Busy, Busy, Busy

I've composed ten blog entries in my head while walking (I do my best thinking when my brain can free-wheel as the miles go by) but none of them have made it to the keyboard. Instead I've been busier than usual working the election, dealing with contractors giving estimates for some repairs we want to make, running more errands than I can count, getting routine doctor visits taken care of and this:

That would be Newk's, the latest addition to the Pensacola dining scene, located at Cordova Mall. And the supervisor of this store and the second one they'll be opening downtown in the spring is none other than our oldest son, Brad. We're excited it's finally here but not nearly as much as he is.

They started with a building that looked like this. Pretty sad, huh. It had a long and checkered past, mostly as a nightclub of one version or another, but it's sat empty for the past few years. They stripped it down to the four exterior walls and turned this eyesore into something beautiful. It's hard to believe it's the same building.

We had dinner there last night, honored to be among the first through the doors. Last night and the next few are training sessions so the staff can put into the practice what they've been learning for the past few days, all in preparation for opening to the public on Monday. The food is similar to Panera Bread or Jason's Deli but better. Well, we could be a little prejudice but we think so anyway and last night's meal was no exception.

I had great plans to snap some photos of the inside (it's so pretty!) and of my favorite member of the management team but it didn't happen. To start with we were standing next to Brad's best friend from middle/high school and we hadn't seen him in years and years. I think Johnny spent almost as much time at our house growing up as he did at his own so it was really fun to see him again. One long hug just wasn't enough; I had to give him a second one.

And we had extra people with us so I was trying to be sure all went smoothly for them. Then Brad was busy doing what he should be doing, putting out fires (figuratively, not literally) and making sure every guest was having a good experience. So before you know it, we were on the way home and I hadn't taken a single shot. The two pictures you see here were taken by Brad but I think he'll be OK with me "borrowing" them.

We're happy Brad is back in Pensacola although I doubt we'll see much of him for the next few months. Helping the new restaurant find it's groove and run smoothly at the busiest time of year is going to take all his time for a while. We'll know where to find him though...and enjoy a good meal in the process. Maybe I'll remember to take some photos then.