Well it’s been a long time since I’ve made a post! Saturday, 11/28/09, was our one year anniversary! Hard to believe. It’s been quite a roller coaster of a year. I’d like to thank everyone for coming out to help celebrate. There have been a lot of ups and downs and it’s definitely been harder than I ever thought it would be. I can’t say if there we’ll be around next year, but I guess we’ll just have to see. We’ve had some great press in the FW Star Telegram and Texas Monthly so hopefully that will help. And I really appreciate all the word of mouth!

I’m not sure how many people actually read my blogs, though I have had several people tell me that they do so I guess there are at least a few people.

Today someone told me that they found a review of the restaurant on the Observer. Well, it wasn’t a very good review, but then I also came across a lot of reviews on the Observer that weren’t pleasant. I originally called them to ask for a review and they told me they didn’t do reviews at the request of the restaurant but they collected my information and turned around and used it to solicit me to advertise with them. Which I think that if I had chosen to advertise with them that they would have given me a great review because why would you burn a bridge with an advertiser right? But that’s all speculation.

I take all criticism good or bad as constructive criticism. Even if it’s a bad, I am appreciative of it because most people care enough to tell me so I can improve.

One of my regular customers once told me that there’s no way to please everyone and if you can please 90% of people then you’re doing a great job.

I’m addressing this because I know people will read the review and won’t come and others will come regardless. I’ve been to restaurants that have had amazing reviews and was sorely disappointed by it and others who were poorly reviewed and had some of the best foods I’ve ever had. It really is a dependent on a person’s preferences and I tell that to people who come to the restaurant all the time. For example, the Santa Fe is our most popular crepe there are people who prefer the Greek or the Turkey & Cheese and I think it’s all a matter of opinion.

I’m not sure what the impact will be from this, but hopefully anyone reading this will at least give us the benefit of the doubt and try us out. :o)

Thanks to everyone who voted!

I didn’t find out about this until a few days before the voting ended so I would say that we did really well placing in the top 5! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED! I couldn’t do this without you.

http://alist.wfaa.com/winners/best-of-the-wfaa-list/4732/specialty-food-and-drink/desserts?place=5

Well, it has certainly been a long time since I have posted anything! In my personal life I had a lot of things going on, but I am hoping to devote more time in July to the restaurant. Business has been slow lately, which is part of the reason why I’ll be spending more time here, though probably in my office working on advertising ideas. But everyone tells me that it will pick up this fall, I certainly hope they’re right. I can only keep doing this until I run out of money and I’m certainly not making a dent in the debt I’ve acquired. I do have to say that this has been quite an experience and I wouldn’t want to give it up unless I had no other choice. I have met some many great people here that I never would have if I hadn’t done this.

So, be ready for some changes to come soon! We’ll be removing some of the less popular menu items. We’ll still continue rotating things out on the specials board. I’m working on doing some remodeling - depending on how quickly I can sell some of the things. Sooner rather than later I hope. I think some of the changes will be for the better. I don’t want to give it all away. It would be much better to see it once it happens.

Oh and I can’t wait until we get the logo for our front door! It’s taken a while, but I had to wait until I had the money for it and I think it’s going to look really good! I hope it comes in this week!

If you haven’t already joined our newsletter you should so you can get the emails about our promos. Plus, people on the mailing list get coupons that other people don’t get!

I’ve got some promotions I’m working on for July. On July 3rd, we’re doing 1/2 off all our dessert crepes. And I have another special treat planned for later in the month so stay tuned! That’s all I have for now until I finish ironing out the details for our advertising for the next few months.

This afternoon we finally finished assembling the tables and set out our new seating outside. You should come check it out. With the weather warming up, it’s a beautiful time to sit outside and enjoy your meal before the summer heat hits!

I can’t believe we’re into the 4th month now. Things are warming up outside and we’re seeing lots of new people who have never been to our restaurant. I guess they were hibernating in the cold!

Hopefully business will pick up. It’s been steady, but slow. I think it’s because the economy has been a crazy roller coaster ride lately. I’ve submitted my proposal to the Las Colinas Association to put some tables and chairs outside. Hopefully they’ll approve it this week. If they do then I’ll have them out by the end of the week. We’ll luckily be able to enjoy the nice weather for another month or so before it gets really HOT! But thank goodness I’ve got a nice overhang in the front to block the sun.

I’d still like to offer a crepe making class, though there hasn’t been enough interest so please let me know if you’re interested so we can have it.

And as always, thank you for those who support the restaurant in any way they can. And don’t forget to tell everyone you know about us!

We just added a catering menu! Next time you’re looking for a caterer give us a call. We’d be glad to cater your event!

http://joanofarccafe.com/catering.html

Tags: catering

It’s been a while since my last post (though that seems to be the trend), but Saturday was our 3 month anniversary! I can hardly believe it! I’m having a lot of fun doing this and couldn’t imagine doing anything else so “THANK YOU” to everyone who reads my blogs, frequents my restaurant and brings in new customers, and in any way tries to help me stick around. I couldn’t do it without you! :o)