The Great Sand Fracas of Ames County: A Novel

30. Supper Club Remodeling

119 Supper Club Remodeling 30 Marilyn Jones had been thinking about making substantial changes to the Link Lake Supper Club. Their schedule of being open from eleven in the morning until late in the evening had been in place for as long as Marilyn had owned the supper club. Everyone had become comfortable with the schedule and it was working well. But when Marilyn saw all the new people in town for the Fourth of July celebration and she noticed the steadily increased use of the bike trail on the former Chicago and Northwestern Railroad right of way, she began thinking. She wondered if she was missing a bunch of business from people who were not likely to stick around for a good meal and the view of the lake, but merely wanted to stop for a cup of coffee, a fruit smoothie, a protein bar, or perhaps some pastry before they continued on their way along the bike trail. When she heard that the Eat Well Café had added free Wi-Fi and it was attracting an increasing number of bike riders, she made up her mind. She called a meeting of her chef, Jonathon Frederick, and her waitresses. “You all know how much I appreciate your hard work and dedication to the Link Lake Supper Club. We are doing well, but we can do better. I’ve got some ideas for some changes, as everyone in business says, ‘Unless you keep up with the times, you go backward.’ We’ve been fortunate, especially since the recession, to increase our business a little. But I have an idea that will increase our business a lot and at the same time bring us up to date with the world.” Jonathon wondered what she was talking about. She hadn’t mentioned any big changes to him and he was the one responsible for planning and preparing the food for many years. 120 Supper Club Remodeling “I believe all of you are well aware of the number of bicyclists that pedal through Link Lake every spring, summer, and fall on the bike path. That number is increasing. These folks are a market we are missing. The number of tourists coming to Link Lake has been on the increase as well— most of these folks are from the cities, where what I am suggesting is common to them. I propose we remodel part of our dining room into a coffee bar that opens at nine in the morning and is open all day, where we serve coffee, a limited selection of fresh-made pastries, and offer free Wi-Fi. That’s what folks want these days. Some coffee, a little food, and a chance to check e-mail and send messages.” “So some of us are going to work longer hours,” said Jonathon, appearing not at all happy with what he was hearing. “And I will make sure that everyone who works longer hours is properly compensated.” “If I could ask,” began Jonathon, “are we doing this because the Eat Well now has free Wi-Fi and the bikers are stopping there?” “That’s partly it. The Eat Well is really not our competition, but they surely are attracting a lot of bike riders since they began offering free Wi-Fi.” “Well,” continued Jonathon, beginning to bristle, “I’m opposed to the idea. If we include a coffee bar with Wi-Fi, we will destroy our image as a first-class supper club with a long history and a great view.” “Our history and view won’t change,” said Marilyn, a bit taken aback by her chef’s comment. “But our reputation will. And a good restaurant’s reputation is the most valuable thing it has,” huffed Jonathon. “Perhaps,” said Marilyn, “but we still must try to keep up with the times.” The waitstaff sat watching and listening to the exchange, not thinking it wise to express their opinions one way or another as they had to get along with both Jonathon and with Marilyn—and this discussion was shaping up as a battle between two strong personalities. “I want you all to think about this for a few days and let me know your reactions. I’d like to start the remodeling right away so we can capture 121 Supper Club Remodeling some of the late summer and fall bikers traveling through town,” said Marilyn. “I’ll give you my...