A Note on Two Years (and then some)
How it feels to go to the Stockton Market:
When I think about the market turning two, my mind immediately goes to the year before we ever opened our doors. For some of our staff, this journey didn't begin two years ago - it began three.
We were stuffed in an apartment with a small kitchen connected to the market. About 10 people on a slow day were huddled in different parts of the apartment. Some people ended up sitting on the floor, and it was hard to take calls over each other's voices. In the beginning, we were one group. We planned, did research, interviewed, waited for permits, waited for zoning, waited for lawyers, waited, waited, and waited. We taste-tested, batched, compared, and ate some more. I think we all knew those were the good old days.
While the days dragged on and seemed endless, before we knew it the group split into our prospective projects (the inn and the market), our small teams grew, and it was time to let the community in on what was happening behind the papered windows.
“Friends and Family” weekend came, and we had 500 checks in two days, and we haven't stopped since.
Our team has seen new members come in and old members leave. The space has evolved, and so have we.
Two years in food and beverage is enough time to go on the roller coaster of excitement, which turns into the grind of trying to stay afloat with lots of close calls in between. It's an industry that is so perfectly described by Danny Meyer's swan theory. We are the legs under the water, frantically kicking, which in turn keeps the graceful swan seemingly effortlessly gliding above the surface. In case you ever wondered what it feels like to be in hospitality.
Why do we do it? Because nothing quite compares to looking out into the seating area and seeing life happen. One table sharing a cheers. Another table comforting a friend. Tables being pushed together. Waves from across the room. People making menu recommendations or coming back for their trusted favorite. The happy dance someone does after taking a bite of something delicious, the hand slammed on the table in pure delight over a flavor that blows their mind, or the heartfelt thank-you email from a bride who received the cake of her dreams.
The slow days are slow and worrisome, and the busy days full of lines are like a speeding car. A total rush. Some people are fully addicted to the rushes (myself included). The team gets into a "flow state," an unspoken dance of placement, tickets, orders, steps, cups, etc.
We do it because we love it, and we love the community we are feeding. We love beautiful food, tasty beverages, local artisans and special finds. And we love this place that feels like a second home to so many.
My virtual birthday wish for the market is that we continue to grow and refine our skills. For the brand to grow and for the brand to come together. I wish every one of our staff members good luck in their everyday lives because it's hard, and they deserve the best.
Cheers to another year of learning and hosting our community for every moment in their lives that require a meeting place, a bite, a sip, a special gift or a friendly smile.