Non-Believers

We always joked that the public had no idea what was involved  just to operate Fred's News efficiently.  Yes, they saw everything that was done within the confines of the small restaurant, but what was done prior to five in the morning and after closing later in the day, was out of sight, out of mind to the general public.  Mr. Bill always joked, in his previous life as a dairy farmer, he was  amazed as visitors would question,"this is what you do?  How do you make a living?"  "I sell milk", was his truthful reply.  Dumbstruck, many would say, "Really, how do you do that!"  Point being, many people haven't a clue of how things get done our how an operation works.  Lot's of hours and hard work is the straight forward, truthful answer. Definitely a lifestyle and a commitment.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, many commented, "I don't know how you do it, you are always here," (meaning in the building).  True, living above the restaurant was unique.  Advantage being, on a snowy icy mid winter morning, navigating the back stairway was better than driving the icy roads.  Yes, the stairway was treacherous, evident by the number of times Mr. Bill, myself, the boys or anyone else slid down the icy incline.  We laughed, can't call in sick, no one there to answer the phone!

Our customer base, as I mentioned before, was far reaching, for such a small place.  Media coverage did help that immensely.  Channel 30 and Channel 8 both did stories on Fred's News.  Because we had never been involved in the taping of a segment for TV, we were amazed at the amount of time needed to produce a three minute clip.  The experience was beyond anything I ever expected.  Although I am not sure what I did expect.  Backtracking, a customer wrote the TV station, explaining Fred's News.  Each week, the reporter visited local eateries.  By the look on his face, my opinion, what can possibly be so good about this place.  Three hours later, him and his crew left, taping complete, stomachs stuffed and understanding the ambiance but not the quirkiness of the place.  We explained, revisiting numerous times, listening to patrons, adding your own stories, you begin understand.  As they were taping, he asked Mr. Bill, who was precooking bacon for the next day, "What are you going to do with all that bacon?"  True to his form, not missing a beat, the Egg-Nazi dryly replied, "I'm going to throw it all away, what the hell do you think I'm going to do....we're going to serve it, fool!"    That answer must of been a moment flashback to his farm days of "How do you make money selling milk!"  After a brief uncomfortable moment of silence, the young quick witted reporter shot back,  "Ah yes, then the rumors are true, pig's all over New England, fear the despised Egg-Nazi!  You are a marked man."  That set the tempo for the afternoon.  He loved the place, the sick jokes where nothing was sacred and the conversations between the patrons, some of which only knew each other because of Fred's News.  The segment aired the next evening, receiving glowing reviews from all who watched.  The very next weekend, many new faces walked through the door explaining the reason they were there.  One woman, looking very disgusted lamented......."We travelled over an hour, because of that show.  This is just a small place."  "Very true, sit down , relax, what are you drinking?"  Still looking very much like a non-believer, they followed my instructions.  Two hours later, they were still sitting there, soaking up the ambiance.  We saw them many times after that initial visit, each time their new "friends" welcomed them.  It's such a small place, but it's got heart, a very large heart, and yes, great food!