Sundays

​Sundays have become pretty much my favorite. 
 
Sundays usually mean extra time with my family and when it’s not hockey season, a day with less “have to dos” than “want to dos”.  Sleeping in, lazy mornings, a little longer walk with the dog, and not feeling guilty about time on the couch, make Sundays different than other days.  Sundays are a good day to reflect on the week that is behind you, and to look ahead to the one about to begin. 
 
Sundays at Jake’s are different too.  The staff arrives earlier and the smells are different.  Rather than the smell of garlic and the smoker that fill most beginnings as the crew starts attacking the prep list, Sunday smells are our house made bacon and coffee. There is a different bounce in the step of the front of the house staff, with the volume of the music up a little higher than normal. While the servers, bartenders, hostesses and bussers prepare the dining room, laughter is common and the morning sun always seems a bit warmer than usual, as it shines brightly into the dining room.
 
I look forward to sitting at the third stool pretty close to 10:30 each Sunday.  I get two scrambled eggs and one slice of bacon with my morning coffee and wait for my father in law to arrive.  I am not sure who enjoys his Sunday brunch routine more, the bartender who serves him each week, or him (or maybe it is me). This is my time to soak up his unique approach to every day, optimistic and simple and always with a smile.   As you might expect the business is stressful at times but Sunday morning on that stool next to him there is absolutely no stress at all.  It’s just Sunday.   
 
This year, New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday.  As I reflect on what 2017 was for me, and for all of us at Jake’s, and look ahead at what good things will come in 2018, I was reminded of the message I shared with our staff at our annual Holiday Dinner.  Each year I try to find a theme for us to embrace together in the year ahead.  Year one was “hold on tight”, year two was “time to define ourselves”, year three was “less better” (do less but do it better) and this year I suggested that “every day is Sunday”.  I asked the staff to remember Sundays, the laughter, the sun, the family, the smells – and to try to bring that great morning energy to Jake’s with them each day. 
 
As you prepare for the year ahead and take on days that you look forward to having behind you, consider adding more Sundays to your week.  Find a way to soak up what is unique about the day, create a memory with your family, turn the volume up, embrace a simple smell - find your own third stool.
 
I hope 2018 brings you lots and lots of Sundays.