We're still coming.

I will say -- STX is a small island and it may be beneficial to temper the 'crap' comments - as they often say in Hollywood the feet you are stepping on today are often connected to the ass you will be kissing tomorrow.

Glad it worked out. Many, many of us are behind you and the Mrs.!!!!

Pamela

Thanks Pam. The crap comment stands,for a $25.00 dollar special price tag,it was crap. I, in no way consider myself an expert but maybe if the Venue gets to big and they lose control of quality control,maybe just maybe they should consider cutting back to regain control. If I ever serve a rib that is dry and the meat is hard ,I guess my place will have ran it's course.

Anyone can throw money down the drain,all they have to do is buy a place and then let everyone else run it. I'M sure someone will sooner or later call my food "crap". I can be a little straight forward at times,if I'M offensive to anyone by stating food was way over priced and under par.that was just my opinion and we all know what they are compared to.

I have not in the past or the future, for the matter kissed any ones ass,and I don't plan on starting now. Everyone needs a nitch to fit into,one of mine will be ribs and simple presentation. If I ever serve food of poor quality,please feel free to step on my toes.

Correction. The wife lost a Nikon D-90. I guess you can tell I'M not a camera guy.

Reminds me of living in small town Ohio one day.
neighbor was going on to a good neighbor friend about the SOB sheriffs deputy who cited her for a mere 12mph over the speed limit. After listening to said diatribe for a while second neighbor stated that SOB was her brother and she would be sure to let him know what her neighbor thought of her brother....

chockman having read you here I think you will do great things for the community - or at least leave an interesting legacy.
😎

The Hollywood statement ---- It was a metaphor about STX being a small town!! - not literal directions of where to put your lips.

Thanks Michaelds9. I will only do the things that I say I will do. If I do not think something is feasible or accomplishable I won't keep talking about it. I believe I am a likable person,not the most out going by any means but most will find me acceptable. My complaint department will always be open and willing to except the fact that I don't know it all by any means.

The one thing that did bug me while we were there was the fact that a few people just naturally make the assumption that we will be just another fly by the night restaurant,only there to make a quick buck. WRONG !!!

I plan on pretty much dieing there and building as much of a local network as possible. Folks I'M in it for the long run and acquiring great wealth is not in the plan. Just looking for an honest living.

Sounds good Exit Zero. It really is like a small town. I achieved more, by word of mouth in two weeks, than by using anything else. Thanks to all,who helped me out.

Most of the fly by night restaurants were only there long enough to Lose a quick buck.

I've heard the horror stories about the fly by the night joints. I'M throwing a 20 year career away,to start another one and yes I plan on working the day lights out of it. Open and cook breakfast daily,then try to train someone how I want the rest of it cooked. Then close the doors at night. Work,work and more work. I like to dive a little but I don't do much of laying around the beach soaking up the sun,I have to keep moving even if that means running around in circles pulling whats left of my hair out. It won't be easy,but nothing worth really having,ever is.

Good luck,
I will eat at you restruant when I or if I see it but I'm not going without any meals waiting.

@ terry LOL .... can you say chock full,... @ chockman , proof is the puddin,

Exit Zero has a good point. It may not be the best thing to talk down on the competition. Even if you think something is crap, keep it quiet and work that much harder to make sure your stuff isn't crap. In the long run, people will recognize quality and return for your food.

I knew a chef that moved down here and posted a craiglist ad making a general statement about all cooks on this island and there was a big backlash. You can't arrive and insult people right away. You haven't even arrived yet!

Restaurants owners do go out to eat and will pass along business to their friends. It's too small of an island to make enemies.

That being said, it was nice meeting you Chris and I wish you the best of luck!

All good points folks,thanks for the input. Poorthang, I arrived on island Feb 8Th with the intent of finding a location to set up shop. We departed island on Feb 22ND having found a better location than I could have hoped for. It was not due to anyone guiding me around the island by holding my hand to show me what was available. If you look at what the Realtors have to offer ,it is pretty grim.

In other words,I did all the damn work to accomplish anything. Anything less than full out Balls to the wall would not have finished the job. As I have stated previously,I will do what I say I am going to do,maybe even a little bit more but no less will be tolerated. I look forward to your criticism when I open. I have came to realize that I will never be able to please everyone. We will serve quality food at a reasonable price, an upper crust ,fine dining experience is not what we are doing.

Chockman,
If your excitement and enthusiasm is incorporated in your new venture, you will do just fine. Good Luck!

Lizard it is. I was wondering if you were around. I am blinded by the foresight of becoming operational. I have a lot of work in front of me but you know it will be mine. Sink or swim,it will be my choice. I have to buy a complete kitchen and the coffee pot is on the list. If it all sticks to plan I should be open within 5 months,and that is dealing with all the inspectors as well. I'M taking no short cuts and we will do it right with all the proper required installs.

Noah,it is good to here form you.

Chockman, No critism here cause there is nothin to criticize. As a business owner myself i completely understand your driven attitude because that's what it takes. But someone gave me good advice and it was " It's different here". Walk softly, carry a big stick out of view until your completely done accomplishing what YOU want to do. Cause the people who have the power to drain your $$$$$ may choose to do just that ,just because they can. Use your street smarts,and people skills until your opened,...then,... you can let the INNER CRAZY MAN:P out. I "ll take an order of ribs with my omelet please!!! I wish nothing but the best for you and your family.:D

Thanks Poorthang. I think Friday nights may be rib night. How do want those eggs cooked ? My mouth can sometimes run away from me,not that I talk down to anyone. Whoever owns H2O has their own thing going on,I think it focuses more on the crowd and meeting place than it focuses on the food. Not a bad way to be,if the strictly bar crowd works their ideas. I'M going for the Bar and Grill atmosphere,we will have plenty of good times but my food will be a major focus as well.

We go to a place here in Albuquerque that is know for Good food and lousy service. The food is usually good and the service is always up and down. I think through continual training of the staff,no matter how often they leave island will be a big key to pulling it off. I'VE got this vision in my head and I will not be beat down. I will open and close every day that we are open until I am satisfied my people know what is expected of them. And for those of you wondering,no I am not a yelling,screaming,cussing and keep rubbing it in kind of guy. I work with adult children here in the Federal Gov,ha,ha, and have been doing so for the last five years,some listen and some don't.

If there is a day that goes by and we do not try to learn something from it, We're screwing it up from the start. I'll be learning until I die. If I do not teach my staff what I expect of them. How can I expect them to learn what I want them to accomplish ? Will it be easy ? I really doubt it, but it can be done. Thanks for all the great info.

I forgot to mention the Avocado Pit in Christianstead. Great little spot to drop in for breakfast.