05/09/2025
28 Years. One Wild Weekend. Every Time.
Every May, it hits all at once — College graduations, Mother’s Day, proud families, packed dining rooms, and tickets that never stop printing.
I’ve been in this business well over 30 years, and for 28 of those, I’ve been in my own restaurants, watching this same beautiful chaos unfold.
And when I say watching, I don’t mean from the sidelines — I’ve been in the trenches. Most likely on the grill, on lead, or running expo — sometimes all three. 😂
To the newer managers and chefs who call it “hell week” or “the monster weekend,” I get it. But I also love it. The hustle, the pace, the noise, the challenge — I thrive on it.
To the veterans — the ones who’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with me in years past, who remember these weekends with pride — we miss you. We’re glad you were here. Remember us. Pray for us . Drink to us ( or with us after its over!)
To see former student employees now bringing their own kids back here to celebrate graduation? Or run and operate their own restaurants this weekend? That’s something special.
To watch families beam with pride as they eat at these local restaurants because their son or daughter worked there through college? That never gets old.
It’s not easy. The last couple of years have been tough.
Sales swing. Costs are crazy. Staffing is a daily grind.
But people still want to gather. To eat. To celebrate.
And that’s the part of this business I’ll never stop loving.
So if you’re one of the many who’ve made us part of your milestone weekend — thank you.
For your patience, your loyalty, and your trust.
We’ll give it everything we’ve got.
Let’s do this.
-Alex Richardson Chef/Owner
