March 1st was our last day at our cute little deli. We could not come to an agreement with the landlord for a new lease. We wanted a serious rent reduction because we were prohibited from serving alcohol in the attached courtyard by a competitor who was also their tenant. Plus a lot of other things.
I’m still a bit raw emotionally because my husband and I are not in complete agreement about the decision to close. So it’s been pretty gruesome around here actually.
Right now, I guess I wish we’d never opened the deli in the first place, but I’m sure that will change in time. I needed to learn that the food business is not for me after all.
People did like our food. Our yelp listing was up to about 18 reviews, most of them positive. Our rating was an average of 4 and 1/2 stars and I met a ton of nice people. I have a lovely new friend from the dope. David, you hate praise, but you will always have a special place in my heart.
I’m not sure what’s next for me now and I think I’m terrified. I’m going to be 57 this year and I have this pinched nerve in my neck that has my hand hurting all the time. I’m not sure I can do bookwork with this hand and that’s what I’ve always done. Oy vey.
Well, I’ve always said that life works out the way it’s supposed to, so I’m sure things will work out. But I think I’m going to have a rough couple of months.
So sorry to hear that. Actually, the past few days has had me wondering “hmmm, I wonder how that Doper whatshername with the new deli is doing” (because I remembered reading that thread and putting my ill informed 2 cents in here and there).
But it does sound like there were some silver linings to that cloud.
The food WAS good and customers were happy so that certainly is something to be proud of.
You figured out that business was not for you. So now you won’t be going to grave dreaming that if only you had opened a deli your life would have been fantastic.
You didn’t end up on one of those food network type shows where the food/kitchen is nasty and/or you are a gazillion dollars in debt, on the verge of bankruptcy/homelessness, no savings, and no retirement after working your ass off for a decade or so and having no life the whole time.
You meet some nice people. And probably had some fun days and days you were proud of yourself.
You probably got some good new real life experiences that could look good on a resume’ and/or give you something to talk about and brag on yourself in a job interview.
Now that you know a bit more about the biz, maybe you could work IN that business without running/owning said business.
I hear that the Food Network has two new shows coming up. Food Truck Millionaires and Hot Dog Stand Moguls. My suggestion is to not watch them
Sorry to hear this, but I’ve been there, done that. It’s best to make a practical decision rather than sink slowly into the sea. Now you need a little time to let things settle down. And anything that’s not a collosal failure is a victory in the restaurant business.
I was up in Placerville a couple of weeks ago and was very disappointed to see your deli was closed. I know you had a big fan in the owner of Pop Art down the street–when I mentioned your place, he shook his head and said he would miss your great sandwiches.
Believe me…you will bless this day. Running a restaurant is difficult, and without the profit margin from drinks, VERY difficult. If you want to stay in the game, how about a “food truck”? Lower expenses and shorter hours.
Damn, I’m so sorry we missed a chance to meet blondebear. That was probably Dan. He was a big fan of our cuban sandwich.
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billfish678**, you make some great points and you made me chuckle too.
Everyone else, thanks for your kind responses. They’re just what the doctor ordered.
Oh, I’m so sorry! We will miss eating there and seeing you guys when we are in Placerville. I only wish we had made it up more often. Your Cuban sandwich was awesome!
We closed our deli over a year ago and we couldn’t be happier. No more 4 am rising, payments to the accountants, payroll taxes, sales tax, disability tax, salaries, etc. We had very low rent, and were a busy deli, but were just making ends meet. After 5 years, I think we were lucky to just break even. I think you’ll appreciate your freedom eventually.
I’m sorry to hear that, too - I recall the threads from back when it was still an idea that you were so excited to get started on.
As for looking at it as a life experience, that’s a good way to go - I’ve had many careers so far that haven’t worked out, and I figure if I keep narrowing it down, I’ll figure it out eventually.
My ex-boyfriend’s parents divorced under similar circumstances… I hope this doesn’t put undue strain on your marriage. Unfortunately, good food is only a small part of what makes a restaurant successful. Failure is the most foreseeable outcome of trying to open a restaurant (or any small business, really), especially because you didn’t have previous experience running a business.
But it’s still admirable that you went after your dream.
I applaud you for being brave and taking the risk in the first place. Many talk about doing what you did but never get past the “thinking about it” stage.
We pass thru Placerville occasionally. I wish I had known.
not what you’d expect - I was always hoping to have an excuse to travel across the country and have a sandwich with you at your place. I’ve heard so many stories of failed places - I think you’re making a wise choice going out on your own terms. And, as others have said, now you know. You’ve probably learned a ton of things that can translate into other lines of work.
Sorry to hear that you’re closing up, I know how close to your heart this project was.
But congratulations on getting out before you lost everything, few restauranteurs have the wisdom to act in time. Most lose their house, their spouse, and the kids college fund/retirement funds before they see the writing on the wall.
Your marriage may improve and life could settle back into a different yet comfortable place, once you’re away from it. Please don’t make any rash choices until the water has had a chance to calm, in the life after Deli world!
You made great food and you met some great people, which is always a good thing! Much more importantly, you boldly dared to reach for your hearts desire. For this alone you should feel justly proud.
Are you going to throw a big party? You should consider it. Invite your regulars and staff maybe?
I wish you nothing but good luck with whatever comes next!
You gave it a shot and that’s brave and wonderful!
Now take the time to see about your pinched nerve.
You and your husband could do something/go somewhere/declare a moratorium that requires all play and no work. No grown-up concerns allowed. “Life is too important to take seriously”—revisit what makes it fun.
