P roceed step by step to
A dvance with
C onfidence
E nchanted with a day or two at a time
Chowfancy
Typically, we enjoy to live forward.
We prefer not to dwell on the past, but on occasion I think it’s important to look back and acknowledge where our journey has taken us.
Four years ago, our lives took a turn that no one saw coming.
It was March 2020, and spring was on the way at our market, much as it is today. Corned Beef had been brined especially for us and it started to arrive at our market in large barrels. I was baking Irish soda bread by the dozen and Anthony had our market stocked full of product in anticipation of a beautiful and busy spring.
Rumblings of a serious virus had been traveling though the news, but none of us were prepared for the months that would follow.
On march 8th, Anthony and I were at Carnegie Hall in New York City enjoying a concert that our son Jake was singing in. On March 9th the contractors started demolition on our “fixer- up home project”, and by March 11th we had decided to close the front door of our market and switch to at the door service via email orders.
There are times when life just turns on a dime. I’m not sure if any of us have fully recovered from the effects that the worldwide pandemic has had on us. Our lives were stopped short and suspended in time, many people lost a loved one, lost a business, lost their job, had trouble readjusting. Others took the time to rest, reevaluate their lives and make changes.
Working in food retail, our lives were on fast forward. In order to save our business and keep our family safe, we had no choice but to act quickly and work round the clock for at least six months during the height of the pandemic. There are days when I think back to that time and wonder how we all made it through. But then I remember the support from each of our customers and the hard work and constant dedication that our boys had to Anthony, myself and our market. We are the lucky ones.
Every small business needs the effort and support of its community in order to succeed.
Prior to the Pandemic, our lives were barreling forward at an uncomfortable speed. One event ran into the next. We were trying to meet the needs of our children our family, each other and our customer. From conversations with lots of you, I know that many people were in the same position, feeling as though there was no end to the Merry-Go-Round of life.
Throughout much of 2020, The Virus insisted that we find a new way to live and conduct business. “Stay Safe” became the new greeting and cooking at home became essential. The demand for food, specifically the demand on beef, poultry, and pork, became a demand on Anthony and our family business.
In order to keep our family safe and healthy so that we could meet the needs of our customers,, we devised a system for selling meat by email only, order a week in advance, and pick up at the door with no line to wait on. Our goal was to serve our community of customers; the people who had helped build our small family business, in a safe manner, while keeping our business afloat.
For several months we worked seven days a week, with the help of our three boys, to keep this system going. As things eased up and the food supply became less stressed we were able to consolidate our work hours and gradually return to a steady pace.
The Pandemic changed business as usual for many, especially those in small business. For us, the virus gave our family a reconnection that we didn’t realize we were looking for. It gave us a new respect for hard work and a new concept of Sunday at home. Working in retail food during the pandemic turned into an adventure, a learning experience, and has been therapeutic for Anthony, myself and our boys.
Each week we saw so many of the same people in a quick snapshot at our dutch door. Usually a three minute conversation from behind the mask, or a quick wave. Our customers, friends and family kept us uplifted and encouraged.
Lessons from the pandemic were lasting. Since then we have tried to continually revaluate where we have been and where we are going. Each and every day is a gift. So is our small family market and our community of customers who continue to support us. We are grateful for each of you!
This past February we thought of the word PACE as Plan ahead to anticipate great things. Communicate and stay curious while encouraging enthusiasm.
For Spring… we will pace ourselves by Proceeding step by step to Advance with Confidence, Enchanted with a day or two at a time.
May you enjoy the beauty of spring with your family, by cooking and enjoying time together in the home that you work so hard for!
Chowfancy,
Keri & Anthony