01/08/2025
This is hard.
After almost 9.5 years, we've finally reached the end of the road. It's not how we envisioned this going, and it's not easy to choke down.
January 31 will be our final day of business.
In 2014 when Marcy and I were looking for places to open our little operation, Lawrence is the last place we expected to land. In fact, we didn't even know Fort Harrison existed. But it's funny, I truly can't imagine having started this thing anywhere else. We practically raised our girls in the shop, especially Ophelia, whom many of you more than likely met while we were dragging her with us to farmers' markets, hanging out in her pack-n-play in the dining area, or even taking orders since she's always wanted to help Dad at work.
That's the spirit with which we wanted to operate our modest little shop: community, family, intention. We sold food, but most of my fond memories don't have anything to do with eating. We made coffee, but I don't remember how the coffee tasted 9 years ago.
What I do remember is all our shop family under one roof belting out Celine Dion at 1 am.
What i do remember is gathering to celebrate our bud, Thomas.
What I do remember are the regulars that turned into friends.
What I do remember is booking out the shop for the day and getting to do real chef s**t with some of my best friends in the kitchen.
What I do remember is never having to claim that staffing was a hurdle for us. Because as far as I'm concerned, that was our biggest success. We were able to create a family of like minded people who genuinely care for each other and it created an environment that can't easily be replicated. And maybe it won't ever be. It's hard not to be pessimistic right now, but I do hope that more people in the food industry get to experience what it's like to work in a positive and supportive environment where people are more important than product. I'd like to think that's part of the key to success in the restaurant world....but, frankly, I just don't think that's the case.
Cutthroat wins. Greed wins. Corporate wins.
But that's neither here nor there, and this isn't the appropriate time or place for an ideological rant about the cognitive dissonance in the but-also "where's my fu**ing frappucino" in-the-same-breath crowd or how corporate interests and regional chains are choking out mom and pop shops all over the country.
No, there will be plenty of time for that, but for now, some information:
•Last day is Jan 31
•We will be accepting gift cards until 1/17, so come use em!
•OUR FINAL GAME NIGHT IS 1/14 AT 6 PM!
I'm sure we'll have more to say later. I think I'll just share something that's been on repeat in my mind the last few weeks.
From the Indomitable James Hetfield:
"And it feels right this time,
On this crash course with the Big-Time.
Pay no mind to the distant Thunder,
New day fills his head with wonder, boy.
Says it feels right this time,
Turned it 'round and found the right line.
'Good day to be alive, sir
Good day to be alive', he said.
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel,
Was just a Freight Train comin' your way."
Will + Marcy
