The next major event in our lives was the purchase of a restaurant. "Major" is an understatement! It was a dream come true, and a nightmare! We knew it would be hard work, and that there would be tough times, but we never even imagined some of the snafus that confronted us. We both knew restaurants pretty well, but lease laws, federal and state regulations, septic woes, water-well woes, burglaries, water heater failures, equipment failures, and $1,100 electric bills were among many of the unforeseen barriers we had to surmount. Color us surprised at what we'd gotten ourselves into.
But somehow we managed to keep our heads above water, and built quite a clientele.When we started there, the place had been closed by the health department—it was FILTHY!!! In places, we literally "cleaned" with a hammer and chisel! It had been a truck stop, open 24 hours, with no management. After cleaning, making menus, & supplying, we opened the doors to very skeptical customers. They waited, watching to see what scurried across the floor or up the walls before they got brave enough to order something.
After we got established, and found some decent help, Mel did all the food prep and daytime cooking, I did the baking. I was called "The Pie Lady". Mel made "his" outstanding soups, sauces, Mexican food, etc. Together we put out "to die for" biscuits & gravy. After a few years, we began to hear of referrals from all around the US. Truckers, or passers through would tell friends to be sure to stop at Brito's if they were in the area. It was a long journey from those first hesitant customers.
Hugs!
4 comments:
Oh the memories! One day I will post a picture of our restaurant. I know all about all you talked about. So much work! So much money! When it was done I told Lynn if he ever wanted another one we were splitsville LOL
When we were out of the restaurant we swore to remain out of the business altogether! I made Mel swear that he'd find ANY other line of work! LOL
Wish I could have eaten at both places Mrs and Lo!
That's really neat Katy and that really took allot of guts to be willing to do something like that and then to make a go of it. Wow. That is really quite an accomplishment, and allot of hard work too!!
Post a Comment