BLU Blog???

From the start you need to know...this isn't one of those blogs created by someone who actually likes to write and can take great photos. There, I said it.

Instead, it's a blog created by a physician turned pastry chef/chocolatier. Truth is that I'd rather be in the kitchen than sitting here typing away. Naturally then you might as why I have joined the rest of the free world in creating MY blog?

Yesterday I was sitting in the middle of a very messy 550 sq ft of what will eventually be our new chocolate cafe and cakery. In a matter of maybe 30 minutes I think 5 or 6 people stuck their head in the open front door (open because the fumes from the paint primer were overwhelming) to find out what was going on. Strangers, with just enough curiosity to stop and check it out. No smell of baked bread or chocolate cake. Just paint. It made me realize that in a neat little town like Bloomington something new is exciting. A bit of adventure. It then became clear to me that the process of sharing our story and progress (or lack there of) might interest some. A blog was born.

I also do think that detailing my experience as we start the process of opening our new cafe just might be helpful to someone considering the same or the start of any small business for that matter. I have had a few fantastic mentors in my short (5 years) pastry/small business career and I can honestly tell you without them I wouldn't be entering this endeavor quite as comfortably prepared. Not that having a mentor will guarantee a small business owner's success but it does add a dimension of accountability. And God knows someone has to be held responsible and it certainly isn't going to be me. Don't misunderstand. I'm not suggesting you follow along and one day do what I did. Just the contrary. It's more likely you will want to do the exact opposite. So keep that in mind.

Finally I have to say that over the course of the last 5 years we have had thousands (OK, maybe only hundreds but I woke up today feeling particularly enthusiastic) of really sincere supporters many of whom want to know what's happening with the new place. This will help to keep you posted. If nothing else add a bit to the collection of bathroom reading. Something, that when you need just a few minutes of distraction, will be perfect.

Cheers,

David Fletcher

Owner, BLU Boy Chocolate Cafe and Cakery

Comments

[christine (myplateoryours)]

Hot damn -- good for you! I will watch the progress of the cafe with eagerness and heckle you on the blog front. What fun!

[Sue AQ]

Chocolate boy you rock!!! Please include your savvy triathlon tips...including one salted caramel every 45 minutes!!!

[Michelle]

Now I can get both sides of the story (I'm sure you had a side on the oversized camel head story).

Looking at the photo of the storefront, I had a great idea. What if there was a sign that only said "BLU" in the middle window pane above the door, and then the windows next to it can have signs that say "cafe" and "cakery." And will there be a coffee sign? I'm getting excited because I get to hear about all this at work all the time!

[tk]

Brilliant and definitely needed David. We can walk by and see the progress but also get the chef's commentary on this blog. I think you need to keep notes for your book "Chocolate - made from scratch" :)

[Wendy W-B]

BLU boy, you are so cool. I can't wait to walk from my office and join you for chocolate and coffee. Bloomington will never be the same again!

[David J. Griego]

I was in Bloomington this past September and enjoyed a delicious dessert that I can't seem to get out of my head. Can't wait for my next visit to Bloomington for some treats. Mozel Tov David Fletcher.