A Review....of sorts

A few years ago I startd to hang out a local "mom and pop" cafe. I would be there every Saturday morning with my journal and laptop. I got to know the owners, the customers, the staff. It was always good fun. Later on I had a friend join me on Saturday mornings. Then my health took a turn and my Saturday morning trips got fewer and fewer until I couldn't go by myself any longer. I did manage to go here and there but always with someone. It saddened me quite a bit.

Back in June I was able to gather there with a bunch of friends for my birthday. Wonderful. But I wasn't able to go again until last week. The place has been sold and is under new ownership. I already knew this. I walked in with great expections.

We went in for a late breakfast. Ten in the morning. That's late for me.

I noticed the change right away. A different atmosphere. All new tables. All facing the same way. Kind of boring considering the previous owner made things a bit more 'cozy' with the seating arrangements.

We sat down. Our server was one I knew so I grilled her about all the changes. She told me quite a few things. One being the new owners are thinking about taking some things off the menu. Those things being some of the most popular dishes. I've never been sure why places do that. New people take over and they change the good stuff and loose business. I mean look what happened to Ernie's when it was sold. They changed all sorts of stuff on their menu and to this day their business is not like it used to be.

I

guess it takes time to build up a clientel but the server also told me they have lost quite a few regular customers. I hope the new owners can win some back and gain some new ones in the process.

All in all the experience was not bad. You can still take your laptop, visit with people, have good food and really great coffee. We had Cinnamon Sticky Bun flavored coffee and then we had some Pumpkin Spice. My friends French Toast Sticks were different. It is now French Toast cut in to strips with a generous helping of powdered sugar.

CJ's Cafe is still there, I'll still go.....unless they take away the bagels. :-)