Big Changes?

I have a meeting next Monday. It may be the second step towards Oscar and me opening our own food joint. Step one was filling out a confidential application with bank account and social security numbers, and a personal statement. The personal statement was a breeze, but writing out financial information was a drain. I thought they'd laugh, and throw out the application after seeing my debt. But it is mostly student loan related and we both have good credit. Still, the only asset I could think of was our 97 Ford Thunderbird ("Godzooky" is the name), which is worth well under ten thousand dollars and was bought via craigslist.

I am willing to work long hours as a manager if it means I get to be boss and, in theory, make money. I imagine that adrenaline rush I have had at other restaurants/catering jobs may be better and perhaps more intense if the names on the papers are ours. A wee bit of vanity is at work here, because I love the physicality of restaurant work and of course how lean and trim my body gets. Also, it can be challenging and fun dealing with all kinds of people for work. Getting them good, satisfying food is the over-arching goal to it all.

The Valencia corridor in the Mission between 16th and 24th Street is my location of choice, but we'll see if anything's available and affordable in those blocks. Oscar said we can even live upstairs or next door if we find the right spot, which could make things easier but perhaps too close for me to relax on the rare day off. Ever since I came up with this idea a few weeks ago, I get excited and dreamy just thinking about it. I've told a few people about it: close friends and a fellow party goer at the beer can chicken potluck. It seems to stir enthusiasm. Part of the reason why I went to cooking school is to learn more about food while hopefully figuring out a way to make a living by being around it in some way. The negotiating and learning are on a roll, and we'll see if there are big changes in store.

Comments

[Lynda]

That is so exciting, Mary! Congratulations - you are doing what many of us would love to do (though I freely admit that I wouldn't have the courage to take the risk).

I look forward to reading more about the details of your progress as it happens.

[sam]

good luck mary, I had a not the same but not entirely unrelated idea a few weeks ago too and everyone I have told has gotten excited as well. I too need to find some money to go ahead with my plan, the most difficult part because I am not a US citizen and won be able to get credit for it. So instead I am buying lottery tickets!. Anyway, I'll keep my fingers crossed for your exciting plan, can't wait to hear more...

[elle]

good luck to you-it is so gratifying being the boss-let us know if you want to try our oil!

[Erica]

The food adventure continues! So exciting!!!

[Tea]

Ooooh, I had no idea you might be thinking of something like this. Very exciting! Put me down for reservations on opening night:-)

[ted martinez]

I'm hungry! Can't wait till you open the doors!

[Mary Ladd]

We had our meeting and if we are able to take out a loan and find a good spot to open, it may happen. Thanks for the nice comments from you all!

[Steve]

Remember Brother-in - Laws get free food!