Change Wasn't Always Easy!

During our twenty two plus years as owners of Fred's News, we remained very consistent with our menu.  Usually items that were added permanently were first talked about, then product was ordered, our patrons views and tastes were considered, feasibility and production cost and many other details were discussed.  Some of the discussions were loud, maybe even knock down, dragged out bitching, but I usually got my way.  Mr. Bill was very set in his ways, as was his stomach when it concerned breakfast food.  To this day he always orders, three eggs over bacon, toast and sometimes home fries.  OMG..how boring!  Liven it up, try something new, wake up those taste buds!

Under "the brothers" ownership, not a single omelet was on the menu, nor were potatoes, sausage, pancakes or any daily specials for that matter.  Lunch items were even more boring.  I would always joke and say, it's "got to be a male thing" standard food, no flare.  Yes, this was a small restaurant, mostly a meeting place, so let's change it up a bit.  A small restaurant, meeting place, with GREAT food choices.  The process worked, people loved it, we were happy until we (I) decided something new should be added.  Eventually Bill learned, easier to agree, why fight, the "most stubborn person in the world" is going to get her way!  I am stubborn, had to be.  You don't raise a houseful of males, without being stubborn.  Even the dog was a male!

Food was not the only thing that was added at Fred's News.  "The Brothers" never had a real hand held menu.  You just looked up at the wall, read the items from an old Coca Cola menu board and ordered.  That might of worked when everyone sat at the counter or with only two tables in the place, but as tables were added and the place filled up, not all areas could view the menu board.  My good friend Chris came up with monthly menus.  They were put at the tables and along the counter, allowing all to have a clear view of the offerings.  These menus evolved into works of art.  Each month a new picture was on the front, Chris even made a game out of it.  Doorways from all over the Town of Sprague, even photos of people behinds graced the front of the menu.  People enjoyed the guessing games they created and even began collecting them.  Chris had created a monster, so eventually we began doing the menus.  Bill was indifferent to them at first, he said, "as long as it isn't more work for me, I don't care!"  Pictures of his flowers were popular menu covers.  When people commented on how gorgeous they looked...he then cared.  He would put his "two cents" in and lend thoughts on what the next menu cover should include.  Guests travelling through the area would always ask for a souvenir menu, even requesting our signature...Mr. Bill thought the menu was a great addition!