The Backcourt Cafe'

 

Originally all he wanted was to open a nice neighborhood restaurant where locals could come and enjoy each other’s company and good food.  He hired the best chef he could afford and trained his wait staff not in just serving food but in paying attention to the details.

Guests with reservations were always addressed by name and even without reservations everyone was made to feel special and welcome.  Drinks were always refilled without feeling someone was hovering. 

Dishes, glasses and silverware were spotless as were the linen tablecloths. Candles were always lit and the temperature always comfortable.

In looking back he could see the flaw in his plan.  He had removed two tables and added live music.  The singer was great and the musician quite skilled.  They worked well together and had a very diverse repertoire.  

What had so quickly destroyed his business was simply volume.  No longer could neighbors hear each other across their table.  When the music began – conversations stopped.  It wasn't comfortable; in fact it became awkward for people to sit and try to talk over the loudness of the music.

And when people no longer came –

 

 

 

 everything became so quiet - you could hear it.