March 25, 2012 at 8 a.m.
Cenote Cafe is open! It has been such a long process dealing with the City, but for the owners it is now finally and definitely worth it! Turning an old house (built in 1887) that hadn't been touched in about 35 years into a work of art was a labor of love, and there are many many people who made it possible.
There's a slide show here.
Cenote Cafe is open! It has been such a long process dealing with the City, but for the owners it is now finally and definitely worth it! Turning an old house (built in 1887) that hadn't been touched in about 35 years into a work of art was a labor of love, and there are many many people who made it possible.
There's a slide show here.
Owner Mary (at right) was so busy that first morning I barely got her to stand still for a photo. She's done a fantastic job of putting together the menu, selecting local vendors, picking out the proper kitchen equipment and serving pieces, ordering supplies and produce, and figuring out how to display everything.
Owner Cody never did stand still that first day at all, but I did get him to pose with Erica (friend, barista, and aspiring actress - she's great by the way) the following morning ...
Owner Cody never did stand still that first day at all, but I did get him to pose with Erica (friend, barista, and aspiring actress - she's great by the way) the following morning ...
Cody dealt with the contractors, engineers, designers, City of Austin Planning Commission, City Council, and inspectors ad nauseum -- the full list of city officials who made opening a small business in the City of Austin a far greater challenge than it should ever have to be. And he had his hands dirty in the reconstruction process the whole time. But he persevered for two full years! He and Mary both deserve a medal.
Cody and Mary told me that they'd like to write a book of their experiences to help other small businesses wade through the process, explaining (among other things) how the rules were changed on them mid-stream so many times that they lost count. Designs that were approved and built were then ordered to be changed as new ordinances were proposed. Suffice it to say, they're happy to help others just starting out.
Cody and Mary told me that they'd like to write a book of their experiences to help other small businesses wade through the process, explaining (among other things) how the rules were changed on them mid-stream so many times that they lost count. Designs that were approved and built were then ordered to be changed as new ordinances were proposed. Suffice it to say, they're happy to help others just starting out.
The incredible Michelle (at right) designed the interior and executed the entire interior space at Cenote. From overseeing the tables and chairs, paint colors, designing the layout and flow of the serving area to the execution of the incredible mural, she is one of a kind. All this with a smile, too.
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