On Thursday we shared an article on our Facebook page about the need to get outside no matter the weather. It contained the quote “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Words to live by! Today I braved the cold and the wind and hiked through Traver Creek Park and Dhu Varen Woods. The outdoors truly is tonic for the soul, and it provides a safe way to catch up with friends. Now that I have returned and warmed up, it’s time for an update about life in restaurant land.
As you probably know, two weeks ago, as coronavirus cases soared, we closed down our outdoor seating (we never re-opened for indoor dining). It was a tough call, literally pitting our economic well-being against the physical health of our staff and community. Now, seeing the exponential growth in cases, I feel even more confident that it was the right decision. And in terms of sales, thanks to you all, we are hanging in there.
As of this writing, I am learning that we were merely ahead of the curve. The governor’s announcement just ended indoor dining for all restaurants and bars for at least three weeks. Given the public health emergency, I believe that she is making the right call -- the only responsible call. I only wish that it were accompanied by a federal relief package for struggling workers and businesses. Without that, there will be a lot of suffering this winter.
Having gained valuable experience with carryout and delivery operations, I am happy to share that information with anyone who asks. Locally owned enterprises need to survive. We pour our hearts and souls into our operations. It is an industry fueled by blood, sweat and tears. Holler if we can help. And for out-of-work industry folks, call us for free meals and groceries.
Back to Detroit Street… even our end of on-site dining has not shielded us from the feeling that COVID is closing in. We hear about new cases in the community every day. I have 50 staff members (between Detroit Street and the Bakery & Café) to keep safe AND to keep employed. So far so good. But next week, ten of our employees – most of them students – are leaving town for one to several weeks. That thought is frightening on so many levels. I want to see them all return safely and I want to have a thriving business for them to return to.
Perhaps the best thing about the restaurant—in normal times but especially now—is the intense feeling of camaraderie. To be sure, staff members are concerned and afraid. We are basically passengers on a leaderless and rudderless Titanic in iceberg-infested waters. But at least we are in it together.
Employees describe our workplace as an oasis, a bubble, an island, a lifeline, and a family. They talk about how if not for the restaurant they would go crazy. They can’t imagine being stuck at home, isolated, potentially unemployed, with nothing to do but worry. Two staff members who quarantined for the first few months of the pandemic report that at first they had ambitious plans to exercise, read, learn new things, and take on projects. And then, as the days turned to weeks and months, they lost all resolve. Ennui set in. They decided to return to work despite the exposure risk, and are both happy they did so. Personally, I know I would be in the same boat. I crave the social interaction, mental and physical challenges, and the distraction the restaurant provides.
Some days it seems like a miracle that everyone – myself included – just shows up and does their job. It feels like a monumental accomplishment to just make food, package and deliver meals, order supplies, clean and sanitize, and organize our coolers and pantries. Somehow we go beyond the necessary operations and keep up with things like in-house health inspections. (We recently scored 100% on our actual health inspections – at both Detroit Street and The Bakery & Café—despite it being eight and 12 months respectively since our last inspections (they normally happen every six months)). We continue to experiment with new dishes and drinks, do personnel reviews and give raises, and conceive of and execute marketing campaigns. We tell jokes, dance, get goofy, and check in with the person next to us to see how they’re doing. My personal pet side project is caring for plants. Plants are everywhere inside and outside the restaurant and I probably spend 5 hours or more each week with them.
So, friends, I have news to share. Yes, I’ve been holding out on you. WE ARE EXPANDING! Crazy, right? I know. But when the going gets tough, well, the tough figure out their next move. And here is ours…
Tomorrow we are moving into the building next door, the place you may know as Jessica’s Apothecary. It is literally 19 feet from our back door. The 2-story building, built in 1900, is small and adorable, both inside and out.
We are still determining exactly how we will use the space. Initially we will store much of the equipment and supplies that now occupy Detroit Street’s (former and hopefully future) dining room and lounge. And maybe carve out a small office for yours truly. With the rest of the space, we are thinking about an intimate music venue and private dining space.
In my mind I envision a jukebox (know one for sale?) with a small dance floor in one corner and an upright piano in another corner. There may be small bar along one edge. Murals on the walls will be lit by soft, recessed ceiling lights. Plants and more plants will be wound with twinkle lights. Friends and couples will occupy small cocktail tables and booths. It’s a vision of an intimate, cozy, casual and magical space that is open and inviting to all. How does that sound so far?
Of course, it will be a while before this plan comes to fruition. So many factors are at play, not the least of which is getting COVID under control. But this project gives us something to look forward to – a hopeful light at the end of the tunnel.
Stay well everyone. Be good to yourselves and each other.