The news just goes from bad to worse, doesn't it? Globally, the world is sinking ever more rapidly into its economic downturn, one that Prime Minister Aso of Japan is quoted as being "a recession on a scale that comes once in a century". Nationally, the auto industry threatens to go belly-up, leaving thousands in job security limbo. Locally, stores in downtown Chestertown are struggling, and one of the oldest restaurants is shutting its doors on the lunch crowd. This last piece of news hits us the hardest - one of our own is showing signs of cracking under the pressure we are all facing. It's frightening. What the future holds for any business anywhere is anyone's guess at this point. All we know is that now, more than ever, is the time to be on your game. Not to "react to" but to "get with" the program. We have to continue to order carefully and conservatively; we have to shave an hour from one employee here and another there, and avoid layoffs; we have to turn down the heat and turn up the A.C.; we have to continue to advertise; we have to add specials and "customer appreciations" to draw in the more and more cost conscious diner. Our staff has discussed the ever increasing importance of the professionalism they display on the floor - service can be a deciding factor in the quest for dining options, and we want to hold the edge. This can be a rough time of year for many restaurants anyway - holiday parties and shopping drain everyone of time and money - and this December is no different in that respect. What is different is what is going on all around us, beginning with the spike in food prices and continuing with sapping of discretionary income for luxuries, such as...eating out.
So, take a look at our Wednesday special, for the Prix-fixe menu: does that look like Mom's meatloaf? No, it's Brooks Tavern's answer to meatloaf and it was mighty good. Maybe that's the way to go - keep it simple, but keep it special.
So, as you drool over this photo, we will continue to do our best to tempt you into parting with some of that hard-earned and rapidly dwindling discretionary income here, at Brooks Tavern. In return, we will do our best to give you value, creativity, quality, and relaxation. We will refuse to let anything destroy the pleasure this business gives us, the business of Hospitality and Good Eats. We will roll with the punches and keep punching back, as long as it takes.
Plus, we will eat and drink really well!
So, take a look at our Wednesday special, for the Prix-fixe menu: does that look like Mom's meatloaf? No, it's Brooks Tavern's answer to meatloaf and it was mighty good. Maybe that's the way to go - keep it simple, but keep it special.
So, as you drool over this photo, we will continue to do our best to tempt you into parting with some of that hard-earned and rapidly dwindling discretionary income here, at Brooks Tavern. In return, we will do our best to give you value, creativity, quality, and relaxation. We will refuse to let anything destroy the pleasure this business gives us, the business of Hospitality and Good Eats. We will roll with the punches and keep punching back, as long as it takes.
Plus, we will eat and drink really well!
Who closed their lunch door? Do tell, perhaps privately.
ReplyDeleteR.
I am not a restaurant owner nor am i a rest. guru. However, i don't think any of the half-dozen or so restaurants down town would close their doors on a crowd. Rather than "cracking under pressure" it is probably wise to act with modesty in these economic times. By the way i hear they have delicious meat loaf and mashed potatoes and have lowered their already reasonable prices.
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