Hmm. The best way to approach this is just to write it down and get it out…
Over the last 9 months we have been tested in ways we have not experienced before. 2 break-ins at Copine. Both Shaun and I experiencing Covid…employees with Covid. Personal tragedy in the loss of a dear guest to cancer as well as the loss of a close family member just last Sunday due to two massive strokes. A severe car crash in May, which totaled my car. Leaks in the ceiling from an unattended bath that a tenant forgot about. Fire alarms randomly going off during our dinner service. And this past weekend a small gas leak that caused no damage, but required the Fire Department to break in a floor to ceiling window.
Intertwined in this time frame is a string of failed hires from dishwashers to cooks who seem to be suffering personally; to the point where they cannot show up to work. I feel like this pandemic has left people emotionally damaged.
At the same time: I love this industry. I love making people happy; I love what I do. And we were nominated for a James Beard Award in tandem with all these crazy circumstances.
All this to say, I have never felt so lucky to be supported by those that understand. By those that cling together when the waters are getting high. We all have our struggles, etc. But it’s the people that GET IT that survive-even thrive. If you are considering a career in the hospitality/restaurant industry be sure to think long and hard about who you surround yourself with; and be sure that they know how valuable they are.
Because that’s what saves you in the end.