Lopez is the owner of Javier & C Diner in northwest Denver, which three months ago cut staff hours and laid off three people
It’s still not normal, but it’s more normal than before. I am making about the same as three months ago, maybe a little less, but we are busier because we are selling more plates.
I added a morning special for $4.99, which is eggs, potatoes, a meat choice and toast, and it is very popular. A $1 drop in price is a huge difference for people. It’s better to bring more people to the place, even if we don’t make a lot on each breakfast.
I’ve been able to add hours to shifts, bring back two cooks on Saturdays, and my dishwasher is back on at 7 a.m.
Financially it’s still tight.
We watch costs and are careful about ordering, making sure we order only what we need. I have just enough to pay employees and expenses but not to fix coolers or repair my truck if something happens. So I have to dip into line of credit if I have extra expenses.
I know the economy is bad, but this is when talent and ideas rise to the top. I have a good place here, which is why I want to expand the kitchen and install an open grill. On Saturdays, my busiest day, there is not enough room on the grill. I borrowed the money and am waiting for the city approvals.
The economy is still changing, and people are still losing jobs. But I see the economy coming back; it’s slow, but it is coming. I just have a feeling.
Since I closed on Sundays in March, I’m busier now.
After 25 years of working Sundays, I now have one full day with my family, and I really enjoy it. Sundays also give me a chance to stop and think and create new ideas.
Yes, I worry; I’m a human being. But I think you just have to accept things and change with things and enjoy things as they are.
