July, 2014 A tumultuous time on Fort Street. This missive is a bit disjointed as are my emotions. Moments and some quotes. Forgive dangling participles, something normally up with which I do not put. Years ago Ruppert and I went to a restaurant run by a Mr. Ozymandus. He joined us and told my Dad that the employees don’t appreciate their benefits. This week Mr. Ozymandus was proved wrong. My employees worked their butts off with minimal complaints, not only the tipped employees, but those laboring in the heat of the kitchen with naught but a pink slip to look forward to. Our gratitude is immeasurable Saturday our carolers snuck in and sang “Silent Night”. Totally moving!! I later listened to a recording and heard a tear choked voice with an eerie similarity to my voice: ”You sound so much better when I don’t have to pay you”. On our last hurrah one of the hard working Moldovan ladies in the kitchen arranged for her musical family to serenade us. She also brought us a decorated cake that stated “Smile ~ it could be worse” A customer complained that we had no Sauerbraten. I said that we had run out and had no time to properly marinate the meat and wouldn’t make shortcuts, like serving plain meat with a vinegary sauce. She pronounced this unacceptable. I then pointed out with my usual charm and panache that in two days every employee here would be unemployed. In the interest of avoiding jail time, I ended our conversation. One night I had over 80 folks patiently lined up. Many cried when talking to me. I cried almost constantly. A customer called to cancel his reservation because his wife’s makeup was a mess from her tears. If only I had stock in Kleenex I would be a rich man. Jason and Michael worked to keep food in the place and to maintain a menu for our last days. Jason went to Arnolds to pick up some veal. When asked how much he needed, he answered a question with a question “How much do you have?” When told, he said that we would need more. I hope that you weren’t looking for veal at Arnolds last Saturday, since they were out. A big thanks to Arnolds Meats for their kindness. And to so many of our other vendors who have been so patient with us. So many people and so many stories of how their lives and ours were intertwined here at the Student Prince. What a privilege it has been to share in your stories. I sometimes think that we get so involved in the little things that we lose sight of the big picture, in life and in business. I had never quite realized how much people thought of us—both as a business and a family. I feel that many people have their hearts warmed on Fort Street. Decades back a customer was telling me he had been a soldier in the Korean conflict and ended up taking a train to Springfield after his separation from service. He trudged down Main Street feeling a bit lost in his home town. He saw Ruppert on Fort Street—and then knew he was home. Last week that soldier’s son, Peter, called me and wanted to chat. I gave him a quick version of our finances and he said he wanted to help. I said I didn’t know if it made sense as a business decision. He said “my family is heartbroken. You figure out how to heal the business and I will worry about the funds.” So far we know that we will be closed until Labor Day. The place will have been refloored, repaired, repainted and newly polished. All vendors will be paid. Gift certificates will be honored. Many of our staff will return. Some changes will occur in the menu. The Steins will stay. Thanks to all especially my siblings and my wonderful bride, my spectacular twins and most especially to Peter Picknelly. Since 1935 we have tried to take care of our customers and staff. We have tried to make the World a bit better. More often than not we have succeeded. God Bless us All! See you on Fort Street!!!!! Rudi PS ~ check our Facebook pages for updates
Posted on: Wed, 02 Jul 2014 20:12:50 +0000