it?

In our first four days, the good news is that we’ve had a tremendous welcoming from the community and numerous repeat customers, who’ve returned bringing in their friends and family of all ages. We are prepared! We have decaf, coloring books, and soon we will have wine and beer. All generations are welcome.