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These retro-looking metal kitchen tables seem cast right out of the 50's and look at home amid the wifi and cell technology of today. A perfect blend? Not so fast. That might be part of this place's downfall. The Merry Table Creperie, a small bistro, on Wharf Street was a lonely place when we visited on a cool fall afternoon. This gent was the sole inhabitant of the restaurant besides us, and he was in no real hurry to order any food. Lost in a texting frenzy. Later, a couple of gentlemen cozied up to the bar and ordered martinis, but that was about it. I do believe the establishment has closed over the killer winter and based on our experience, I'm not surprised. Opening restaurants is a tough business. You've got to put fannies at these tables. I checked it out online. Each of these vintage-like tables go for about $400. There were about 15 scattered about. The chairs cost about $250 per. At 3-4 per table that adds up.
In my retirement, I don't plan to open a little, cute 'hole-in-the-wall diner near the water.
Making it in the food service world is pretty competitive and cut-throat.
I'll leave that aggravation to someone else.
I'll visit, but not attempt to run.
Nice walls though.
Not to mention rents for the premises Birdman, I reckon taking on any kind of small business would be quite stressful.. Meanwhile the yellow decor is pretty fabulous :)
ReplyDeleteThose tables take me back to the 50s. Pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteshame it closed up! was a bright, sunshiny looking place!
ReplyDeleteI would have been a customer! It looks cheerful and comfortable enough!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was growing up, we had a table a lot like these. It was white on top with a center base. It's crazy to think that table would go for $400. now.
ReplyDeleteThat's so sad. I love the tables and chairs. Can't imagine their lack of business has to do with tables and chairs, though; rather it might be the food or lack thereof. :)
ReplyDeleteI have seen tables and chairs like these in courtyards, piled up and rusting. It was a while ago though...
ReplyDeleteIt's a rough way to make a living. Let's hope they got the tables and chairs out of there before leaving!
ReplyDeleteRestaurants are a brutal business. In addition to setting the place up there is the whole matter of ordering enough food but not so much you're tossing it out because it's not been used and gone bad. And finding good help. Then you have to lasso customers.
ReplyDeleteThe food industry is a tough business.
ReplyDeleteI hope it was just an off-hour. Nice place.
ReplyDeleteIf it closed, it's a shame. Looks like a cute place.
ReplyDeleteDitto on your commentary about owning a restaurant. In the mid 80s I started a deli in the central Washington tourist town of Winthrop. I worked my butt off during the summers--from Memorial Day to Labor Day-- and then sat and watched the pastrami rot in the case for the rest of the year. No one wanted to buy the business, so we were forced to just walk away. Then I taught middle school for 24 years. That was hard work, too.
ReplyDeleteDitto on your commentary about owning a restaurant. In the mid 80s I started a deli in the central Washington tourist town of Winthrop. I worked my butt off during the summers--from Memorial Day to Labor Day-- and then sat and watched the pastrami rot in the case for the rest of the year. No one wanted to buy the business, so we were forced to just walk away. Then I taught middle school for 24 years. That was hard work, too.
ReplyDeleteNice retro looking tables. Nice paintings too.
ReplyDeleteGot to know what you're doing and ample portions of good luck.
ReplyDeleteThe artwork is nice but color can be a mood killer. Bright yellow to some means sunshine while others see it as feeling sad. Neutral colors may not be popular but everything goes with them. Are you wearing your shades?
ReplyDeleteOne of the problems in restaurants is if it does go under, it's a headache to try to convert the space back into a store as well.
ReplyDeleteIt looks kind of nice, but maybe too bright to be a calm place to meet friends and spend time. Sorry they didn't make it.
ReplyDeleteOh, no!! This was about my favorite restaurant in Portland...Maybe he's moving to a new location. When we went there, twice in late fall it was full and bustling. We even had to make reservations. I love their crepes and salads and the staff was always kind to speak French avec les Américains...Very nice photo of The Merry Table. Also, Language Exchange French classes used to go there, groups of 10 or more.
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