Now and then

It has been a fantastic winter here at the store. Our dinner business is on the increase, lunch and breakfast are maxing us out. We have just hired two more folks and look forward to hiring a third. The funny thing is winter is the slowest time of the year for a store like ours. Guess what? Spring has sprung.

Last weekend saw the first day of spring and was one of the best we have ever had. No new articles written about us (though we are expecting a visit from a well known magazine to be named later). No puppet theater. Yet, we doubled in business over the previous darn good weekends. Saturdays at Saxapahaw haven't even hit yet and Saturdays are hoppin'. The store is abuzz. It is becoming a community center where folks of all stripes are getting to know each other. We were honored to cater our friend and perhaps most profoundly loyal member of our community, Chris Carter's birthday. This kind of event allows us to showcase what will be possible on as regular basis as the project develops into other parts of the mill. We did a whole fish from the Carolina coast (20# striped bass)with local sweet potato mashers and local braised baby bok choy. Though we won't be doing 20 pound whole fish nightly at the restaurant and pub, catering allows us to stretch expectations. Cameron made a chocolate torte with strawberry balsamic glaze for dessert. Thank you Chris and Deborah.

So what is in store now (nice phrase for a store--it can mean what is to come and what's in the store), you might ask? In our efforts to provide produce with as much local as possible we have procured some beautiful carts from deep in the bowels of the mill. As I understand they are called dobbin bins. They are spring loaded yarn bins that wheel around and allow for a more lovely and functional produce display. In the not too distant future look for a produce display cooler. In an effort to provide dinner items, we also have added Thursday, Friday and Saturday special dinner items. Restaurant to come. We have wine glasses and beer glasses on request, pub is right around the corner.

Last Monday we had a marathon session with a bunch of gifted folks from Clearscapes and Alphin design build. They along with we have formed a collaborative effort in the design and function of sustainable businesses and buildings. Sustainable Saxapahaw with an art center, a coffee shop, food and drink as mentioned, a photo studio and more. It's right in front of us. Can you imagine it?


Envisioningly yours,

Jeff