The last two weeks have been transformative. Since Ulrich took over the renovation project, it seems like the Deli is taking shape nicely. There are still a couple of important decisions to make and lots of work to be done but we may be operational by mid August. I want a few days to train and figure this place out but opening is a few weeks away.
Yesterday we removed the awning frame over the patio. I prefer a retractable awning and found even the idea of a vinyl cover over the whole 80 ft patio repulsive. We’ll paint the stucco, paint the front doors (black) and paint the signage. This weekend I’m going to finalize the new menu and break it down into prep components, inventory components, POS components and detailed recipes.
We won’t start to cook because the kitchen equipment will come at the end of next week and I’ll start hiring staff the following week. Finding and keeping great people is the toughest part. I’ve been really fortunate so far and I hope to find people who love hospitality like I do and want to grow together. I just want to be ready when we find people to train them consistently.
My own physical and mental health has improved too. Closing the Monarch helped me focus on the new space and the knee surgery seems to have helped too. The neck/back thing also seems to be abating with time and care. My ex-g/f Charlotte bought me a gift cert for a spa that I’ll try and use soon and maybe becoming a regular at the JCC wouldn’t hurt either. The new menu is like a list of my own all-time favourite food. If I’m not careful I’ll balloon out of control.
I’m treating this time like its the calm before the storm. The funny part is that its not very calm. I hope that once we open, we’ll be so busy I won’t be able to think about the spa, the neck pain or the ones that got away. I hope.
