[Botanique]

Life is too short. My father had a heart attack. He is recovering wonderfully – darned heart stopped on the table, but he was too stubborn to let go The stoic German actually called me his darling. I was blown away.

I want to open a restaurant. It has been my (our – my father and I) dream from when I was a little girl. He remembered the signs I made for his special grilled burgers, and the marinades we used to throw together…. I am working on a business plan. It has been the one thing in my life that I have always been sure about, but kept putting it off for “practical” reasons. I am tired of practical. I say, the Awesome Pawsome Cafe should become a reality!

I have been traveling back and forth, my brain is foggy!

I was able to take care of him. As well as the neighbors I grew up with – Mrs. F taught me how to cook, and now Dr. F (former chief pathologist) is in a wheelchair. I felt selfish – but I was able to give back to a family that taught me so much…. I wish I could caretake full time but it is too far from home.

Isn’t it amazing how we can become attached to, and trust, a group of people we have never met? Thank you for allowing me to disclose and ask for support, in addition to supporting fellow cheftalkers…..

Cheers! Stevie

[panini]

Stevie,
Don't get too caught up in business plans, pro-formas, and such. Yes you will need all those but they can really dormant you because of all the speculating .Focus on conceot and FUNDING.
Waiting for the opening
OBTW, 95 percent of most will tell you how you won't be able to do this. I love being in the 5%

[thetincook]

Start looking for bargins now. I know a guy who has a storage locker full of equipment he got for a song at restaurant closures, auctions, etc all in anticipation of opening his own place.

[Botanique]

Thank you. I just re-read what I wrote. A nap does wonders

Still want the dream. Just need to plan when my head is clearer.

Have a wonderful weekend! Guaranteed more thoughts in the morning.

Cheers! S

[Mezzaluna]

GO FOR IT. Having been in one of those situations where you re-evaluate your horizon, I say GO FOR IT. As Panini said, let us know when you open!

Mezz

[BombayBen]

I say go for it!! - I gave up criminal law and IT law and opened my cafe. I hawked my house to open the cafe and promptly lost the house within the first year (got repossessed) but I persevered and have now been here 5 years! not only is it busy in the cafe, I cater 2 -3s event a week and run a heat'n'eat service out of my freezer - GO FOR IT!! and never look back even when times are hard - remember you are doing something you love - that is reward enough. You look at 90% of the people who do jobs they hate and just haven't the b***s to go realize their dreams!! Best of luck and when I am in the US will definitely look you up!

[Botanique]

Wohoooo! I will keep you posted. I've got a new fire in my belly. Just call me Tomb Raider (know where I can get one of those contraptions to dive and swing from the ceiling?)

[kuan]

PM me, I work free. PM every chef who is willing to help.