Several months ago, Rico and I, along with Farm Chick and SAM purchased an old vacant building on our town square. Like a lot of small towns, businesses have slowly been dying out to strip malls and trendy store fronts along new roads. Long gone are the days of spending a leisurely afternoon on the town square going from store to store, ending the day with a treat from the local Corner Drug Store ice cream fountain. Those were the days….
We purchased this building on blind faith. We had no idea what we were going to do with it. Ideas came and went. Most were interesting but few would pay for the building itself and all the repairs that needed to be done. Luckily, we met a wonderful group of people who were already in the restaurant business in an adjoining county that were interested in expanding.
A deal was struck, handshakes were made and the work began. Lots of work.
Rico and SAM did an amazing job. I can’t begin to explain the work that these guys have put into this project while still maintaining full time jobs and other projects. I am so proud of them.
I am also thankful of the kindness of family and friends who have supported us. From helping out with the kids, helping out at the building, or to just stopping by to see how things were going.
Tonight we had a private dinner at the restaurant before the grand opening to celebrate with family and friends. Miguel and Roy did a fabulous job. The food was delicious. The service was fantastic. The atmosphere was invigorating.
Tonight I am grateful for opportunity, family, good friends and lots of great Mexican food.
Futureblackmail said,
April 16, 2009 at 7:02 am:
Congrats and good luck!
azn8tive said,
April 16, 2009 at 9:42 am:
Congratulations and best of luck to you as your business really takes off!!!
I love to see downtown squares being revitalized.
Vickie said,
April 16, 2009 at 2:46 pm:
Congratulations on your new venture! I saw this photo on your friend’s blog. My husband and I have thought about this before. Looks fun! Of course, ours would be a Mexican restaurant, too! Good Luck with yours!
brittany said,
April 16, 2009 at 5:56 pm:
OMG that is so awesome!!!! CONGRATS!
Pissy said,
April 16, 2009 at 9:18 pm:
That’s so cool! Congrats!!!!
BigMar said,
April 16, 2009 at 9:55 pm:
WOOO HOOO!!! Ate supper there tonight and it was great!!! Glad you finally got it open, looking forward to many more meals there!!!
Laura said,
April 17, 2009 at 7:56 am:
Congratulations!! That side of the square looked full on my way home from school last night. We hope to get a chance to eat there this weekend!
Jac said,
April 17, 2009 at 2:29 pm:
Congratulations and Good Luck!! It sounds absolutely amazing!
I’ve always wanted to have my own restaurant, so now I can live vicariously through your blog and your experiences!
AiredaleGirl said,
April 18, 2009 at 2:57 pm:
Brace yourself- the AiredaleParents are threatening to actually DINE OUT AT THIS RESTAURANT! That’s an event in and of itself, since Mom rarely leaves the house anymore. She said a little bitterly today that “We’d go to the new Mexican place for dinner tonight if your father weren’t out hunting turkeys!” (She’s excited about the restaurant, and she’s mad at him for hindering her ability to eat there.) I just hope she can convince him to change out of his RealTree sweats first…