Monday, February 23, 2009

The End Is Near

Some of you have probably noticed that it’s been a while since I've written a restaurant related post. Well, I wanted to let all of you know that when I do sit down to write a new restaurant story that it will be from days gone by because, as of next month, I will no longer be in the restaurant biz. It's closing time for us, and we have two really good reasons for doing it at this point in time.

1. Besides the fact that my mother is no longer a spring chicken (but damn it the woman is tough), she needs major surgery on both her shoulders, ASAP. She has lost a lot of motion in her left arm and is really suffering with her right. Even with the surgery, she simply can’t work like she used to, and she shouldn't have to either. It’s time for her to enjoy her golden years before it’s too late.

2. Not long after my mother was told that she needed surgery, my sister was diagnosed with Lupus and degenerative disc disease. The combination of the two is more painful than she can put into words, and being on her feet all day long is only making matters worse.

In other words, there is no way that we can continue with the condition that those two ladies are in. If we do, one or both will likely end up collapsing on the kitchen floor and none of us want that to happen. So, closing is what’s in their best interest, and, honestly, I think it’s time for me to move on as well.

Looking back, we've been very successful, but there have been some very hard times too. After 20 plus years that we've been at it, letting go isn't easy, but at the same time there’s also sense of relief for us all. The life lessons that we learned will follow us wherever we go. I’m really going to miss the people that we got to know over the years, and the employees that have been with us for many of those years. I’m also really going to miss the family get-togethers that we had during the holidays, and whenever relatives would visit from out of town. So many memories, folks, so many memories...

JB

Note: If you're new here and haven't read any of my restaurant related posts, I've listed all of them below. Please feel free to leave comments, if you wish. I'd love to hear from you.

To Plastic Wrap or Not To Plastic Wrap
Half Al Dente, Half Slightly More Cooked?
Laundry Guy vs. Bitter Sister
The Secret of the Sauce
Today I Watched
P.S. I Hate Alfredo!
Letters To My Customers
Letter To My Customers - Part 2

27 comments:

  1. I wish you and your family the best of luck. It's wierd giving up something that has become such a huge part of your life, isn't it?

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  2. JB, sorry to hear of your mom and sis. Best of luck to you.

    Peace,
    A

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  3. I'm sorry to hear about all that. Hope all is well.

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  4. Wish you all the best success and prayers of good health for your family.

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  5. so many memories,but GOOD ones,most of them! that's something to smile on.

    to your commenton my blog.
    "I'm just happy, that I have been able, to take control of my kite again and not let it be flown by a reckless pilot that I once called loved."--wow. I pray/trust you will find love again. You r special in every way.

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  6. BTW, u need to set up a "follow me" link, or at least, I didn't see it.

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  7. Best of luck for everything. Life is tough sometimes, but when things don't work out, there is usually something bigger in store! I do hope the best happens for you.

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  8. I am sure everything will fall into place with the departure of this venture. But I always think that things happen for a reason and at the correct time. I am sure more great things will bloom out of all of this.

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  9. wow didnt realize it was a family business! good luck with whats to come. hope your family is well!

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  10. It's sad to hear about your family's ailments and the closing of the restaurant. I haven't read about it (yet) but it sounds like a really cool way to make a living, especially with your mom and sister involved.

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  11. I'm sorry to hear about your mom and your sister :(

    I heart you! x

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  12. Oh wow that is sad but its also wonderful that you have ben able to keep a business going for 20 years. My ex had restuarants and I think its one of the hardest jobs there is. Well done to all of you and I hope your mothers and sisters health improves too. Good luck to all of you.

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  13. How extremely bittersweet. I'm keeping your family in my thoughts and wishing both you and them lots of luck sweet pea!

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  14. J.B., I always feel sad when I see a family business close, even though in your case, it sounds like it's not necessarily a bad thing. Best of luck to you and your family.

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  15. sorry to hear about your family.
    I will have to check out those restaurant posts-

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  16. I wish your family blessings and a long life. Sometimes we have to start fresh in life.

    By your words, I know you have a tough family and things will work out.

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  17. jb..the wind is blowing your kite in a new direction. Go where it takes you.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you guys!

    Peace - Rene

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  18. @ EVERYONE OF YOU MY BLOG FRIENDS....

    I would like to say thank-you to everyone for your kind and warm comments. It really means alot to me. I realise that this change in my life will be difficult but we made it together as a family, and for all the right reasons. 21 years is a long time and the lessons will be forever.

    I said that 2009 would be the year of change and so it begins for my family, me and this new life path that I will follow with my heart and soul. I will travel the road less travelled because I can now because I no longer let fear dictate my life.

    Love You All
    JB

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  19. mmm, change is never nice. well, i think so anyway... wishing your mom lots of healthy wishes!

    thanks you so much for your visit and comments, i do appreciate them. so, let me go and find your poems, looking forward to reading them!

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  20. I have a surprise for you in one of my today's posts

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  21. Wow, tough break. You'll push through it, use that strong wit and sarcasm to fuel your ambitions. With or without the restaurant don't stop blogging, and who knows years down the line you might have a daughter who shadows in your footsteps writing letter to customers and such.

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  22. JB...sorry to hear of these things. I sure wish you and your family the best. Hang in there...I'm here if you need a friend or a place to vent.

    **hugs**

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  23. PS after reading up I had a couple comments. 1) much better to eat alfredo made in an all female kitchen. 2) It would have been funny to leave the other 38 gues outside.

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  24. Aww, i wish you and your family the best of luck like times infinity! :]

    <3
    -Gina

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  25. Oh gosh, JB, I had no idea...I'm sorry you had to let go of something that's been part of your life for so long. What do you plan to do next?

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. Check back for my response and/or Eddy's. We love hearing from you! Peace, JB (blog owner) and Eddy ("super great cuz" & frequent guest blogger)

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