Save Everyday Cook!

The restaurant business is tough. Even a successful place can be the victim of tight cash flow, physical limitations, and circumstances beyond management's control. The chefs at Everyday Lunch in Kerrytown are doing some of the freshest, most innovative cooking in Ann Arbor today — their menu varies every day depending on what's available, what's in season, and what they feel like doing, it's reasonably priced, and it's always excellent. I'd put them up against anyone in town.

Medium Rare Flank Steak over Summer Vegetable Ragout with Lemon Oregano Butter

But unfortunately, Everyday Lunch has run into a cash crunch. Their kitchen wasn't originally designed to support a successful restaurant; I think the way the lunch business has taken off was a surprise to everyone involved. And they recently lost out to the City of Ann Arbor for a rare reasonably-priced liquor license (Surprise! The city awarded it to one of its own golf courses instead! No conflict of interest there! Way to support local business!) so they can't serve wine, despite also owning a wine store one floor down.  They may have to close.

Their owner has come up with an innovative plan to get the capital she needs to expand the kitchen, buy one of the new liquor licenses that are becoming available (the city doesn't have enough golf courses to waste ALL of them), and keep Everyday Lunch going. Essentially, she's considering selling store credit at a 10% discount, in $250 increments. (If you buy in at a high enough level, there are other benefits too). It's valid not only at everyday lunch, but also at everyday wines. We're going to buy in, and we wanted to tell all of you about it too, because if you're interested you'll need to act fast. Here's Mary's explanation:

The Future of Everyday Cook

Hello, everybody.

As many of you know, Everyday Cook is at a crossroads and may be closing toward the end of this month. As the Everyday Cook business model has evolved, it's become clear that the lunch restaurant is our shining jewel. Led by executive chef Brendan McCall and his amazing team, Everyday Cook has gained an impassioned following of foodies throughout Michigan and beyond. The daily changing menu and commitment to fresh, local ingredients is so special and unique that we just can't let that go without a fight.

When word filtered out recently that we were closing due to lack of capital funds to sustain our necessary growth, there was a genuine outpouring from the community. And those conversations got the wheels turning.

So here's the deal - we are weighing the idea of offering memberships to Everyday Cook at various levels with increasing benefits. Your membership and the influx of capital from the memberships would allow us to:

• Streamline and upgrade the kitchen area for greater output. Purchase additional refrigeration units to allow us to sell food and freshly prepared items to go.
• Apply for and purchase a developmental liquor license so we can serve wine and beer, as well as offer wine tastings and wine classes.
• Offer fixed-menu supper clubs.
• Offer space to local growers to sell their products year round.
• Update the restroom in our space so that our customers can use it.

So, you're wondering "how are these memberships going to work?" Glad you asked.

Lower level memberships would be offered in $250 increments — starting at $250 and running up through $2,500, — and then we will add an additional 10% of value to your membership. For example, a $1,000 commitment will get you $1,100 on an "Everyday" card that you can use at Everyday Wines and Everyday Cook (everything from lunches, wine, other beverages, specialty food items, dinners, wine classes, etc.).

If you have an Everyday Wines bag and get 10% off six bottles, your investment will go that much further. There will be some exceptions such as gratuity and items that we are selling for others and not keeping the proceeds (i.e. local farmers or local booksellers).

We'll also offer upper level $5,000 and $10,000 memberships that will include the opportunity to host complementary customized private dinner parties, the ability to use our event space, and members-only wine and food tastings. If you're interested, we'll fill you in on all the details.

We will spend the next week or so evaluating response to this idea. If you are interested in the membership scenario, please let us know by dropping an email to [email protected]

Regardless of the outcome, Everyday Wines will continue to go strong. And, of course, no matter what happens with Everyday Cook, we still have two weeks to savor the best food in town.

From the folks behind the counter and in the kitchen at Everyday Cook

Comments

[CafAholic]

I just went to Everyday Cook today and was SO sad to hear that my favorite lunch spot might be closing at the end of the month. =( Hopefully things will work out in the end.

[Kim]

"it's reasonably priced, and it's always excellent."

spoken like the truth. Everday Cook is my favorite place in AA, I too am sad to see it go.

[Chi]

It's not going to if people back up what they believe in.

[Monique Deschaine]

We CAN NOT let this happen! I was heading over there today anyway and now that I know about this, will definitely be buying a membership. Mary, you are doing the right thing by giving us the opportunity to work with you on this. You have been so generous and have put together such a unique business, it is our turn to help you.

[Jen of a2eatwrite]

It's such a shame. One problem also, though, is the economy in general. With eating out becoming more of a luxury, can people afford to invest in this kind of scheme? If they can, though, they should. It's a fascinating business model - kind of like a CSA for restaurants. I hope that this works.

[TeacherPatti]

What Jen said. Personally, I can't swing the minimum $250 payment, but could probably do $100. (My district is unable, for whatever reason, to figure out summer school payments and we never get paid until the end. It's not like they've been around 100+ years. Oh wait, yes they have.)

I did email with the suggestion of an "associate membership" or something for those of us who aren't of high income levels.

PS: Neat to see the Al Dente blog link! I had some for dinner tonight.