How to Open a Restaurant 101
Hey Dishers, I’d like to introduce you to our newest guest blogger. Her name is Gina Campisi. You’ve had her family’s pizza and soon, if she manages to maintain her sanity, you will be able to meet Gina in person at her soon-to-open restaurant, Fedora, at One Arts Plaza. I asked Gina to give us some insight into what it takes to get a new restaurant open these days. She’s young (25), cute, funny, and she swears. So grab a bag of candy and take a break. Here’s Gina:
PERMIT ME TO HAVE A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
By Gina Campisi
Permits. There is simply no way to open—or even think about opening–a restaurant, roadside hotdog shack, or, at this point, a lemonade stand without numerous applications, searching for obscure offices in basements of dank, armpit-smelling buildings, obtaining signatures from all forms of officious officials, and all in the name of permitting.
The first step is to obtain the “Retail Food Operations and Retail Food Establishment Permit”, which is a simple click away online….after answering such heady questions as, “Will the business sell aquatic products for consumption, bait, and/or Texas Finfish?” and “What’s the capital of Rhode Island,” you begin to think that you are almost to the end of the line, only to find out that you are not tall enough to ride the ride. And I know I am now beginning to get a taste of the miasma of bulls**t that a proud restaurant owner must swallow. And it tastes a lot like Finfish. Texas Finfish.
Next step, the TABC. That would be the TEXAS ALCOHOL and BEVERAGE COMMISSION. Sounds like someone you want to party with, right? Hmmm, Alcohol and Beverages! I’ll bring the mix tapes, you bring the guys from the TABC!
My partner and I go down to the office and pick up the “application” with her assurances that “we don’t need to spend the money on having someone filling this out for us.” Cue the unicorns and rainbows! It’s all going to be great! And we save money!
Well, 10 hours later, and 30,000 questions to bored and pissed secretary in the TABC office later, we got through the first 10 pages of the application of biblical proportions. Next, we are off what I think was the State Comptrollers office for signatures. And then, off to the City Secretary/Building Inspectors office for more signatures and a document that is beginning to look like the head cheerleaders high school yearbook at this point.
There is just one thing we figured out after they laughed at us at our last stop: You can’t get all those signatures until you have received a builders permit for your location. And apparently, we didn’t have that yet. Hell, the only thing we had at this point were a few cocktail napkins with some doodles of walls and tables, and what looked to be a meatball stain.
A quick phone call to the designer and architect rights this wrong immediately. Two weeks later we are still waiting. Another quick phone call to the designer and architect. Three weeks later we are still waiting.
Finally, plans in hand, albeit stained with tears, we get the signatures we need, Which then allowed us to get the signatures we need from the inspectors office.
And now, we have everything we need to Turn. In.Our. Application.
WRONG.
It was sent back.
We filled it out INCORRECTLY.
So what did I do? I hired someone to fix it. Yep, it took me a whole month to figure out we should have spent the money and hired someone to help us from the very beginning. Oh, and by the way, if you hire someone they do all the running around and obtain the signatures for you! Look at me! I’m cleaning my oven, arguing with contractors, and having my TABC application done at the same time! Moral of the story is I must be nuts to be opening a restaurant, or even a lemonade stand for that matter.
Update: Austin office returned the application again. Apparently, I put my fathers’ nickname, Corky, on the app instead of his real name Carlo. They are wondering who this Corky is, and why he is on the application. I am still wondering why I want to open a restaurant.
To be continued…
91 Comments to “How to Open a Restaurant 101”
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Sorry for your pain…loved this story! I used to do liquor licensing and health permits for clients at a lawfirm I worked out. I’ve been to the dreaded TABC, zoning in Oak Cliff, the Comptroller’s office, etc; I feel for you. And yes, you better fill out completely, 100% accurately everything on the liquor app, or it will be kicked back. Also, WARNING: You will need to keep track of when you filed the app. When I did this, there was a time frame when the app. would be returned because it was “out of date” before it was reviewed and approved, but the TABC does not have any controls in place to keep track of that deadline. You might also need a certificate of occupancy.
Regulators read web blogs just like everyone else. It never pays to criticize people you are going to have to work and live with in the future.
FYI: if anyone is looking to open a restaurant or bar and needs an attorney to handle the TABC application, I’ve got a great one who does it pretty cheaply, in the grand scheme of things. Put it this way…paying him is worth saving yourself the constant headaches and stress.
Cheers to you for being so hands-on, even if it is a pain. It will be worth it in the end (you’ll appreciate it that much more).
Can’t wait to see the finished product!
This is precisely why amateurs shouldn’t open restaurants. There are enough great ones out there struggling to make it. It’s not enough to be a good cook, have a great sense of style and a well-known last name.
she’s hardly an amateur. maybe at opening a place, but certainly not operating one.
So, what does it cost to hire an attorney to fill out the forms for you?
Going to the Dallas offices of the TABC reminds me of the Tom Hanks’ movie “Joe vs. the Volcano”, it’s grim, dim, and no one is happy.
Needless to say with this environment, they attract the very best in personnel.
If you’re already skimping on paying somebody to fill out the forms correctly, I bet you’ll be skimping on portions and ingredients too. Any business person knows that time is money, and you wasted a bunch of time in the interest of trying to save money. Your inexperience already shows and if you ever do hang your shingle, it won’t be long before it reads CLOSED. But good luck to ya.
Restaurant advice coming from a someone named “Moose Knuckle Suckles”.
Sigh….
Gina keep going - I hope it works out. We can all relate to the hours of governmental form filling in part of our lives. Alot of people don’t even have the guts to open a restaurant. I am one of them… just seems daunting.
Just remember its all about the experience of dining. Right down to the weight of the door and how it opens for the patrons.
Moose Knuckle Suckles, if you heard some of the stories about the mistakes made by already successful restaurant owners, you would not rush to judgment so fast. That’s why I am inviting these people in the industry to talk about the behind the scenes events that go on. And why some succeed and some fail. Carry on.
Gina, don’t mind the a holes on here! Some people live such pathetic downtrodden lives they have nothing better to do than criticize others… Keep doing what you’re doing and best of luck! Love the One Arts Plaza, so me and some friends will pay a visit when you open!
Depending on which attorney or legal firm is used to handle the TABC application, the average cost is $15K. That covers all expenses, fees to TABC, etc. It comes down to which firm, who does the work (1 attorney plus paralegals?), and how much is involved with your application.
Seems like a lot, but this is over a few months, not just a one time drop in the bucket. So cash flow impacts shouldn’t be too scary.
I’m impressed Gina! We’re the same age and your amition puts mine to shame
Best of luck with the restaurant.
When I opened my restaurant 4 yrs ago my liquor license (full F&B and Bar)it cost around $6k. We seat 150. It is worth it to use someone to fill out the paperwork, but you don’t need an attorney, there are plenty of qualified ex-tabc employees that know the ropes and get it thru quickly (mine took 5 weeks) Hire someone to deal with all that and concentrate on menu, look and staff. That is what you should be always looking at.
what the heck is a Restautant?
“How to Open a Restautant 101″
Is this the gal that was in playboy? I’m there!!
Great environment to be opening a new restaurant! Just because your parents have a clue doesn’t mean their offspring do. When considering that one sibling is a glorified stripper (but the shots were tastefully done…) it doesn’t surprise me that the other one is having problems. I’ve never opened a restaurant, nor do I care to, but if you don’t care enough to make sure all the paperwork is in order for your business to even get off the ground, I have major reservations (opposite of a pun) that the rest of this venture will fail miserably. Talk to your sis about opening a bar called Cans. Charlotte, NC already has a bar by the name that maybe you could franchise in Big D. That’s the only way I see you making money without waiting for your lucky sperm donation to take full force.
Nancy,
Instead of plugging a novice riding on coattails of her family, why not ask one of the many owners who’ve had to close up shop recently to document their ordeal. If you could find one willing, I’m sure it would be much more compelling and offer greater storylines. To hear some spoon-fed BROAD (to steal a term from you) complain about the hassles of rules and regulations, I think there are much more telling stories about the workers who are losing their jobs because other restaurants (like Gina’s will soon be) are closing. Ah nevermind, Wick would never do a story to highlight the plight of the working lower class.
Oh, just in case IP addresses are traced for use of screen names, yes I’m using the same computer as MIssing Dots who posted just above me but we are different people. I know how Wick feels about people using different names and I didn’t want to be lumped into that same category.
Good story and interesting to hear about all that’s involved. Keep stuff like this coming.
I root for anyone with the guts to open a restaurant in Dallas. I wish you the best and hope the you’re successful.
Why all the negativity? Good lord. There are a bunch of people on this post who need a nap.
Mean people suck.
Here you go. All the advantages and benefits of a state job and you get to listen to frustrated applicants gripe at you all day for $2500/month. That’s if you have a degree and a year’s experience.
http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/jo.....80651.html. When you talk to them try to realize they they didn’t write the regulations. If anyone knows the process is a pain in the ass, its them.
The late great Allen Damron had a story where he had a visit from a TABC agent regarding a gun issue. After the agent ID’d himself, Allen said, Pleased to meet you. I use all your products.
umm…1st of all this chick is not the same on from playboy i think she is the sister. FYI they are all fat and ugly except for the blonde one. And i would not spend my money in some unknown place like that. Just my advice.
Wow, how many douchebags can post on one story. Let me count them:
- Chris
- Glow For Show
- Missing Dots
- Moose Knuckle Suckles
- DGirl
What a bunch of immature tools. Gina, keep up the tough work and best of luck with the new restaurant. I’m sure it’ll be a huge success!
Honestly, people! Gina has a sense of humor, which will help alot through all the trials and tribulations of opening a new business. And she’s brave to put it all out there so that mean people can take a whack at her. Cheers, Gina!
Hey Gina, I love your writing style and moxy. The paperwork of running a restaurant is in fact the reason many of us fail and those who have read your post would do well to pay close attention to what you’ve said. Fair warning: it never lets up and you can’t afford to get behind. Do your withholding and pay your taxes, get your I9’s properly filled out and just wait for the day that the representative from BMI and ASCAP dines with you and then presents you with a never ending bill for the music coming over your sound system.
To those who hate Gina because her family has been successful in the restaurant business in the past let me assure you it’s a lot easier to squander your life’s advantages than it is to work with them. What would you have her do in life - nothing? That’s all too common among those who inherit - it’s her work ethic that sets her apart and might give her a shot at success, not her parentage. Regardless, succeeding in the restaurant business is tough no matter who your parents are and Gina’s sense of adventure, humor, candor, energy and generous nature are her true advantages going into the business. Good luck Gina!
Hang in there Gina (the sensible Campisi Sister)! Some of us with roots in Crowell are pulling for you. I’m looking forward to patronizing Fedora and hope it’s a success.
Hey Gina,
You know we are family and I will say all you need is to add some flavor to seal the deal. And to all you a$$wholes/cowards that are attacking through email you all must dont know that Gina can kick a$$ and all that she cant SMASH she has some sisters such as myself that dont mind bringing it! Gina you concentrate on getting the business up and running and leave the rest up to me. I will be the sister on the front door.
Gina, mia bella sorella di ristorante di bambino. Greg Williams, Restaurant CFO Partners. Veloce.
Welcome to the Dallas restaurant scene, best of luck.
wow…lotta haters for somebody just trying to open a business. good luck, please let us hear from you again before you open.
Momma Sevy - gratuitous Hammer reference? OMG
Dear Some Free Advice,
Oh, and you think their service could get any worse?
Dear Gina,
I wish you the best. Ignore that haters. Our economy is kept afloat by small business people like yourself who are willing to work hard and find success.
Whether we love you or hate you it doesn’t really matter because i guarantee every person that commented on this will come to your opening if its to see you succeed or fail, we’ll all be there and thats what you need!!
The description of the licensing experience sounds about right. I am an attorney that does this daily for restaurant clients so I’m used to the headache.
ok theres a reason they cropped her picture.
Gina…what a chub, like we said before, your so over budget you and your soon to be ex-boyfriend are selling your souls. Your right, why are you doing this? Your family’s places are so old and tired and the food is pure garbage…Good Luck in Bankruptcy Court.
I’ll be buying your equipment for .05 cents on the dollar..
OK im sure Max and Julie u dont know her or her boyfriend so u should keep your mouth shut! And if the food is such garbage y r there so many successful locations? 65 yrs in the business sure screams garbage to me. U too probably dont even have to pennies 2 rube together. Perfact example of jealous scum! If u have any more degrading remarks u can address them with me or my lawyer because your 4th grade education does’nt mean **** to the educated world.
Love Liz
well gina, i know its an uphill battle with all the b/s paperwork you have to do. believe me i deal with paperwork/rules and regulations everyday. i wish you nothing but the best and hope Fedora is nothing but a glorious success. for everyone putting her down b/c she has a family that supports her and is able to help her out, grow up. just because you dont have the means or the gumption to go out on a limb, especially @ the age of 25 mind you, and shoot for your dream doesn’t give you the right to dog someone that does/is. gina, im more than happy for you and what you are trying to accomplish and i’ll be the first one in the door to congratulate you on the success you WILL have with Fedora.
all the best
heath and steph
I have this feeling that Max and Julie are a couple of morbidly obese people who think CiCi’s buffet is the greatest and often times can be seen eating directly from the buffet line. Sounds like they are just upset that Campisi’s doesn’t have a buffet.
What ****** “Max and Julie” must be. A quick google says they’re nobody. Right on Gina for having the cojones to start a business! What a shame it would be if you DIDN’T take advantage of your family’s great food heritage! All you bitter others who resent Gina’s resourcefulness need to watch and learn. I haven’t seen many other young restaurateurs score a blog on Frontburner! Can’t wait to raise a glass at Fedora. Greg
Ok..I’m with Elizabeth about Max and Julie! Really..what kind of people are you? Don’t talk down on somebody simply because their trying to pursue their goals and full-fill their life long dream! And soon to be ex boyfriend??? LOL…you people are funny! If you have nothing better to do than sit and be-little people and try and cause drama GOOD LUCK!! What a sad life…on the other hand-YEA GINA!!!! I can’t wait to be at the opening of Fedora!!!!
Love Christin
We’re Really Fat!!! lol..You people are funny and comical. Great though, you defending this chub. And the threat with the lawyer, good one liz, what is “rube” btw. Seems you need to be educated, you clown.
We are actually now done. You will all kiss Gina’s blow h-ole, when she opens to get a free meal. It’s obvious to us..Wait til you all read the reviews, then……we’ll see..
Ciao Hound For Now,
Julie
Max and Julie,
Put down the Swanson’s turkey pot pie. Close your bag of Fungyuns. Now, step out of your doublewide and look out into Dallas. It is a town made by risk takers — people with the balls to work hard and succeed. Hopefully, some day soon, you can work hard enough to get promoted past door greeter at Wal Mart.
wow..such hostility! We all know the odds are against any restaurant’s survival. But BRAVO to the brave souls that take on the risk. Without it we would have nothing but pseudo-French fare, BBQ and deep-fried Southern cookin. Good luck, Fedora!
yepp ugly and fat.
I have seen this cow out in public and if her behavior is any indication of how the food is going to taste be prepared for Budweiser and ciggie ash in your lasagna.
Max & Julie Lonnetel -
your - possessive of you
you’re - contraction or combination of the words you and are
Let’s learn the difference BEFORE we post next time.
Example of YOUR - Your grammar is atrocious. (that means terrible)
Example of YOU’RE - You’re a jerk. (that is a contraction of you are a jerk)
Have a nice weekend.
To the Lonntels -
I apologize that I mispelled your name.
I used the word your correctly in the preceding sentence. (that means the sentence before this one).
Holy S! Trying to get a word in edge-wise around all the sh!t talking requires gymnast-esque moves. I say, if you have a restaurant, have had a restaurant, or are considering opening a restaurant, your sage advice and wisdom is undoubtedly welcomed.
However, if you’re, say, some IT guy or cubicle monkey bored at work with time to kill, my advice: don’t try to be cute and coy and hide behind some nickname and snicker when you see people respond to your trite, and let’s face it, tired drivel. Head’s up, they’re not laughing with you, they’re laughing at you.
Gina, I am so proud of you girl. You are truly an amazing woman for having the courage to go after your dream. Remember, you have a ton of people out there who love and support you, so don’t worry about the negative ones. It’s astonishing the number of people who seem to grow a set of nuts when they’re sitting at their computers!! If the worst someone can do is make “anonymous” comments about you, then you’re doing pretty damn good ;D Best of luck with everything sweetie.
“Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.”
~ Leon J. Suenes
This article is a waste of time; just like any endeavor a Campisi daughter pursues sans nudity.
Gina,
As you well know, there are so many a-holes that are jealous and/or ignorant to the real truth. Ignore them and keep focused on what you want. Fear of failure never accomplished great things. The haters on here wont have the $$$$ to eat at your great place…. They all are Sonic diners…
Love ya and best of luck.
Look nobody cares people. Only people obsessed with food and other restaurant owners such as my self go on this thing. Just because some one is a bit over weight and not as attractive as other women does not mean that they can’t make it in the restaurant industry. Actually most of the attractive people who own restaurants fail. Because they let their ego get in the way. So Gina go with it. Don’t let all these haters get to you. Trust me I know. I may be over weight but I have one of the most successful business around because I don’t spend my time at the plastic surgeon’s office or at the beauty saloon doest not mean that I am not successful. I just choose to work on my company rather then worry about superficial stuff. But at least I know that when I am old and may be over weight I can afford to hire people to take care of me. So just keep going. Don’t let your dream die just because people say your are fat or unattractive. That has nothing to do with it. Your looks are not what keeps a business a float. It’s all about connections and concentrating on what you do. That’s all. I would suggest don’t put any attention to your self only promote your business. Stay in the shadows. If you don’t that’s when everything will start falling apart. Trust me. Been there, done that. And remember you may not be pretty or thin but at least you have gumption and ambition and that is what all that matters in the end.
PS BIG IS BEAUTIFUL
One thing about U is that U are alot like me and U stand tall, look good, and make your point. I personally cannot wait until I have the chance to sit down and enjoy the atomsphere, ambience, and great food that your restaurant will produce.
You are an amazing person and I will be first in line to taste, relax, and absorb the tradition that encompasses your establishment.
Corky or Carlos U are still a friend of Mind!
Love YOU AND JOHN
KEEFER
To Chris, Max, Julie,…Obviously you don’t know Gina at all. She is a beautiful woman and is anything but fat. I would love to see what the three of you look like. I can only imagine. Most people that talk like you do it for one reason…..jealousy. None of you sound like you have any ambition at all other than to sit on your computer and talk bad about someone you really don’t know. A person who aims at “nothing” is sure to hit it. Gina, unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow. And that’s exactly what you are doing and I think it is wonderful. I am behind you all the way. Don’t listen to these nobody people. Kharma will take care of them. I love you!
Gina,
I can’t believe how ridiculous these people on here are!! I have never laughed so hard at stupid comments!! There is no doubt that your restaurant will do awesome!! The comments about you being fat and ugly are blowing me away..That is so untrue and so far out there…It is just pure jealousy..You are so smart and beautiful and I am really proud of what your are doing..It is NOT EASY…
Lots of Love..See ya on opening night.
Your cuz Tiff
I love reading how any person with a brain and the balls to open a business works with all the things thrown her way. It is tough to open any business and if she has the courage then I say GO GIRL! I don’t care who her parents or siblings are. That is not who she is. If the only thing you have to say about this article is a 5th grade up down then maybe you need to think about your life and why you feel it is important to try and hurt someone elses feelings. Do you feel better by putting someone else down? Well then more power to you. Have a nice day!
Gina you are amazing and I know that these LOSERS are not going to keep you down. They are complete A$$HOLES!!! And I wish one of those fat pigs would show thier faces at Campisi’s and we can show them how the Campisi family handles things. And as for talking Sh*t About Amber, get a life this article isnt even about her. The only put down you have is to correct peoples gramar on here so… hear iz 2 u LOzERZ LEAVE GINA ALONE… and go do something with you life instead of knocking others down. LOVE YOU CUZ- ANGELA
AND YOU LOOK PHENOMINAL IN THIS PICTURE I LOVE YOU GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CANT WAIT FOR OPENING NIGHT!! AND IF THESE JERKS CALL YOU FAT THEY SHOULD SEE ME HAHA
First: Sincere best wishes to you, Gina.
Then: Thanks, Schoolhouse Rock. You took the words right outta my mouth. The Lonnetels grammar was driving me nuts!
Next: Lonnetels-
Outta - slang contraction of the words out and of.
Last: Laura K- You told Gina to keep her dream alive… even if she IS fat and ugly. I’m going to have to put that one in the “Thank you… I think” category.
Man, reading the posts here is better than watching Springer.
P.S.
Angela, Shhhhhh! You were SUPPOSED to keep that whole “how the Campisi family handles things” on the DL. You don’t want to end up in Lake Ray Hubbard wearing your OWN shiny new pair of cement UGGS.
Oh, come on!! I KID the Campisi’s. I’m just kidding. Really I am.
Gina–
Keep your chin up you are doing a great thing and I know that Fedora will be a smash hit!! I would say you are the most successful person out of our class.
For those of you who do not know Gina personally I think you should really keep all the bad sh**t you keep saying off of this blog. I have known Gina since we were in the 6th grade when she moved over to Crowell and we graduated together. You people have no idea how driven this young lady is, and what an inspiration she has been not only to me but numerous people within the city. So before you start knocking on her and her family, I suggest that you might want to try and get to know her. Bc she is such an amazing person and has been through a lot that most of us will never have to go through. She has been such a remarkable asset and I am glad to have her as a friend and cannot wait to see the continued success of Fedora.
Gina,
Keep up the great work and ignore the rude comments of others. I admire the fact that you are trying to do things on your own instead of taking the easy way out and hiring someone. So this time it didn’t work. So what….you learned a lot. We love you and can’t wait for the doors to open!!!
Love it Gina. Maybe you missed your calling. Good luck with everything, can’t wait to check the place out!
Gina, bambino. Hang in there and remember to only take cash for 20+ years like Daddy Corky did. That way, you do not have to worry about paperwork after you open and you can retire to Majorca with my son Vito by the age of 30.
Why is everyone getting their XXXL panties in a knot?
Gina i love you to death for being so bold as to take the ignorance of others….some people fail to realize that you are working so hard to create a honest living and jobs for others….wish you the best of luck!
I have never met this girl Gina, but man I would love to shake her hand one day. What an accomplishment to be 25 open up a bar and restaurant, go against all the odds, have to live up to a family tradition, and still keep your head up high and strive on. Not many people can say that they have done what she has already and even after all the criticism, hateful words, and even low blows-she keeps truckin and showing herself not through her keyboard, but through the place everyone will be going to in September. Way to go, you should be proud!!
i’ve been waiting a week now to read another installment….come one now!!
Gina: You will always be my beautiful grandaughter .. inside and out! I am proud of the way you have lived your life and have risen above the adversities that go with it. Jealousy is the Devil’s handwork, but the way to treat those jealous people who obviously have no morals, no heart, and very little education (or they would be spending their time doing something constructive rather than insulting people who have more ambition and drive than they!) is to ignore them. They are not worth your time or attention. Keep your head up and your family first! And with God’s help (and we all need that) Fedora’s will be another Dallas success. My thoughts and prayuers are with you every day, honey! (But, please-please clean up your language. It doesn’t become you!) Love, Grandma J
Gina–Keep your head up girl. Ever since Heath first introduced me to you, I have done nothing but admired you. You are a beautiful person with such great confidence. The people that criticize you either don’t know you or are extremely jealous of the things you are accomplishing at such a young age. And anyone that calls you fat obviously hasn’t seen you in person (or in a picture for that matter) because you look phenomenal. Although, this is about your restaurant and not your physical appearance. You will do fabulous. There is no doubt you will be successful no matter what you do. Kudos and cheers when Fedora opens. Can’t wait to come visit.
Way to go Gina! To all the ones that have nothing to talk about but the Campisi sisters being fat and ugly(which is completely irrelevant as far as what type blogs this site is meant for) and Gina’s inexperience…(1) get your eyes checked…(2) **** off!
Obviously your drawn to make such vicious remarks for a reason and I’m pretty sure it’s not b/c your so knowledgeable in the restaurant business yourself….or of the Campisi family for that matter. Correct me if I’m wrong but I think thats called jealousy. How sad for you that you can’t be happy for someone actually making it b/c you cant get past your own disappointment of your pathetic lives….
Kick A$$ Gina! The ones that matter are behind you 100%….To everyone else….We’ll wave at you from the VIP room.
Cant wait til she’s up and running!
Casey
Dd. Note:
NEW INSTALLMENT IS ON THE WAY.
Nancy
You’re doing such a great job! I can hardly wait for it open. I think it is going to be a huge success! You are so young and accomplished…I can only imagine what the future holds for you. I know I don’t have to say this to you, but hang in there and stay positive. I’ve been running a private campaign for Fedora, so keep me posted. Cheers, Good Luck and Much Love, Della
Hey Let her Alone she’s an Italian and Italians can take care of themselves…However, Why would you have a former Monster Energy drink Sales Rep and Rockstar guitar squeeling mohawk wearing guy as your Chef even if he is CIA…hmmm. You Should of hired David McMillian.
Why are you guys turning this into such a mess? She is blogging about opening her own restaurant and obviously alot of you have nothing to do but to TRY and knock someone down just cause you obviously have no self esteem. whatever.
great job Gina!!
I have met Gina once and I think she has it together. She is 25 and opening her own business….thats what I call MOTIVATION !! maybe some of you guys should get some
p.s I think Fedora is a classy rad name
xoxoxo
Brandi
I HAVE MORE MONEY THAN ALL OF YOU ADDED TOGETHER I KNOW THIS GIRL **** IS HOT
Hey pray to God it does not turn into another Tryst…I hear Tom Fleming is looking for a job…Great Bisque
To everyone who is upset about Max and Julie:
Just a little advice…who care’s what they think. Those of us who know Gina, know that if she wants it she will get it, so who cares what they say. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,so let what they said go; plus she went to Crowell High School where there is so much **** talked about you that this is nothing. This is not the first time someone has talking BS about Gina nor will it be the last…if Crowell was good for one thing it made us strong enough to deal with negative Bull**** opinions.
To Gina I know you will do great, I have nothing but faith in you. I hope God blesses you everday and may all of your dreams come true, espcially Fedora.
Gina,
I could not ask for a better neighbor at One Arts Plaza! Enjoy the ride and savor every minute of the journey. Just remember…
–Always keep the operation “fresh” (#1 problem in the restaurant industry)
–”Burn out” is the #2 problem in the industry. Protect yourself and staff
–Keep it real–everyone is a VIP
–Opening a restaurant is just the BEGINNING
(”Everyone wants to build and no-one wants to maintain”–Kurt Vonnegut) So maintain!
All the very best…your restaurant will be a SMASH HIT!! (I hate blogs..but will follow this one) Dali Wine Bar & Cellar
Gina~
Our words and thoughts have energy. For every negative word heard or read, speak 3 positive words of encouragement about your restaurant. Your restaurant Will be a success. The comments about your appearance are ridiculous. You are beautiful and perfectly proportioned. It’s irrelevant to your success. There are a lot of people who are jeaulous of you. You must be doing something right. Instead of sitting around and exploiting your inheritance and family’s tradition, you are working hard to make a name for yourself. The fact that you’re so hands on will pay off. Life is just a series of lessons learned. You will grow from this experience and become a better person along the way. Keep you head held high! P.S. I know from experience that you are kind hearted and genuine.
for the new blog….whats the deal!
DEFINITIONS:
Missing Dots - Missing something more than just dots, a life, money, friends, Maybe even missing cans of her own.
Glow for Show - Glows for support on her own people, the lower class! I’m sure you had no problem filling out that Wick form and cheating the system of trying to use a different name, since you’ve said you know how Wick feels about it! Naughty Naught! <- probably got fired from Taco Bell for not throwing the trash bags in the trash cans!
Moose Knuckle Suckles - Hm, I’m not sure if Wikipedia even has a slight clue what this is trying to say, but I have an imagination, but I’m not gonna try to get into too much details about beastiality. <- Probably job less!
Gina, good job on a great location and superb concept! I know I will be one of the many on your reservation book waiting for great food and drinks!
Always!!!
-John
Hey Gina~ After I got your email, I went searching the web for you. I know nothing about the restaurant business but you have great support from someone that does. You have always been a strong person and I know you will succeed!! Oh - and who is Carlo!? LOL!!! Miss you bunches girl! The years have past oh to quickly! Best of luck and I can’t wait to read all your updates. Hopefully I’ll see you soon!!
oh all of it
is so funny
Hey Gina can’t wait for the grand opening,
I tip my hat, excuse me my “Fedora” to you for deciding to get into the toughest business in town. You have the right personality needed to make a restaurant successful so I am looking forward to having a new hangout for a long time to come.
Gina–
Best of luck to you! Love the name!!