Restaurant Reality: Clear Sailing!

There is a world full of people that would not follow the path that Janet and I have chosen. And certainly, that path has been rife with uncertainty. My job is to cut the brush. Janet mows the trail. Our partnership has been a journey of personal and professional growth. Together we’ve spent 15 years building Bethany’s Table.

If you followed us over the years and assembled your observations into a time-lapse video you might think you are viewing a herky-jerky dance routine. It can be safely said that Janet and I are not shy in our relationship with change. In the first few years, customers would often exclaim at the changes upon arrival – they hadn’t been in for two weeks. Our remodels in 2014, 2016, 2020, 2023 and again this year represent a death-defying dance with redistribution of wealth. Yet here we are. On to the next adventure. Pizza!

Out of the Woods and Into the Clearing

I just want to say right here and now: Bethany’s Table is doing great. We have been here 15 years and we plan to be here for another 15.

Surviving the pandemic and executing the remodel left us gasping for air. Completing our vision for the restaurant by building the bar and refitting the kitchen was a business decision with some timing challenges. Creating the Marketplace was a business decision... Oops! Let’s try pizza.

Radii Pi Is On!

The last newsletter presenting the pizza investment opportunity was a huge success. Overwhelmingly so. It has been a humbling experience to sit and visit with excited customers stepping up to become Pi Partners. The last of the equipment we need is being delivered. The shop is set. The oven is fired up. Dough is fermenting. Pi pie is on the way!

Something one learns from owning a restaurant is to be grateful for criticism. Folks that don’t want to tell us that they didn’t enjoy their meal or had a poor service experience deprive us of the opportunity to improve or head off future problems. I guess it’s the same with these newsletters. I hear a few times each week from folks who enjoy the restaurant storytelling. Just like in the dining room, it is helpful to hear from those who feel differently. It never occurred to me that folks would find my brand of oversharing an irritant. Yet, even some of the harshest criticism I’ve received in response to my outreach has been helpful. I’m reminded that very few wonderful things have been accomplished by filling a room with people who agree with each other. All the magic of social life happens when we lean into our differences. The wide-ranging opinions, advice and general feedback we’ve received has really helped to guide our path forward. For all those who chimed in we are very grateful.

Thank you.

Now that we have been “cashed up” by our Pi Partners, my Restaurant Reality storytelling will largely shift to pizza and people.

We have also had an unusual batch of turnover in the dining room. Mikey set out on his career path. Kailey left. Justin blew a tire. This is Brook’s last week as he charts a new career. Bittersweet transitions. Joseph, Steven, Mandy, Bri and Marissa remain as stalwarts. You are going to love Jillian, Cole, Emily, Libby

I could not be more grateful to Brook for his leadership and team building. He accomplished something I was never able to do. Team service is working, and that is certainly to Brook’s credit. Joseph, Steven, Mandy, Bri and Marissa remain as our stalwarts. You are going to love Jillian, Cole, Emily and Libby. It’s a great group.

Change can be difficult and it is sad to lose comrades, Yet I am certain that the dining room, once it has pulled through this transition, will be re-energized by joy and our special brand of genuine hospitality.