Starting your own business is a risky thing. Even when you don't have a lot invested in it. Restaurants are probably one of the riskiest. I've watched enough Restaurant Impossible to know that it can get crazy. People put their homes up for collateral, they sell their cars, they don't pay themselves. Some have $500,000 to a million in their restaurants and ARE LOSING MONEY. I've even had suppliers I've talked to say "I'm not trying to burst your bubble but a lot of restaurant fail." Not exactly encouraging words. But as of late a few things have happened that have helped to give me a positive outlook on this decision we've made, some interesting developments that hopefully are am indication that we are not entirely crazy trying to start a restaurant. Sometimes it feels that way.
First off, I was asked to speak to several students at a business class taught by Ana L. Rosado-Feger (who is a fan of our product), and she has passed our blog on to the class. Our trials and tribulations are being used as a learning tool. So, hopefully we will do something educational. I'd like to think we are being used as a model for possible success. Not failure!
We've also had a long time buggy fan, Dale Francis come to volunteer their services. He'll be helping us with some demolition and carpentry work. We hope that is a sign of how much people like the product, and that the opening of the restaurant is incentive enough to volunteer their labor. That's a good feeling.
Finally, We were in the restuarant, taking a break to eat our dinner, from our neighbor WINGS, and someone opened the door from the alley and asked us "Is this a Cuban restaurant?" To which we replied that it was GOING to be, but not for another month or so if all went well. She said she loves Cuban food. Good to know. Hopefully there are lots more out there just like her, waiting to beat our doors down when we open. Not really sure how she heard about us, or thought that we were actually open yet, but the more people that know, the better! That's the point of the blog.
I believe in the product, I believe in the concept, and I get a pretty good feeling that Athenians are going to too.
From your tastebuds to the sights and sounds, Sol Cuban Fusion Restaurant is designed to make you feel like you are somewhere completely different. Located at 33 North Courth Street in Athens, Ohio we offer traditional Cuban cuisine as well some of the best fish, steak, and ribs you can find anywhere. Lunch hours M-SAT 11-3, Dinner Hours M-W 5-9 and TH-SAT 5-10 Call for dinner reservations 740-592-1740 www.solrestaurant.net
woo-hoo! I'm famous. By the way, several students have asked about the buggy, they want to try the food now that they've heard about it. And I think a couple of them want to apply for jobs at Sol. :-)
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