All Hail the Evil Chip Shop Owner!

Heh, just realized it's been a while since I last posted. Life's going okay, I guess, no major catastrophes and a few really cool things. We had taiko drummers at the farmer's market last week, which most definitely rocked. My boothspace is in the perfect locations to hear whatever music comes to the market, and the drummers set up right next to me. Okay, so I'm a sucker for short Japanese women pounding on big honking drums, but frankly I loved the whole experience. Don't get me wrong, there are many things I prefer about America over Japan, but sometimes I wonder if our culture is really lacking a few things because of our relative youth. I admire what I perceive to be the Japanese ability to devote themselves whole-heartedly to an activity and perfect it. On the other hand, there are a lot of things about their culture (subway gropers, the cult of kawaii, shonen-ai manga) that disturb me. Perhaps someday I will have the confidence and understanding to take the things I admire about different cultures and assimilate them into my own way of living without having to adopt any of the things that scare me. As Alan Parsons used to say, "when I'm old and wise..."

Anyhoo, the shop is doing okay, I guess. It's still slower than it ought to be, but we're getting the last of the paperwork taken care of. The biggest change is that I'm getting used to things. I don't flip out in a panic quite so often, and while I'm not gonna (lie and) say I believe that success is inevitable, I will say that I'm gonna do what I can and see it through to the end. If we can hang in there until the fall, the high school business will float us back up over the profit mark I think. And with a little luck and the right actions, perhaps we can increase the regular business to get there before school lets in... At the very least there's two big parades next month and I'm pretty sure both of them will be running right past the shop. A few trays of cookies and root beer floats at the right time could go a long way...

Bleh... I just hope I don't let this joint become my entire life, though... I don't have the dedication for it.

Call to Creativity

So far so good with the Evil Empire. Business was slow at the shop today, but I did get a lot done. I got some of the utilities straightened out, established myself a bank account, renewed my driver's license, updated the registration on Der Ogremobile, bought meat, ordered potatoes, and most importantly made some evil plans.

Okay, I'm sending out a challenge to all my friends and family. I'm considering redecorating/reimaging Union Jack's into a more nautical/world theme. I don't want to get corny like Skipper's or the dozens of other rather ugly fish chains out there, but I want to bring about an atmosphere of "could be anywhere in the world, so long as it's comfortable". What I need from everyone is suggestions on items of decor as well as a better slogan to go with the name on the signs and menus. The previous owners had "Eat Good, Leave Happy", but frankly that strikes me as a "don't go 'way mad, just go 'way" kind of thing. The current window image/logo is of a redcoated Royal Guardsman kind of fellow, but I'm also trying to think of something to replace him with, perhaps a nice ship. Anyway, anyone have any ideas?

In the meantime, my goals for this week include getting the utilities straightened out, settling the tax people's hash if possible, getting the faucet on the handwashing sink replaced, and giving the kitchen a nice deep cleaning before we invite the health department to come inspect the joint. I'd also like to pick up the oven I'm buying and stash it in the spare room until we can get the gas lines ready to plug it into... Also, tomorrow morning Kayleen and I embark on a truly interesting project - draining and cleaning the fryer. Owning your own business is glamorous and fun, kiddies, don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

I Sound My Barbaric "Yikes"... / Update

Well, today's the day. In a little while I'm gonna head for work, picking up a carton of ice cream for root beer floats along the way. Later today I'll sign the official papers and hand over the rest of the money, and the place will be mine. Or I'll be its... Anyway, I'm nervous as heck because this is probably the boldest thing I've done in my life. I hope I can pull it off.

UPDATE

Okay, I officially own the place now. and I've survived my first day. We had a couple busy stretches, but we were able to get through them just fine. The root beer floats went over well, and I'm sure they'll become a big item once more people know they're available. Tonight I go to a meeting of the farmer's market board to see if they're interested in investing in my restaurant. My restaurant, what a concept... Still gotta get the various paperworks straightened out, utilities changed over, and things like that, but still... Yikes.