January 2009

It has been a while since my last post. In my defense I have been working 3 jobs. I am still working Full-Time as a Supervisor and Paramedic at Lyons Ambulance Service, Per Diem as a Trauma Registrar at Beverly Hospital and of course helping out at Sawasdee Danvers.

That said here is an update on Sawasdee Danvers. The restaurant has been doing great! December was a bit quiet when compared to the first few months we were open but January has been a busy month so far. We will be appearing before the Danvers Town Selectmen on February 3rd to get final approval for our Beer and Wine license. If approved, we will then have to go through the application process with the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC).

I would like to take a minute and thank those who worked so hard to help us throughout this process. Thanks to Representative Ted Speliotis who sponsored this bill and did so much to help it get done. Thanks for the tour of the State House Ted. (thanks for putting up with the many phone calls Marshall!). Also thanks to Senator Fred Berry who also supported the bill. (http://www.mass.gov/legis/185history/h04875.htm) I must also thank C.R. Lyons (Danvers had no available Alcohol licenses and C.R. was the person who notified me of the possibility of getting an additional license) and Susan Fletcher who helped me get through the approval process at the Town of Danvers to send the bill to the Massachusetts legislature. I also want to thank the Town Selectmen and Town Meeting Members who approved our application for an additional Beer and Wine license for our restaurant.

So if all goes well we should have Beer and Wine at Sawasdee Danvers by the end of February. That means we probably won't have alcohol by Valentines Day but please don't let that stop anyone from coming in. Our food is still delicious, our service top notch (and with a smile) and our atmosphere warm and inviting.

Hope to see you all very soon!

3-week Anniversary!

Well, we have been open for three weeks now. Time sure flies. Week one was crazy. We did not advertise our opening. We went for a 'soft opening'. WE wanted to make sure everyone was ready to handle a busy night. So much for that. We opened the doors on Sunday August 31st and before we could take a breat we were full. Talk about crazy. We survived that night and during the next week as well, but then came our first weeked. (still no advertising til this point). So the first weekend came ad it was was unbelievable. The dining room was full from 6-8 (48 seats). Take-out was hopping. Unfortunately we were not ready and service was slow and mistakes were made. On the bright side, the servers were smiling, friendly and enthusiastic. The food was hot and tasty. We apologized when necessary and asked for patience since we had just opened and for all of us this is our first restaurant. Lessons were learned.

The second weekend was better and this past weekend went great. We have had some complaints. We have had many, many compliments! Everyone says they love the food. They love the decor. They love the staff.

I do not personally work at the restaurant very often. When I do I answer the phone, take orders, process checks, pour water, talk to the customers and try not to get in the way.

The construction took forever, was very stressful and was way over budget. But after spending a few days working there I now know it will be worth it.

Come check it out and don't hesitate to tell us how we can improve.

Opening Day

Tomorrow is the big day. Sunday. August 31st. 2008. Sawasdee Danvers is cooking Thai. I can't believe it is here. I know this won't be read by many but I will put it out there anyway. I have some current photos so take a look.

July 8, 2008

No new photos today. I will have some soon though. In the coming week the dining room floor will be complete, the furniture and tables will be installed, the bar will be installed, the kitchen exhaust system and appliances will be installed and the kitchen floor tiled. Then we can get the finish work done in the dining room.

As this is all going on our external grease trap and the new sewer lin to the building is being installed. Then they will be able to pave the back parking lot. Then the sidewalk will be rebuilt out front.

The back lit restaurant sign will be installed next week.

So once things move along a little bit further I will post some new phoos.

Sawasde Danvers July

So it is now July. Foolishly we once thought July 1st would be our opening date. Oh well. Now we have moved on to August 1st. We should have all of our construction completed by mid-July. The inspections etc. should take a week or two so we will aim for early August for our opening. I have a few new pictures to post. The one to the left is of the external grease trap. They set that 10' in the ground. As of July 2nd we have painted the dining room, the HVAC is fully installed and operational and part of the bar has been installed. The bamboo wood floor goes in tomorrow. Then we will install the dining room furniture. Next comes the kitchen. That will take a couple of weeks. Anyway, things are progressing. Hope to see you all at the restaurant soon!

May 2008

Hello all. Come check out my blog. Not much yet, but I will try to add some more as we move along in the building process.

Sawasdee Danvers May 2008

I want to post some new photos from the restaurant. I wish I had time to keep this blog updated but unfortunately my full time job + getting the restaurant built is taking all of my time. The sheet rock is almost done. The HVAC system is mostly installed. The rough electric and plumbing is complete and inspected. The windows and doors are in. Soon we will begin the installation of the external grease trap and the kitchen exhaust system. Also, the ceiling should be painted soon. We still plan on opening in July, but not as early on in the month as we had hoped. We still have to lay the floor, paint the walls, install lights, a bar, furniture, kitchen appliances and more. CRAZY!