Back in 2012, I spent months walking up and down Phila street. What was a bustling breakfast cafe known as Beverly’s for 19 years, was now sitting vacant, just a shell of the promise of a dream. I spent months wondering what it would be for me to finally make my long time dream come true, and open a cafe in this space. My children, just 10, 12 and 14 at the time, were all in. “Mom, you have to do this.” Having had several small businesses throughout their young lives, this seemed the most daunting. Could I really step away from my flexible schedule as a part-time caterer and be all in, because I knew that’s what it would take to make it a reality – all in. Charlie, then 10, walked with me before school one morning. We peeked in the windows for what seemed the 100th time, then continued to walk up to Caroline Street School. Charlie turned to me and said, “Mom, promise me you will figure this out by the time I get off the bus today. If you don’t you will kick yourself when someone else moves into this space.” Well, it took a bit more time then his 8 hour school day, but with the full support and encouragement of my children I was on the right path and I began to “figure it out”.
The children were with me around the kitchen table at every step of the laborious process. They were with me when I returned home from a day trip to Manhattan which was an important day for me in the process. I went to sample what is deemed “the best” pancakes in NYC at Clinton Street Baking Company in lower Manhattan. I wanted to fully experience being in their dining room, sampling their menu and watching the staff flow through the dining room like a well practiced ballet. Could I do this? And importantly, did I want to do this? I made the decision on the train ride home that I was all in, but only if the kids were with me. They were with me at the dinner table when it was time to sign the lease, and they were with me when we brainstormed on what we would put on our original menu. They were with me when I was handed the keys and held a demolition party for all the friends and neighbors who were excited for our mission – to bring the very best breakfast cafe to Saratoga Springs, New York. On opening day, Charlie, then 11, asked if he could please stay home from school to help me. It occurred to me I didn’t have a dishwasher and was delighted to have him there to open the doors with me. Charlie didn’t realize that day how he had changed my life, and how this would change his. I truly don’t know how we survived those first few months.
Every step of the way, every turn, every obstacle, our dinner table was the place we worked it out, and Max, Mimi and Charlie offered nothing but encouragement – “You can do this Mom.”
On Mother’s Day particularly, I think of my Mother, and her Mother and the obstacles and challenges they faced throughout their difficult lives; my grandmother survived the depression with 5 mouths to feed at her dinner table. My mother dealt with the tragic death of my father when only 32 with three small children. If they could do all that they did to not only survive, but thrive given such difficult circumstances, I certainly could do this one thing….pursue my dream. This mission was not just for me, but to carry on the tradition of being a strong role model for my children… and their children.
I am so busy working and planning, it is rare that I stop to really thank my children for their role in the pursuit of my dream. I also tend to put off thanking my supportive husband who has spent many of his day’s “off” from his work, involved in my work – rolling silverware, making a Price Chipper run for the asparagus that wasn’t delivered, or any of the “oh no – could you please….” Over the years, when the children were home and younger, he would rally them on Mother’s Day to bring flowers to the cafe and offer a supportive hug and much needed pat on the back. Sweet Mimi’s could not exist or thrive as it does without Eddie, Max, Mimi & Charlie. Without them, on this Mother’s Day, I would still be talking about 
the dream – still sketching it, and planning menus for “someday.” It is because of them, that I get to live this life – it is not easy, but it is most certainly prideful, and brings me such joy. Mostly it has enriched our family in ways we couldn’t have realized that day in September when Charlie walked by an empty store front.
So on this Mother’s Day, although disappointed I won’t be able to travel to have coffee with my Mother, or share a meal with any of my three children now living across the U.S. – I am delighted that I will head to my cafe, open the doors and share the day working along side some of the strongest women, and Mom’s I know. We will work together to greet each Mom who comes to us expecting greatness. One of the surprises of owning Sweet Mimi’s Cafe & Bakery is all of you – my devoted customers, fans and staff. I’ve learned about you and your families over time and have befriended many of you. You are an extension of my family and it will be my pleasure to spend my day making each of you the best brunch and offer you a place at our table.
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