Shared kitchen offers business opportunities
Published on Wed, Nov 4, 2009 by Beckye RandallRead More Business
Sometimes necessity really is the mother of invention-or at least collaboration.
A few months ago, Jim and Victoria Mattson announced they would be closing their "take and bake" business, Let's Dish!, which had been located in a retail spot at 116th Street NE. Citing the steep economic downturn and resulting decline in revenues, the Mattsons simply couldn't justify the cost of a retail location and commercial kitchen.
Rather than give up on the idea of providing nutritious ready-to-cook meals for their long-time customers, the couple approached another local business, Pacific Rim Supper Club and Ballroom, about the possibility of using the facility's commercial kitchen during hours when the restaurant isn't in operation. Pacific Rim owner Cindy Langmas saw the potential benefits of the arrangement and enthusiastically agreed.
"Many small businesses are struggling to survive in the midst of the deepest economic recession in some time," said Victoria Mattson. "We're excited to find a way to continue providing nutritious and tasty meals for our customers by sharing a facility with Pacific Rim."
The process of ordering meals through Let's Dish! has changed slightly with its new location. Instead of customers dropping in to choose and prepare their own meals, menu choices can be made online at www.letsdish.com, and the meals are prepared and ready for delivery or pickup at Pacific Rim. At home, the meals are frozen or refrigerated until ready to cook.
The new supper club restaurant has faced its own struggles since opening in early spring of this year. The concept of an elegant dining atmosphere that features quality live entertainment is a tough sell when many families are cutting back on discretionary entertainment costs. Restaurateurs Cindy and Mark Langmas are also owners of the successful A Moveable Feast Catering, but they found the transition to the full-service restaurant, banquet facility and entertainment venue to be a bigger challenge than anticipated.
Pacific Rim's offerings have evolved with experience, including a new menu that now features mostly seafood, steaks and pasta at prices from $9 to $23. The restaurant's diverse entertainment lineup includes live music, dinner theatre, line dancing, karaoke contests and even live wrestling matches.
Beginning November 14, Pacific Rim will showcase owner Cindy Langmas's considerable vocal talents as she and the Mike Wright Band perform blues and swing standards every Saturday.
To find out more about the unique restaurant and entertainment club, visit www.pacificrimsupperclub.com.
A few months ago, Jim and Victoria Mattson announced they would be closing their "take and bake" business, Let's Dish!, which had been located in a retail spot at 116th Street NE. Citing the steep economic downturn and resulting decline in revenues, the Mattsons simply couldn't justify the cost of a retail location and commercial kitchen.
Rather than give up on the idea of providing nutritious ready-to-cook meals for their long-time customers, the couple approached another local business, Pacific Rim Supper Club and Ballroom, about the possibility of using the facility's commercial kitchen during hours when the restaurant isn't in operation. Pacific Rim owner Cindy Langmas saw the potential benefits of the arrangement and enthusiastically agreed.
"Many small businesses are struggling to survive in the midst of the deepest economic recession in some time," said Victoria Mattson. "We're excited to find a way to continue providing nutritious and tasty meals for our customers by sharing a facility with Pacific Rim."
The process of ordering meals through Let's Dish! has changed slightly with its new location. Instead of customers dropping in to choose and prepare their own meals, menu choices can be made online at www.letsdish.com, and the meals are prepared and ready for delivery or pickup at Pacific Rim. At home, the meals are frozen or refrigerated until ready to cook.
The new supper club restaurant has faced its own struggles since opening in early spring of this year. The concept of an elegant dining atmosphere that features quality live entertainment is a tough sell when many families are cutting back on discretionary entertainment costs. Restaurateurs Cindy and Mark Langmas are also owners of the successful A Moveable Feast Catering, but they found the transition to the full-service restaurant, banquet facility and entertainment venue to be a bigger challenge than anticipated.
Pacific Rim's offerings have evolved with experience, including a new menu that now features mostly seafood, steaks and pasta at prices from $9 to $23. The restaurant's diverse entertainment lineup includes live music, dinner theatre, line dancing, karaoke contests and even live wrestling matches.
Beginning November 14, Pacific Rim will showcase owner Cindy Langmas's considerable vocal talents as she and the Mike Wright Band perform blues and swing standards every Saturday.
To find out more about the unique restaurant and entertainment club, visit www.pacificrimsupperclub.com.
