Friday Fish Special!!

Woohooo!!! It's FRIDAY! What we've always been known for at our previous restaurant was our Giant Cod Fish Sandwich or our Baked or Battered Cod Dinners! They're enormous and really, REALLY delicious! Come to the Tavern today and you will get a discount on the fish sandwich and Cod dinners! There have been days that we've served over 100 fish sandwiches! We're going to try to break that record here at the Tavern!!

Miss Toth

When I was in sixth grade, they began a new program at school called "The gifted program." The head of the gifted program in sixth grade was Susan Toth. I remember her well, because she was so beautiful and she talked so eloquently and she showed an interest in me. Somebody thought I was special! I was this little chubby nerd of a kid. I was a book worm.. I loved to read more than anything else...I loved words! Words were and still are a passion of mine. Miss Toth taught us gifted kids some new vocabulary words. I fell in love with one of the words. It was entrepreneur. I thought it was such a sophisticated word. I wanted to be an entrepreneur someday!
Today, Miss Toth, who is now known throughout New Wilmington as Susan Shaffer came into my restaurant. I introduced myself to her and told her my story of remembering her and how she taught me such wonderful words. As she was leaving, she signed my guestbook. This is what she wrote, To Susan from Susan Shaffer, your former teacher..You are a wonderful entrepreneur!"
Awwww...My heart is filled with love and gratitude. Thank you Miss Toth. Thank you all of those teachers who take the time to make a kid feel special. Some kids don't have anyone else in their lives to make them feel that way. I promise you..these kids will never forget your kindness towards them. Never..not even 35 years later.
I'm an entrepreneur. hehe
I am. Susan : )

Mrs. Karen Latta..

I don't know if you've found my blog yet. But I heard some great news about your husband Bob today. The Lord is good. I'll just bet your heart was very happy and joy filled today. Your love is home. It was wonderful to talk to you the other night. You listened. Your eyes lit up. You smiled. You, are what I love about this restaurant. Thank you my new friend. If there's anything we can do for you..if Bob can not leave the house and you'd like us to bring him something..please give us a call. It would be our pleasure.
With the love of our Amazing Savior!! Susan

Your Father Loves YOU!

Did you ever hear the story of Rick and Dick Hoyt? They are a father and son team who have inspired millions of people across the world! I first saw this story about five years ago at a girls of grace conference. It touched me so greatly,that I went home and wrote a sermon on Jesus's love for us! This video shows just how much Dick loves his son Rick, and what he's done to show that love. I thought to myself, if this man loves his son so much..imagine how much our Father in Heaven must love us!

It's a great story.

Now if you've watched that... listen to the story set to music. *sniff*

Online Menu coming soon!

We're working on putting our menu online! Please bear with us for a few more days until we can get it uploaded! Thanks! Susan & Joe

Our first tv interview! : )

Shayna Marti..you did a fantastic job! Really good editing! *wink* I am probably one of the worst people ever in front of a camera!

JoyfuL!

I feel like I haven't written a blog post in such a long time! I've been so busy working at The Tavern, and squeezing every spare minute into being a mom, that I haven't had any time left over to blog! But my girls are both in school, and happy and my husband is downstairs making the Chicken Divan and I slept in late today and am feeling rested!!
Ahhh, Life can be so very beautiful when you appreciate the little things that come your way! I was telling my daughter that yesterday. She transferred schools this year. We moved here to New Wilmington, so we could concentrate on fixing the restaurant up, and we knew we'd be working many hours and wanted our kids close by.
Ally is in 11th grade this year. She knew it wouldn't be easy to transfer, but my kids are amazing kids. They knew it was important to us, so they both agreed to try a new school out.
Lauren loves it here in New Wilmington. She's in 9th grade.
But Ally....Ally, had a really difficult time. She couldn't adjust. She tried. But she missed her friends so much from her old school. She missed her teachers and the way they taught..it was just a completely different system.
So after months of her being unhappy, we sought advice. The advisor told us that we should let her go back to her old school if it was possible.
Yesterday we re-registered her at her old school. Have you ever seen pure joy on someones face? When she walked into the school, she was hugged. The principal said, "Welcome Home Ally" The kids all texted her and ran to give her a hug. The guidance counselor said, "Welcome home Ally, we're so glad to have you back."
I know that would happen here too, if a child left and came back. I love New Wilmington, It's my hometown and wish she would have loved it here too.. but she grew up in New Castle..that's Her hometown.
So we were driving in the car, home from registering her, and I saw that joy in her face. I said to her, "Ally, do you feel happy?" "She laughed and said I feel so happy and excited!" I said, "Ally, if you hadn't gone through that rough time, if you wouldn't have been unhappy, then you wouldn't feel such happiness now!" "Without sorrow, we know no joy."
I asked her if she knew what that meant. She thought about it, and smiled.
Life is like that. If we didn't have bad times, we wouldn't appreciate the good times. I think that's what being spoiled is. If you give someone everything, they wouldn't appreciate anything. They'd expect it.
That's how it's been for us also..with the Tavern. We knew we'd have to work hard, and long hours for a while. But we know that it will pay off in the future. And to have just a half hour of free time...might seem ridiculous, but i am soooo appreciative of this half hour of quiet time! When you have a little... it doesn't take much to bring you joy. When you have a lot..it takes a lot more to bring you that same amount of joy.
So... appreciate every little thing that you have. Find those little moments..find gratitude in the little things. We've had a hard winter....when the sun comes out and it gets warm, aren't you going to just bask in it? I know I will!
Instead of complaining..find good in something.
Well my 1/2 hour is up! Time to get ready to go to work. My heart is so full of gratitude and love. I am thankful. I am well rested today. I get to serve today! I get to smile and bring people happiness! I get to hug someone today! I love life!
Be filled with joy..Happiness is temporary, but Joy is eternal!
Your friend, Susan

Calling all Prayers!

A dear friend of ours passed away last night. It was very unexpected. Please pray for the Moyer Family. Their beloved leader, husband and father, Dave has gone to be with the Lord.
Moyer Family, we are praying for you constantly. S & J

Our Desserts!

Lemon Crunch Pie

Coconut Cream Pie

Cherry Walnut Pie

Blackberry Cobbler

Bread Pudding

Molton lava Chocolate Cake

Pecan ball with caramel or Hot Fudge

Heath Bar Ice Cream Pie

Apple Dumplings!

A bear hug!

I'd like to share with you the sweetest of stories! A few weeks ago, I posted one little sentence on Facebook. Facebook is sort of like a bulletin board where all of your facebook friends can see pictures and messages and other things you post online.
I was having a rough day that day, and if you've kept up on my blog, you know that I look at life in a positive way...I don't like to complain. But I was feeling very tired and it was a Sunday and I was missing my church family..so I wrote on Facebook, "I need a Hug."
A few days later one of my friends called me and said, "LoAnn Fairman, from Richmond Virginia, saw your message on facebook and she sent her sister,(who's from New Wilmington_ over to your place to give you a hug."
I've never met LoAnn, but she was the very first person to ever email me, when she found out we bought the Tavern. I never met LoAnn's sister either, but hey..I did need a hug! Unfortunately I wasn't around at the time Ronee came over to give me that hug. *I think we must have been in the basement, because we NEVER left the Tavern for those two months!!)
BUT.. Today, I got my hug! Ronee came to the Tavern and said, "Are you Susan?" I said, "Yes!" She said I owe you a hug. Then she gave me a warm, sweet hug!
Awwww! Oh...I am just in awe of the beauty of living in a small town. I am in awe of the beauty inside people. When you just let go..and give love... *sigh*
It's absolutely incredible!
I love you all so much. I love what I am doing here. I love giving this restaurant to this community! I love how people have been coming in and saying thank-you. Thank you for bringing her back to life. Oh my friends, the best is yet to come! We have so much more we are going to give to you. We've got to get the running of the restaurant to be more smooth. We've got to make it good..we've got to learn to work together. Joe and I have to build our team and make it stronger. We've got to lay the foundation and make it solid! THEN.... You just wait and see what comes from it!
We are all in this together! YOu know that! You have shown us what true community is. You have shown us support and encouragement and love! The Tavern is YOUR restaurant!!!! I want you to be so proud of it!!
Oh, I am so excited! My heart is so bubbly!
Friends please don't stop praying for us. Keep praying for my family. Keep praying that the Tavern is used for God's Glory! Keep praying that we can bless people through it! Thank you soooo much! May you have a day filled with God's amazing Grace! Your friend, Susan

Get Pickled at the Tavern!

Have you ever had a fried pickle?




They are our best selling appetizer!

I got pickled!

At the Tavern

In New Wilmington, Pa !


Yes.. we've got to get shirts made up! I think that would be so funny!

Go light your world!

Foods people are loving!

The STICKY BUNS!!!!
Giant Cod Fish Sandwich!
Bacon Swiss Chicken Salad with warm sweet and sour dressing!

Pork Chop w/ carmalized onions
Chicken n Biscuits
1/2 Baked Chicken
Steak
Hamloaf
Pierogies
Tuna Melt
Pot Roast
Salads
BlackBerry Cobbler
Molton Lava Chocolate Cake
Bread pudding!

I need to take some pictures!

This is what it's all about!

Each day here has been beautiful then the last. : )
How can I describe the joy that God pours continues to pour into my heart?
How can I describe what it is like to be able to be doing exactly what God wants me to be doing?
I feel as though I'm living a dream.

Tonight four people came into my restaurant. They weren't local people. Perhaps they were from Pittsburgh? (I have a feeling you'll be reading this..I'm sorry I wish I knew your names and where you are from!)
They were so sweet and kind and had such wonderful words to say! They had their first date at the Tavern many years ago. He was driving by, I think it was on Valentine's Day and saw we were opened. He came in, got a menu and took it home... He was so excited to come back with his love and some friends.
So, after having a nice dinner, they walked around and toured the Tavern. They saw the inspirational messages and asked me about them. I got to tell them my story. I got to tell them how it was God who led Joe and I here.
We're just ordinary people..so little..so... just so dang ordinary. But we worked hard..and we followed God. We trusted Him. And this is where He led us..
Jesus in me. That's what it is. It's HIM.. not me..I promise you.
That's what I got to tell them. That's why God wanted us here. Inspiration. Encouragement. Love. Jesus. So much more then a restaurant.....
I love Him so much, Susan

Kitchen Help Needed!

Okay all of you blogger buddies!
We need your help! We are in need of kitchen help. No experience necessary, but it would be helpful : ) The ideal person would be someone that could come early in the morning and help make things like soups..pies..hamloaf..divan etc.. We have the recipes and we can teach someone how to follow the recipes! It's not really hard, but it helps if you like to cook! We also need people who can help on the salad line and grill cook! So..if you know of anyone.. please tell them to call Joe at the Tavern! 724-946-2020 Thanks friends! Blessings upon you! SLH

An Amazing Weekend!

Thank you Friends. Thank you for your support. Thank you for making this week one of the most memorable weekends of my life. It's Sunday evening, and I sit here in awe. You were so full of grace and love and encouragement. Although this building that houses the Tavern on the Square Restaurant is very old...and although we've been in the restaurant business for almost 18 years...we are still a brand new baby. We are learning how to be a team together. We are learning how to work in this kitchen. We are learning how to serve you to the best of our abilities. It will take us a little while to learn to get it just right, but we will grow and learn and each day will be better than the last. We have a list of changes that we see need made. We see modifications that need to be made. It was trial and error this weekend. We see what we need to fix. That's what a soft opening is all about. We practiced. We will keep practicing and keep learning and growing and fixing and evolving..until we get it just right! Overall..it was very, very, very good! Thank you for your prayers.. I know that is what made this place so wonderful this weekend!
Oh Friends, we are beyond excited! It was such an honor and a privilege to serve you! It is so amazing to be able to breathe life back into the Tavern! Don't you love driving by and seeing the lights on again? Don't you love seeing something bloom? It's going to be so beautiful here! We want so desperately to make YOU proud of US! You've heard me say it before..this is my gift to God, because He called me to open this restaurant..and perhaps it's God's gift to you! WE are stewards. I believe with all of my heart that it belongs to Him. We will serve you, and feed you, and love on you.. just like we're supposed to do! That's what it should be all about! I believe that! That's what a business should do. It's not about us.. it's about YOU! You just wait and see... Oh, I know it's going to be incredible!! I know it!!! : )
Thank-you for allowing us to serve you this weekend! Thanks for your kind words..the flowers..the plants..the cards and notes... We are so full of gratitude!
We love you!!! Susan and Joe

I have to tell you about my Valentine.
His name is Joe. Joe is my husband. He is the leader of my family. If you asked Joe, he would say he is just an ordinary man..but believe me..he is no ordinary Joe!
Joe is a quiet, hard working, honest, trustworthy, man. He is my rock. I wish so badly he could be out front and hear the wonderful things I get to hear at the Tavern but his work is behind the scenes. He's the guy that's probably cooking your food here. He makes the cobbler and the sticky buns. He cooks the steaks and the pork chops and makes the scalloped potatoes and the soups. He is such a hard working man. Joe and I have been married for almost 20 years and I have never been more in love with him, then I am today. He has shown such incredibly deep love to me,like that knight in shining armor on the white horse that every little girl dreams about, by buying and opening up this restaurant.
You see, Joe's not a risk taker. He enjoyed living a quiet little life, in our little piece of the world we lived in. He never dreamed of bigger things. He was happy just being. It was me, that God poured vision into. It was me that God told to go and do. Joe believed, but as I talked about before in this blog, it was the hardest thing he'd ever done times a zillion! Joe doesn't get in a boat, and paddle away from shore into the middle of the ocean. He likes the land.. A LOT! : )
I will never, ever, ever forget what he's done for me. I will always give him the respect and appreciation that he deserves. He is the strongest, manliest,amazing husband that I ever dreamed of having. Joe..I love you with a love that is indescribable. God brought us together. He molded us, grew us, refined us and made us into what we are today. With God as our glue that holds us together..nothing can tear us apart. God is our superglue!!! : ) I love you my sweet man. I love you.
You will forever be.. My Valentine. SLH

Famous people visit the Tavern!

Tonight we had some celebrities dine at the Tavern. They had made a reservation earlier in the week. I was so excited that celebrities were going to dine in my restaurant. I set up a table in the smaller dining room. I set it with special care making sure the table cloth was adjusted perfectly. I lit all of the little lanterns on the tables. I dimmed the lights just right. I even went out and bought a fresh rose and put it in the vase for this celebrity couple.
I couldn't wait for them to arrive. I wanted to shake their hands. I wanted to welcome them to the Tavern. I felt proud that they were dining at my restaurant.
Right on time they arrived. I saw them in the lobby. They were surrounded by people who wanted to say hello to them. I bet they get that every where they go.
Lois and Joe Hopkins sat down, with their daughter Elaine and her family and celebrated their 60th anniversary. To me, Lois and Joe are celebrities.
Their anniversary was actually in December, but it had been a tradition for a very long time that they eat at the Tavern for their anniversary, so they held off until we opened, so they could uphold that tradition.
Lois and Joe Are celebrities! I call Dr. Hopkins the Billy Graham of New Wilmington. He is so full of the love of Christ, and he shares it so freely with others, you can't help but to love and respect him. He is much loved.
60 years! Dr. Hopkins asked if we sold gift certificates. I told him that we did. He came out into the hall and whispered to me, "I'd like to buy one for my wife for Valentine's day."
*awww*
I love my job!
Dr. Hopkins and Mrs. Hopkins. Happy Anniversary. Thank you for living for the Lord.
Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary! With admiration, Susan Hougelman

Valentine's Day!

Guess what? We are booked up for Valentine's day! : ) (after 5:00 pm that is!) Now..booked up for us this year will be very different then booked up for us next year! We had to stop taking reservations after a certain number of people. We are not ready yet to fill the whole Tavern. We are only using the downstairs until we learn how to perfect cooking and serving from this kitchen. But for this year.. We are booked up! Thank you all who made reservations! We are so very excited to serve you. We are making a special Valentine's menu up that I'm sure will make you very happy and satisfied.

If you didn't get to make a reservation but still want to come visit us and see what we've done with the place..we are taking reservations for next weekend! 724-946-2020
With gratitude, Susan

The voice of Truth

Almost four years ago I gave my whole life to Jesus Christ. I had been a Christian for about 20 years, but God didn't have my whole heart. I loved Jesus. I went to church on Sunday Mornings. I prayed. But on the side, I did what I wanted. To be honest...I loved sinful things. Sinning can be fun! It brings pleasure. But believe me, that fun and pleasure is only temporary. You are left with shame and guilt and other nasty things. We are punished for our sins one way or another.
So God has turned me inside out and upside down and really...I am a completely different person than I used to be. I am His. I am His servant. He is the King, the Master and I, with the greatest joy I've ever known.. I am His follower.
God began pouring vision into my heart and mind. He showed me things. I could see what was layed out. I began to see my purpose in this world. He has a mission planned for me, and as long as I sought Him and listened to His voice, I knew what that mission was. So I began reading my Bible..not just reading it, but studying it. My eyes were opened up. WOW. The Bible, if you've never read it, is AMAZING! It is Truth. It is Real Truth. I couldn't believe that I had never known what was in there until I read it for myeself. A whole new world was opened up to me!
So I didn't know exactly where I was going to end up, but I did follow Jesus. I didn't give up. Each time a pothole came, He showed me another way to go around. I never lost my faith. I kept traveling. I kept believing. Even though people around me thought I was nuts, and oh..they did!! Even though people didn't understand me, (many, many times I've felt like an alien, that nobody could see what I saw, or knew what I knew)but I didn't listen to them. I didn't let anybody stop me. I kept my eyes focused and trained on Jesus. When I had any doubt..I'd pray. When I tired or broken, I prayed. When people came up against me...I prayed. What do you want of me Lord? Which way should I go Lord? Am I on the right path Lord? Should I keep going? Is this right?
And each time..He answered. He kept me going. The miracles He's sent along the way...honestly, my eyes instantly fill with tears when i say them out loud. People have come along..God's people, and helped Joe and I in so many ways. God sent them to us. I know that. He sent us help when we needed it most. Thank you!
So many of you have written us. You don't know, what your kind words have meant. They've kept us strong and encouraged. You let Jesus work through you, and you may not even know it. Maybe you had a prompting, a feeling to write or help. That was Jesus. You are His body. His tool. He is here inside of us, but He needs us to accomplish His works. He needs YOU!
Why am I telling you this story?
The other day I was interviewed for a community clip for the Westminster College TV station. Shayna Marti asked me some questions about owning the Tavern. I couldn't speak properly, I was so tongue tied, I am soooo shy on camera, but I kept giving the glory to God. Because really, it is the truth. It's not me..I didn't do this. I didn't buy the Tavern on my own and put it all together. God did. Honestly..I'm not just saying that. He really did. It's for Him. He wants it. He wants it for you. For New Wilmington..for people here..for love..for something..I have many ideas, and I don't know them all, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God wants to use this place for something wonderful and amazing..good food, but so much more than good food. He's going to do something in the Tavern. The same way He's been doing something through me. Lives are going to be changed here. It's freaky isn't it?? haha.. It is! It's okay to think that. But I know it's true..because.. I know the voice of truth.
If you have the time..if your computer lets you watch a video, you've got to watch this. It's my song. It's the song that I've listened to over and over and over again on this journey I've been on. Listen to the words. They changed my life. They kept me going. They reminded me to listen to God and not the world.

Now..you take it. I'm giving it to you. Take the lyrics and make them your own! Get out of your comfort zone.. change your life! What have you been wanting to do but are too afraid to do it? What are you afraid of? God is with you friend! YOu can do anything!! ANYTHING!! You can do it!! I know you can! I'm proof that it can happen!
Remember the story of David and Goliath? Remember the children of Israel? Read the Bible..read all of the stories of what God did! He still does that! He hasn't stopped doing amazing things. Maybe He's writing another story..about us right now that future generations will read! What do you want Him to say about you? Don't you want to be a hero in this world? THen get out there..listen to the voice of Truth. You can do it! I know you can!! His, Susan ; )

Our Hours!

We are open Monday through Thursday 11:00 am until 8:00 pm
Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm
Sundays from 12:00 - 5:00

We are open for Valentine's Day! We will have a special dinner menu prepared that includes wonderful, delightful meals!
I can't just put our hours down as a post and not share my heart with you. It's just.. me!

But.. Oh, it's wonderful what a good night's sleep will do for you! I love the Tavern! I love being here in New Wilmington. You are all so wonderful! I will say it a thousand times over. Thank you for your support and encouragement. Come on in and see us. Come get something good to eat. Be a part of our community! Such wonderful things are going to happen!

Have a beautiful day! Enjoy this burst of warm weather! Soak it up! Susan

Day Two!

Today was a good day! Today was a really good day : ) We received many reservations. We met many new friends! We served really, really good food! You've got to try the Pork Chop if you're coming for dinner! It's Joe's favorite! We sold out.. SOLD OUT!!!... of the Chicken -n- Biscuits! We also sold TONS of sticky buns! You New Wilmingtoners LOVE those sticky buns!! WOW! I LOVE THIS COMMUNITY!
I love you guys. Thank you for your support! Thank you for understanding that we opened very softly so we can practice and get things right for when you come in. We will have a great big grand opening gratitude party next month and you will KNOW we are open!!! : )

Please continue to pray for my family.

We hope to see you soon! Susan

I'll bet you're wondering..

How it went today.

*big smile*

My feet hurt.
My back hurts.
I miss my kids.
I forgot to feed my dog today! *please don't call animal welfare, we brought her a great big pork chop to eat when we got home*

It was beautiful.
It was just right.
Keep praying.
One day at a time.

I'm going to go and snuggle with my girls and my man now.
I'll see you tommorow *my tommorow*

*hug* Thanks for caring! Susan L. Hougelman

Today's Specials!

Todays lunch special is:

Homemade Pierogies with a fresh Garden Salad

Soup of the day is Hungarian Potato

Today's homemade pie is Coconut Cream

Come in and see us. We'll feed you well!


Susan & Joe

A soft opening..

Today is opening day. But it's a quiet one. : ) We're doing a soft opening, which means we are opening our doors without any kind of public acknowledgement. No signs. No announcments. No advertising. Not yet. We want to practice with just a little bit of people first. We want to get all the kinks out. We want to see what works and what doesn't. THEN.. we will anounce our opening to the world! We are going to have a great big GRATITUDE party and hang our banners and open loudly!
Please pray that all goes well today. Phil 4:13 (My favorite verse)
I can Do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.
With love, Susan

Thank you

Thank you my friends. Thank you..every one of you who came to pray, help, clean, cook, or serve. My heart is filled with gratitude and overwhelming love. My family has been touched with all of your support and encouragement and help. We are so amazingly blessed. We are community and this is what true community is all about. It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, how much money you make, how much money you don't make, where you go to church, or if you don't. We are ALL one body. How awesome life is when we all stick together and help each other. When you go outside of your comfort zone, your bubble, your little world, when you do acts of kindness and expect nothing in return, when you just let go..and love...and give..and help. When you let go of your insecurites, (don't you think that is what stops us from doing so many great things? We're so afraid of appearing stupid, or looked down upon, or feeling foolish??).. when you let go of your selfishness. Ahhhhhh, when you completely let go of your selfishness and insecurities....and let God come in... YOU will not only make the world a better place, but YOUR heart is going to feel so good and so full of joy that you won't even believe it. I know it's true, because I am a witness to what God does, when you completely give up your will, and give your life over to Him.
Thank you again and again! With a heart that is aching with love and joy and gratitude. Susan L. Hougelman

A messy kid..

Today we are doing the final cleaning and last minute preparations for opening day tommorow. Joe and the kitchen gang will be cooking all day, and I will be in the dining rooms organizing the crew! We are opening our doors today for anyone that wants to come in and pray for this building and the restaurant. We are dedicating The Tavern to the Lord and we want to bring Glory and Honor and Love to Him and to this community. I'm Excited and Nervous but most of all I feel like this..
I feel like a child who has presented his/her mother or father with a gift. Do you remember, as a child, making something with scissors and paper and glue and you were so proud of it? You couldn't wait to give it to your mom or dad? You had glue and paint all over your hands and in your hair, and little pieces of paper were everywhere, including sticking to the glue and paint that were all over you!
That's how I feel. This present is to my Father in Heaven. Here Lord, It's for you. I made it myself. It's not perfect. I'ts going to be messy and crooked and glue spots on it.. some words might be misspelled..It's not professionally made.. But I love you so much, I wanted to make you something beautiful, and I did the best I could with the things I had. It's from my heart.
I love you Jesus. Thank you for being everything to me. Thank you for loving me. I hope you like your gift. Susan

Three more days!

Today was a whirwind. Where did it go? It was a beautiful day, full of beautiful people. My best friend came over in the morning to go over her hostessing duties. She is going to be my hostess four days a week. She is very friendly and will make a wonderful greeter at the Tavern! Next Alex Hines, who will be one of our main servers for lunch, came in to go over his serving duties! Alex is such a wonderful young man! I can't wait for you to meet him. Perhaps you already know Alex. He's from New Wilmington and just graduated from Westminster with a broadcasting degree. I love his personality! He is funny and cute and so sweet! I can't wait to get to know him better! We are going to have a lot of fun and make a lot of memories together! Then Wendy came in and set up the gift shoppe! Wait until you see it! It is absolutely beautiful. Wendy is also a former Wilmington Graduate. She also worked at the Tole n Trinkets store in New Wilmington for many years. Wendy has a beautiful, kind personality, and wow, is she incredible at making things look beautiful! She is very talented.
It is my prayer for Wendy that God uses the Tavern as her stepping stone to having her own store one day! She did such an amazing job for us, I know she could have her own shop! Maybe something in the Village Gallery?? Hmmm, you never know Wendy, where the Lord will take you!!
My good friend Anne Bruening came in and brought me exquisite foral and natural gifts. *sigh* She has so much talent too. I appreciate seeing what artists can do. They can take something ordinary and make it extra-ordinary. It is thrilling to my soul!
Charles and Pam and Ida, (our three main cooks, besides Joe) came in today and began cooking! They prepped a lot of food! It smelled so good in the Tavern today! It really is starting to feel like a restaurant again!
MY GIRLS hung out with us tonight. Joe made wings, and Ally brought her friends over and we all had wings together. It was a wonderful day!
Tommorow I have last minute errands to do! Sunday we are having lots of friends come in to help us with last minute preparations and cleaning. Our serving staff is also coming in to practice. We are having a dry run of sorts.
Remember, Sunday is going to be our day of prayer and our doors will be open for anyone that wants to come by and pray over our restaurant! We will dedicate it to the Lord and pray that He uses it for many, many good things in this community and beyond! May the Lord always get the Glory for what He has done here!
Friends, I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Spend time with your family and relax a little. Think about all of the blessings that God has provided for you. Isn't He Incredible! I'm going to post a little video at the end of this message. Enjoy! With a heart that is fulfilled,
Your friend, Susan

The Giant Cod Fish Sandwich

Was our best selling sandwich at the Neshannock Creek Inn. Of Course we will have it on our menu here at the Tavern too! Joe is aching to start pounding out the fish. There were some Fridays that we sold over 100 fish sandwiches!! It was amazing! We hope we can break that record here! If you like a good fish sandwich, I know a place that you should try! *wink*

Check out my pickle shirt! I want to get some made up for the Tavern too! Don't you think that would be funny? I got pickled at the Tavern!! Hahaha! So many salespeople have said to us, You don't have alcohol at a place called "The Tavern"??
That's why I think the pickle shirt would be awesome! You really can get pickled here! We sell deep fried battered pickles and guess what? They are the hottest selling appetizer we've ever served! People love their pickles!!!
So..thanks for reading. Please keep praying for us. Pray especially for my girls today. They have been so kind and forgiving towards us. They know that we've had to work a lot and they've been very understanding and helpful towards us.
They need to feel God's love too. Thank you my friends,
See you at the Tavern.. SOON!!!!!! Susan

FYI

ooops! The following two blog posts are in reverse order. The one underneath this one was supposed to be second!

From my heart..

Here's the third thing that was on my heart tonight..

I was in the Restaurant very late tonight..until after 1:00 am. The lights were lit and our worship music was playing. We had a fantastic day today and I was feeling such gratitude. Truly my heart was pumping with Thanksgiving and love and joy. So I was praising the Lord, you know. Just silently looking around the dining room, looking at all of the murals,and wow..really just feeling unbelief at what God has done for us. And I thought of the former owners of the Tavern.
My heart broke for them and I'll tell you why. They did an amazing Job fixing up the Tavern. They have such beautiful taste. From the murals on the walls, to the stenciling, to the window treatments to the chandeliers.. They did something that Joe and I never could have done. We would have never thought of fixing this up the way that they did! We don't have the knowledge and to be honest the class that they do. You can just tell, that they knew fine things. They had such a wonderful vision and beautiful, beautiful taste. This building is..honestly..I've fallen in love with it, it is that wonderful!
So anyway, I was looking at the murals that Gib Mcgill painted. One day he came in here and told us all of the stories behind the murals. Each scene represents something. On one of the walls, is a picture of the former owners riding horses.
Just imagine how much they must have loved this place. There are pictures of their family and I think their house and children painted into the murals. They must have hurt so badly to have had to let that go. I can just tell the love that they put into here.
They tried. I'm sure they tried so hard to make it work. Running a restaurant is so very hard! Believe me, we know! I can't even imagine doing it with five kids at home. And it's not easy in this building. It's an old building. There are a lot of problems here. There's always something that needs fixed! We are finding that out every single day!
But this is what I believe. God knew what was going to happen with the Tavern. He knew Joe and I never would have made it as beautiful as the Behms did. Maybe, just maybe, that they needed to come first, before we could have it. Maybe they were part of God's plan for this place. Maybe they did their part.. perhaps they were following God and God led them there. I don't know. I have never talked to the former owners of the Tavern, but I do feel and see the love that they put into the place. For that I am so grateful. Thank you both. Thank you for all of the love you brought here. Thank you for making it so beautiful. Thank you for doing such a great job. I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. Please know that we will take care of the Tavern and try to carry on the old traditions and make our own new ones. We will be good stewards of this place. Please know that. May God Bless you abundantly!
SLH

Great News! Great people and a Great new place!

The inspector from the Dept. of Agriculture came today and guess what? She LOVED the Tavern on the Square!! She gave us very high marks and she talked and talked about how nice the place was! She gave us the thumbs up to open on Monday! She said she wanted to come and bring her daughters to eat here! YEAH!!!!! We were so relieved and so very happy. We felt like dancing. That was a big hurdle that we had to get past..just making sure everything was up to par and done right! Oh friends, thank you so much for your prayers! I had such a peace wash over me this morning and I felt so calm and my fears and anxieties really did go away! We are ready to roll!!
Before I go to be tonight, I have to share with you three things that are on my mind. I met two amazing people today.
The first person I met was named Paul. He works at Staples. He was rubbing his jaw as he rang me out on his register. I asked him if he was okay. He said his jaw hurt. He had metal plates in it. It was then that I noticed many scars all along his jaw and neck and even all over his cheeks. He told me that he was in a car accident a few years ago. He was hit head on by a truck. He almost died. He was in a coma for two days. I asked him if he remembered anything about the accident. He said that he was eating a burrito from Taco Bell, right when his car was hit. When he awoke from the coma two days later, the first thing on his mind was, "Where's my burrito?" He was ticked off.. he wanted that burrito. He said his mom cried and laughed at the same time. I think I would do the same.
Paul then told me that he almost died at birth too. I told him that God must want Him around for a reason. He said, "Yeah, I just don't know what it is yet."
Hmmm.. Seek and ye shall find out why, Paul!
The second person I met today was an AMAZING person with an AMAZING store and a great life story! I was enamoured with her! Her name is Patricia and she owns an antique store in Elwood City called Into Antiques! Here's a link to her site! INTOANTIQUES Have you ever been there?
OH MY GOODNESS! It is like a magical place! Honestly..I felt like I was in wonderland. She has the most beautiful old pieces of furniture and other things in her store...There was just so much to look at I couldn't get it all in. But it wasn't just what she had in the store, it was how she fixed it up. It was the building itself, it was..oh, there was just something about it, I fell in love with! I had never been to an antique store in my life, but Joe and I wanted an old church pew to put in our front lobby, and a friend of ours contaced patricia and she found one for us! (it is gorgeous by the way..from the 1920's!!)
So we went to pick it up tonight, and I wanted to stay all night and talk to Patricia! She is a vibrant woman full of ideas and stories. She gave me so many great ideas for the Tavern. She told me she'd help plan my events, like the murder mystery dinners and teas and fashion shows..things like that!! She also has a little cafe inside of her antique store and hosts tea parties as well as lunches! I want to take all of my girlfriends there! A group of friends together would have so much fun!! If you ever are looking for a place to go, especially during the winter time..because she has so much inside of her store, it would take you hours to look at it all, and then you could have lunch or tea, GO TO INTO ANTIQUES!! I promise you that you won't be disappointed! She also makes cookies and decorates cakes.. haha, she really was amazing!! I hope this was a start of a relationship, because I really want to learn more from her and maybe some of her incredible giftedness will rub off on me!
Okay..so that's the second thing on my mind... the third thing I am going to write a separate post about.. It's something that I wanted to let spill from my heart. So I'm going to post this note and then the other will follow.
Thank you for reading! Thank you for listening! We are going to have so much fun being together in this community. Even if you haven't met me in person YET, we are all a part of one community! Let's get together, let's get to know each other and do AMAZING things together! Let's make this community INCREDIBLE! Let's make people feel wonderful together! Let's spread the love...come on..Pass it on! Do one kind thing for someone today! Think of something special you can do..and just do it, don't just think about it! Go ahead! Make someone's day better! *hug* Susan

I feel better today..at least at the moment. Joe and I are in the Tavern blasting worship music!! hahah! It has been fun! The new coffee pots are being installed and the inspector will be here soon! I'll let you know how it goes!!!
Are my emotions like a roller coaster this week? Oh my! Peace to you!(and me too!) Susan

Prayer Chain!

I know this is last minute... But I've been wanting to do this for two weeks now. We just didn't know what this weekend would be like, so we didn't want to do this if we were going crazy with last minute preparations BUT We will be going crazy with last minute preparations, but I'm going to do it anyway! I have a HUGE favor to ask all of you. Once again, I know it's late notice..I apologize.
We need a prayer chain started. I SO BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER! When God's people pray mighty, mighty things can happen. Would you please email everyone on your email list and ask them to pray for us. I know there are sick people that need prayer, I know there are a lot of people that might think praying over a restaurant opening might be silly.. BUT This restaurant is dedicated to serving the Lord first, and then serving this community!! I am so nervous. I know I shouldn't be, but I am. If you come here next week, please know that we are a work in progress. We have to learn how to work together, and learn this place, learn the equipment, learn the new menu..learn the computer system. The way we've all got to learn is to just jump in and start swimming! But I want you to have the most amazing experience here!!!!! That's what makes me so afraid. I don't want to disappoint anyone.
Sunday, we are having friends come in to help us clean this place and get it ready. Our doors will be open. We would like anyone that wants to come by to come on in and pray. You can walk around..you can just stand in the door, you can pray silently or with us.. you can just drive or walk by and pray, or you can just pray from your church or home! Any pastors that would come by, we would be honored. I know that you all know a lot of people. If you can send the request out, and tell that person to send it out to someone..we can get a good prayer chain going and that would make me feel a lot better! Ack..I need to feel calm!
Thank you! thank you so much. I love this community. Honestly, I wish you all could read the letters of encouragement that Joe and I have received! Every single day we get something. It is God to me. It is so God, saying I am here! See me through my people. Let them love you, let them give to you, let them help you. It is me, Jesus, helping you through them!
Okay..now I am a mushy crying baby! You're probably laughing at me! I'm weird believe me I know!! But.. I love you. If you are reading this, it means you are supporting us. Therefore, I love you and I thank you with all that I have!
Pray! Tell others to pray! Please!
With the love of the most amazing God ever,
your friend, Susan

Six..more days. My heart is leaping wildly. I am a nervous wreck. I can barely think. I can't concentrate. There is so much left to do. There are so many people to talk to. We can't do this! It's too hard! God, I need you so much...

What can you do?

Ask yourself today.
What you can do.

then..

do it. :)

It might not be easy, but the joy that you will feel, because you've sacrificed and given it to the Lord, will be incredible.

I know that to be true. Because I've experienced it myself.
When trouble comes..and it will come.. Jesus will be there
When times are hard, and they will be.. Jesus will be there.
When you have nothing left.. Jesus will ALWAYS be there.
I promise, it's true.

If you need to talk, if you need somebody, go ahead..write..
If you don't know Jesus, and want to know Him.

If you NEED Him..go ahead, write, I'll help you get to know Him.
He's calling for you. He loves you. He really does.

You may think this has nothing to do with the opening of a new restaurant..
but it has everything to do with the opening of this restaurant.

Jesus loves you. May He fill your day with warmth, Susan

7 more days!

I'm screaming with excitement and anticipation! I can't wait to be amongst people again! That's what I've ached for the most these past two months
At the Neshannock Creek Inn, I waitressed. I waitressed because I loved making people happy. I am a server at heart. I love serving people good food, and I loved smiling and being kind to people. I loved listening to people's life stories. I loved seeing kids coming in my restaurant and watching them grow up. I loved sharing hugs with customers, and getting to encourage them. I loved making new friends. I truly love making people feel happy.
Joe loves cooking good food. I love people. It's what makes us a good team for owning a restaurant!
7 more days. Come in and see me and give me a hug!
Blessings to you today! Susan

Yeah Steelers!

What an incredible game last night! Honestly, I was praying for a win. I don't usually pray over football games, but Joe needed something good to happen yesterday. That poor man has been working so hard, and feeling so much pressure..He is all I could think about last night. "Let them win for Joe" That's what I kept saying last night.. Guess what? It gave him that boost he needed! It brought some pleasure into his tired soul! It gave him some energy!!!!
YEAH STEELERS!!!