Feb. 17—The Brass Kettle Cafe had an unannounced opening over the weekend, in the new location in Broadway, which created a frenzy of social media activity and kept the seats filled all week.
Chris Granter carries on his grandmother's legacy in the captain's chair of The Brass Kettle.
"So many people asked me 'why didn't you tell me you're open? I've been waiting to know,' and it's really a great compliment," Granter said.
Since the beginning of remodeling the new property, until now has been a journey of obstacles, but well worth it, Granter says fondly, looking back at all that has transpired in the last six months.
"We closed on this property at the end of August and then spent a month looking for a contractor," Granter said. "It was hard — I'd call contractors and a few of them never showed up to put in a bid. Then a lot of the odds and ends were waiting for material from vendors. Collectively maybe two months were just sitting around waiting for things to move forward."
Granter said originally they planned to open around the end of November, but due to Covid, things have taken much longer to happen, and patience was a key in getting things completed.
The Brass Kettle did business with local companies as much as possible during the renovation of the new location, and what couldn't be bought nearby was ordered with the hopes it would arrive in an acceptable amount of time.
Since the new location was once a gas station, Granter went with an old gas station theme for the property. "I like the old stuff," Granter said. "The antique stuff. I put these old gas pumps out here, and maybe one day we will have an antique show out here, sometime."
The Brass Kettle was busy Thursday. A dozen or so customers came and went with their to-go orders, while others sat down to enjoy their meals inside.
"It's really good," said Joseph Brown, a customer enjoying his meal, "definitely one of the best places around."
In the kitchen Alvis Snipes, a long time employee worked diligently away in the kitchen, while Cheyenne Capostosti did everything, running back and forth from the dining room, to behind the counter, and to the kitchen, and Randie Thomas chatted with customers, took their orders and covered the front.
"I just hope for longevity," Granter said. "If expansion is required in the future then we will do that, but right now, I'm just thankful for my employees, for Cheyenne, everyone that has been dedicated to The Brass Kettle, and we're going to need to hire a few more people."