4 years equals many things we’ve learned along Chez Rosa’s journey
Let’s go back to the beginning…
When we were set to open Chez Rosa in our now home Kennebunkport, Maine, the pandemic hit a few weeks before our planned opening date. At that time, there was a lot of uncertainty about the future and in 4 short years, our restaurant has bloomed into the amazing place that it is because of the amazing people we’ve met along the way, the people that help it make it a success - from our staff to strangers (who later became our friends) in and around Kennebunkport.
During the pandemic we were able to serve 6,510 customers and employ 13 people which was truly a dream come true! Lots of things were made possible by those in our community helping in unimaginable ways - from our staff helping with extra shifts, chipping in where they could and acting as if it was "our" restaurant to Dana and Sal (the owners of Abacus gallery), who didn’t even know us at the time, knocking at our door to offer us their patio so we could serve people, since we were not allowed to seat people indoors at the time and lots of other kind gestures we surely will never forget…
How Chez Rosa has grown year by year
Today we are able to serve 22,410 people and employ another 20, year-round in a popular summer destination which is absolutely an amazing milestone for us! And only the beginning for Chez Rosa’s journey ahead.
The generosity of our staff, vendors and customers is why it's possible for our restaurant to be thriving today in 2024. Our people and our community believed in us, even in the most difficult circumstances and they continue to do so today as much as we do. Sharing our dream is the most special bond between us and everyone involved in our lovely place.
One of the most important things
We learned that you can have an amazing idea (like we did opening our restaurant,) but, without people it would've only lived as that...an idea!
We, Kyle and Yaz, have learned (and keep learning) that the more we take the time to grow personally; such as prioritizing our self care, days off, and encouraging teammates to do the same; the business becomes more successful and the team becomes stronger. Taking care of ourselves helps us to take care of our business.
The responsibility of opening a restaurant and running a successful business, made us look at ourselves in ways we never thought we would - from putting ourselves first and crafting morning routines to ways we can strengthen our relationships as well (in and out of the restaurant).
Our best advice from us to you
"You'll find that when you take care of yourself differently - as a restaurant and business owner - you're able to have the time and energy to do more than you had before."
Managing people with different needs, wants and personality traits has been one of the most important challenges and rewards we’ve done in our lives. Requiring us to learn how to communicate more effectively, be able to have uncomfortable conversations when needed, and to be responsive versus reactive. We’ve spent our time, money and energy developing skills as leaders and business owners to create a healthy work environment, where employees and guests feel truly happy...and it is 100% worth it!
Again, thank you so much to everyone for being an essential part of our business journey and we cannot wait to keep walking together along the way. See you next year to celebrate again!
Love,
Kyle & Yaz.
