It Takes A Village To Grow A Restaurant
What's a recipe for success in challenging economic times? If you are going to ask about recipes, it makes sense to ask a restaurateur. Susan Kaufman, owner of romantically charming Italian Serafina Osteria & Enoteca in Seattle's Eastlake district, has seen economic ups and downs over the past two decades. She knows how to take what's available and make the best of it. Her recipe for success includes a unique ingredient; a "Consiglio," a committee of regular guests and community members who function as a counsel board for Serafina. "My community is full of insightul, creative, and loyal people, and I really want to take advantage of it," Kaufman says. "We meet quarterly, and have twelve spots at the Consiglio table. I depend on them to do everything from looking at new menu ideas to giving me feedback on decorations."
The idea for the Consliglio it turns out harkens back to Susan's childhood in Brooklyn where "family" meant being raised along with Jewish and Italian neighbors who were always there for her. As such community remains one of Susan's top values and Serafina is another expression of those values. The economic challenges of the past few years seemed to drive the importance of community even further and Susan created an advisory board called "Serafina Consiglio." This is a group of talented thinkers, contributing ideas in constructive ways towards the continued success of Serafina and serving on the council for a one year commitment. Regular guests need only to provide the reasons why they feel compelled to be part of the "Consiglio" before being considered a candidate.
This is just the latest in a series of creative and sound business decisions Susan and Serafina have taken on this year. New business streams include launching a series of well founded cocktail, wine and food pairing classes taught by both in house experts and guest presenters at a reasonable price and chock full of value. This month Serafina takes their wine program to yet another level with the receipt of a license to sell wine on a retail basis. In addition and in keeping with the community environment at Serafina, regular customers will now receive Serafina's high level of personal service for wine purchasing as well.
The most recent business decision comes at a time when many restaurants are closing their doors. After purchasing the building that houses Serafina and the building next door outright; Susan is plunging into the economically uncertain waters with a new and unique venture: Cicchetti. Cicchetti (pronounced chi-KET-tee) will open in November, 2009, as a lively neighborhood lounge in the style of Venetian cicchetti bars. Follow along in the development of Cicchetti through blogs, photos and video at www.serafinaseattle.com.
About Serafina Osteria & Enoteca
Serafina Osteria & Enoteca is located at 2043 Eastlake Avenue East in Seattle. The restaurant is open from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm Monday through Friday for lunch and from 5:30 to 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 5:30 to 11 pm Friday and Saturday for dinner. The bar is open for happy hour from 4 to 6 pm daily and late night nibbles are available nightly until 12 am. Brunch is served from 10 am to 2:30 pm on Sundays. Reservations may be made by calling (206) 323-0807. Or visit www.serafinaseattle.com for more information.
Jamie Peha
Peha Promotions/Serafina/Cicchetti
206-661-8243
jamie@pehapromo.com