ALL’S GOOD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

So, last year, the Congress of Future Leaders conference descended upon Lowell’s Tsongas Center, with thousands of exemplary students and their parents, but many of us never “got the memo.”  So, downtown restaurants got crushed, did what we could with regular staffing levels, did what we do by adjusting to market conditions on the fly, and endured the complaints of attendees about slow service and lack of restaurant options.  Of course, if the City of Lowell was actually bustling with business when there were NOT events in town, there would be more restaurants.  But that is an (old) story for another day…

So, it happens.  This year, we got the heads up in advance, staffed fully, and, recognizing that lines out restaurant doors last year indicated additional demand, decided to “take to the street” a la Folk Festival style (Just a warm up!) and fire up the grills.  And, GM Robin Dupell did what she has for many years–she followed protocol.  (Someone has to!!)  She applied with city hall special events, followed instructions, received her permit online.  (Now that is efficiency)

Sunday was a beautiful day–sun shining, coals glowing, and guests raving about our food and the convenience we offered in creating the grill option for their group.  many, many appreciative and grateful guests.

Then Monday rolled around.  We fired up again.  Same compliments, same smooth roll.  The historic inspector stopped by and smiled and waved.  The city manager walked by, kind of smiled, and waved with his eyes.  Then, a guest complained about our prices–the first attendee in two days.  Or second maybe.  Then, the fire inspector showed up–in the middle of the crush of business to see our permit.  He had “received a complaint.”  Once the GM (did I mention how lucky I am to have someone who follows the rules on our behalf?!) was able to tear away from organizing guest meals, she hustled upstairs, printed the permit and satisfied the complaint.  The fire marshall almost smiled.  Or, maybe not.  He was under a lot of strain–busy day and all.  (Is it something I said?!)

Then, we got a visit from two more city officials–both stern at first, but smiled after we produced said permit, hand washing station, fire extinguisher, etc.  Great guys.  We were surprised they didn’t know we had a permit.

Anyway, we will be out there today, again, and look forward to serving another 100+ guests, full of thank you’s and appreciation–and remain thankful that we work in an environment of great positive energy and hospitality–where outdoor grills, music and hungry guests are fun.

And, we will display the permit, have our sanitizer and extinguisher at the ready…and remind our young grill cook to NOT shovel hot coals into a cardboard receptacle!!

ANOTHER story for another day.