After a brief test-run, it is time for some fine tuning. There have been no big announcements to date regarding the bistro end of the new shop. That’s because much of the time up to now has involved getting the books and the store’s interior in order.
Even that is still an ongoing process.
There are more items in boxes in the office awaiting rediscovery. I did find my first edition copy of To Kill a Mockingbird and the three-volume Universal Songster (Jones, London 1832) by George Cruikshank, who illustrated Dickens’ Oliver Twist and two other volumes. It was a pleasure to hold those books once again.
Meanwhile, I’m still fielding questions about the food service.
The trial run revealed a few areas requiring attention, and there is still the matter of suppliers: Specifically – trying to get their attention.
In my previous life as a restaurateur, I contacted Coca Cola about switching to their products and they were quick to bring out a machine that would dispense soft drinks. All we had to do is buy the product. Of course, Paddy’s Irish Restaurant seated 150 people (we had many more than that inside on St. Patrick’s Day, but that’s another story…), and the current layout for the bookstore bistro will accommodate about a tenth of that number.
The food distribution company salesperson hasn’t been seen round these parts since April, so it has been Plan B in the meantime.
There is also that issue of publicizing the food service. It’s in the works now, part of the planned entry-level marketing that will accompany the inaugural run, once we’re beyond the trials.
A number of bookstore guests have already expressed their impatience over the delay – a feeling I share completely. I can only point out that several of the Main Street neighbor restaurants were months in opening, even after posting their outdoor signage. The McHuston awning has only had lettering for just over a week now.
My sixth grade science teacher was fond of repeating the adage “Patience is a Virtue.” I’m not going for sainthood or anything.
It’s only in hopes of avoiding the snags that sometimes come with hurrying.
