There was much cheering and applause at the New Deal Cafe’s quarterly business meeting on November 25. Those in attendance were pleased with the changes. While the Café has been in transition since Kenny Hilliard took over as manager on November 1, he aims to have all the changes in place by January 1.
The biggest hitch to the transition was that Hilliard was in the hospital for several days, only getting out on October 31. In spite of that, changes are underway. Those already in place include a temporary menu and new paint, with new wallpaper to be hung. The piano has been tuned but needs to be replaced; another piano may be donated. Another change is the “informational display,” aka the television. Hilliard assured members, repeatedly and emphatically, that he is not turning the New Deal into a sports bar. The TV allows those in the front room to see the band performing in back, and will allow showing movies and events like the Super Bowl and World Series.
Finances
Membership renewals and new memberships are now being accepted. The Café had the espresso machine repaired at a cost of $1,100, and will buy a new dishwasher which will cost around $5,100. To cover those expenses a recent benefit raised $1,600 and a GoFundMe exists to finish raising the funds. Treasurer Alan Parker reported the Café has $45,000 in the bank now. He has put together a conservative budget for 2025 for the board to discuss. Income for the Café is from the 4 percent food and beverage surcharge, which raises 60 percent of the budget, along with membership fees, grants, donations, merchandise and loans. Hilliard is now paying for operating expenses, including band meals and all utilities, rent and equipment repairs, putting the Café on a more stable financial footing. Parker said the board is seeking bids for a new accounting firm, since the current one has raised its fees substantially and doesn’t provide the figures the board really needs.
Music and Coming Events
Music Coordinator Liz Springer reported that events this year have been successful; the Labor Day Festival raised $20,000 in revenue. No bands had to be cancelled during the transition period. Member reservations for concerts are still an issue with people making reservations and then not showing up at all or not until after the music has started, requiring others who sat at their empty tables to move.
Several events are planned or in the works for 2025. On Wednesday, January 8, Hilliard and others will perform. A grand opening will be held in January, tentatively the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. The New Deal’s 30th anniversary celebration will be in spring or early summer. There will be five menus in 2025, with some overlap between them: breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night and one for members only.
Hilliard’s Report
In his report Hilliard said “Thank you for trusting me with this,” and added, “Be patient, give us a chance, we still have things to work out. I’m here to listen, my staff is here to listen.”
All the food is fresh, is made at the Café and is thrown out at the end of the day. “To have quality you have to pay for quality.” Hilliard introduced the members of his staff who were there. He said with a few exceptions he trains everyone to do every job in the café.
In answer to questions, Hilliard said that while there had been talk of having table service the tables are too big and prevent the movement needed to allow it. Asked about a full liquor license, he said they are considering it but want to think through what kind and what amount to serve. “We want to be responsible, we want people to be safe,” Hilliard said.
An audience member commented, “The way you’ve been talking is exactly what this place needs.”