Equipment Auction?!?!?!?

Today led us to San Leandro for the bi-weekly restaurant equipment auction. After doing loads of research on equipment over the past several months and the opening approaching, we were ready to start seriously looking AND buying. The auction warehouse was packed floor to ceiling with everything you ever thought you could use in a restaurant, walk-in freezers, floor mats, kegerators, rubber floor mats, double-door refrigerators, plates, laddles (yeah, we got a set of 6!), giant pots, outdoor chairs (we found a great set for people to sit in as they enjoy their espresso outside on a warm sunny day), and of course we bought a case of crab crackers which has nothing to do the restaurant but we never have enough at home.

Not exactly ready to open, but it was a start. Anyone know where I can find an under-counter ice machine?

Plumbing is Underway

Day in the Life of a Coffee House Owner

Life is rapidly changing as my "day job" hours are drastically reduced and demands of the coffeehouse increase. Here was today:

1. Dropped-off Marin at school.
2. Went to look at restaurant equipment supplies with Amy and Makenna. We had Makenna in tow because her care-provider called in sick.
3. Visited Airport Appliance to check-out refrigerators b/c the one at home is dying
4. Met the electrician and his team to scope out the project and set the start date (next week)
5. Lunch to discuss lighting plans, fixtures and the like.
6. P/U Marin from school.
7. Spoke to ABC regarding the beer and wine permit. All looking good and waiting on the fingerprint clearance from the DOJ and FBI. Also need to see the loan docs to make sure the money is on the up-and-up. I'd love to have the loan docs to show them - waiting for the final approval.
8. Home to meet the in-laws. Took Gary to the site to meet my dad for a site tour - looking great! Strategized on ideas for enhancing our street presence. We'll have outdoor benches, tables and a few small trees.
9. Home to review new website comps and new cup design.
10. Break time until the kids go to sleep and then back on the computer for more.

Today was a light day.