04/14/2020
So today marked a turning point for us. When we decided to shut down on March 21st. it was one of the toughest decisions that Dede and I have made since we began the Essen journey. While we could have opened up for takeout and delivery, what made sense to us was to close, take a step back, and really evaluate our options. Being a family owned business, we have a lot riding on the decisions we make. Not just in the era of COVID-19, but every day. COVID just added a "special" twist to the decision making process.
Now, four weeks later, having spent countless hours deep cleaning, donating food to The Open Door in Gloucester, staying on top of COVID-19 updates, navigating the PPP and CARES Act funding trail, and making sure our families and staff are safe and healthy we find ourselves preparing to open up as a re-branded restaurant that carries on our Singing Beach legacy. We knew this was eventually coming - but we just didn't think a virus would decide the timing! Check out our new sign made by Lacey Rowe at Drift Designs!
We're also proud to continue our 6 year partnership with local coffee roaster Atomic Coffee Roasters. John Mahoney has been an incredible business partner from the day we opened up at the beach and we're thrilled to again be partnering with an outstanding local business!
Some things aren't changing. Kim Gregory | Pure Pastry will be back, and A&J King Artisan Bakers will continue to make our menu stand out! Jim's Bagel & Bake Shoppe will continue to deliver fresh bagels daily.
While we don't have a firm opening date, what we do know is that we're waiting to hear that the infection rate has stopped climbing. And when we do open, we are still evaluating in what capacity. We're also re-branding our website - so it might be down for a bit.
The support we have received from all of you has been so incredibly humbling. Your shout-outs as you drive by, the emails, texts, calls, letters, and virtual hugs have helped us stay focused on doing the right things, for the right reasons. We miss our daily routine and all the people who make our day, every day. We'll be back. Healthy and strong. Be well.