The SoWa crew

2 September, 2010 in Operations, Team, customers by ayr | 1 comment

Hey everybody! We had such a great time at SoWa. We’re hoping to call this our new Sunday home. What a start. I didn’t expect much for the first day. After all, our formula usually gives us a slow start: zero promotion, avoid press, focus on building relationships with customers one at a time and delivering really good food. Normally we have something like 8 customers to start. Then, if we do our job right with the food and the experience (they don’t have to wait too long, we’re friendly, etc.) they come back. And if we’re lucky they bring a friend. So day 2 we might have something like 7 return customers + 5 friends. And the cycle happens again. You get the idea. We grow, but slowly, one day at a time.

So we were really surprised by our first day at SoWa. We served almost as many mouths as we do on a regular day at one of our existing (already built-up) locations. We’re thrilled for the chance to meet so many new people, and I hope we’re giving you a great experience. We’ll know we’re doing OK if you return next Sunday we’re up (market is closed for holiday this weekend, so it will be on the 12th). And we’ll know we’re really hitting it if you bring friends.

Thanks everybody, looking forward to seeing you again!

Homegrown AC

2 September, 2010 in Construction, Design by ayr | No comments

You’re just looking at the picture and you know I’m getting excited. It’s not the first time I’ve posted an image of home-grown technology. I need to put a new category on the website for this type of thing.

So what you’re looking at here is the invention of Mick, a new friend who is helping his wife Diane get a cupcake truck running here in Boston. You can check them out alongside us at SoWa on Sundays (but not this Sunday because the market is closed for the holiday).

That’s a cooler filled with ice. And a fan. And an exhaust stack. And a car battery. The fan blows air through the ice, the ice cools the air, the cool air keeps the cupcakes from melting. Isn’t that awesome?

Hole for HVAC units

2 September, 2010 in Construction by ayr | No comments

HVAC stands for “Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning.” It’s an acronym architects, engineers, and builders use all the time. We’re getting 2 new 5-ton HVAC units installed at the restaurant at 7 Holyoke St. We’ve been back and forth with engineers who would like one more (3 5-ton units), but we’ve ended up with 2 in part due to cost constraints, in part due to space constraints. 2 instead of 3 should mean less energy used (I like that). And we are using something called “heated make-up air” in coordination with our hood which should also contribute to keeping everything balanced.

The real test will come when we operate the restaurant. We can always add another unit later if necessary.

Boston City Hall

1 September, 2010 in Licensing, Operations by ayr | No comments

I was over at City Hall yesterday. This is a picture of the plaza they are talking about parking trucks on. If you haven’t been following there is a food truck challenge the City of Boston has launched. We’re entering an really excited about the potential.

So yesterday there was a public hearing. I was contacted by some folks at the City (sorry, I’ll admit I don’t know exactly who you were when you called) and asked if I could attend. I was really glad they called because I wasn’t following this too closely on my own and wouldn’t have known about the hearing otherwise.

When I got to the City Council chambers I didn’t know what to expect. There were 2 log-in sheets: one for “Attendees” one for “Testimonials.” I wasn’t sure I wanted to present a testimony, but I think the person who called an invited me asked if I would. So after a bit of deliberation (sorry to who ever was behind me in line) I put my name on the testimonial page. But I was a little concerned because I was near the bottom of the list (arriving early is another thing I’m not good at), and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to stay all the way through to the end of the meeting due to some other commitments.

So then the meeting started, Michael Ross (I think he is City Council President? Sorry, I don’t mean any disrespect, I just don’t know much about City politics yet), asked me to speak before everybody. It was an audience of food vendors (including Speeds, M&M, Frosty, etc.). I’ve never been to a public hearing before and didn’t know what to do. They told me to come down to the microphone, which worked pretty well. But you all know I have a pretty loud voice. Not sure I needed amplification.

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IT strategy session

1 September, 2010 in Operations by ayr | 2 comments

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? That post title doesn’t sound very Clover, does it? Sounds more like something I would have said in my previous job. Well, at least we’re doing this at a table at a restaurant instead of in a sterile conference room.

I know you’re dying to know how this order system we use got developed (about as exciting at the title to this post, right?) Well that system (called a point of sale or POS system) is one small part of much larger plans I have for Clover’s IT. A lot of the stuff we do with computers isn’t going to be directly visible to you all, but it will show up in less obvious ways: like maintaining low prices, serving you quickly, keeping track of fresh local produce, making sure we keep the time from harvest to service as short as possible.

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County courthouse adventure

1 September, 2010 in Licensing, Operations by ayr | No comments

Those of you who know me know that I’m not always the best at dealing with bureaucratic processes. Well, there are a lot of things I’m not good at dealing with (the press comes to mind), but I’m particularly bad with bureaucracy. I don’t know if it’s the engineer in me demanding efficiency, or my inability to follow rules, or impatience when it comes to details. Whatever the case, I’m just not good at this stuff.

I got a call the other week regarding our building permit for 7 Holyoke. You may remember we had to file for a variance with the Board of Zoning Approval (BZA) back at the beginning of this process. “Fast food establishments” are not allowed in Cambridge without a variance. That was a long process, but with some help we navigated it.

(Gory details follow)

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400 Amp Breaker Panel

1 September, 2010 in Construction by ayr | No comments

You’re looking at a 400 Amp breaker panel. This is for 7 Holyoke. Our landlord is installing new electrical systems for us because they want to separate our usage from the building. It’s an enormous undertaking. Just look at that switch!

Love that date

30 August, 2010 in Branding, Operations, Team by ayr | No comments


I was so happy to find this the other day. Isn’t that great? See the date, and the “K” for ketchup?

We work really hard to keep track of the dates and freshness of everything we deal with. But it’s rare that you get to see these out front. I love that somebody started labeling the ketchup. Most companies wouldn’t do this sort of thing. It’s a symbol to me of the back of house/ front of house separation, a dynamic that mirrored in the split/ discord between grocery and distributors, restaurants and supply, etc.

Anyway, I love that you can see this. I’m proud we’re showing it off (but can’t claim credit for the innovation). And I think you should be happy about it too.

Shirts for Sale! (they come in adult sizes too)

26 August, 2010 in Branding, Team by ayr | No comments

We’re really excited. Just when the rain was trying to get us down sunny yellow T-shirts arrived in the mail to cheer us up.

This is phase 3 of the Clover Uniform Plan. We’ve been crafting this move for over a year. Our goal:

- Blue aprons — the color of an apron means something. search our old posts for “aprons” and you can read more about it. short version is that blue means apprentice. We’re making the statement that we’re all learning all the time

- Simple hats that don’t use much material and are comfortable (mesh in summer, knit in winter)

- Simple shirts that work with aprons (image in back), are printed in limited editions (get it, so that they run out occasionally!), and change frequently

- Levis 501 Blue Jeans (final stage) — what is more American, more lasting, less trendy? I grew up seeing my Dad wear Levis. I now wear them. Our truck will wear them. They are perfect. We’re working with Levis (more on this later) to outfit everybody in a raw denim Levi that will age and develop over time

We’re making sure everything we wear is available to our customers. First time around I made the mistake of buying stuff that was too expensive, and not buying ladies T-shirts. We’ve fixed that. Now we’re talking:

- T-shirts $10/ shirt while they last (men’s and ladies sizes available)

- Hats $15/ hat

Someday we’ll add the aprons and blue jeans into the mix…

New delivery van damaged

26 August, 2010 in Construction, Environmental by ayr | No comments

The guys at the kitchen say somebody backed into our van in the middle of the night. I’d like to think that was the case. Either way, what a hassle.

I’m going to get this fixed. It’s going to cost us too much money, but I like cars and think it’s important that we take pride in and care for the things we own. I like my things, I like to take care of them, and I like them to last. Materialism is a powerful weapon against waste.

What’s Chris doing at McDonald’s

26 August, 2010 in Team by ayr | 1 comment

That’s Chris, and yes, that blurry patch was a bird. For those of you who don’t know him that’s not the kind of guy he is. He just thought it would keep me from posting this picture. Instead I’m collecting a series of these.

We have staff meetings once a week. We’ve been using the opportunity to visit our city’s fine fast food establishments. This was Burger King. The one next to it McDonald’s. We’ve hit Panera, Starbucks, Chipotle, Qdoba, Cosi, and this past week: Taco Bell/ KFC.

These little excursions serve a couple of purposes (besides rocking our digestive systems). They teach us things. Each time we meet we start out with a discussion about what we see, what we like, surprises, and a little history of the chain.

Second, they keep us grounded. This is our competition. This is what people eat daily. This is why we’re working so hard.

You’re getting to know us, let’s play a little game: who eats most willingly, who needs to be force-fed when we go out (the pictures above may provide you with some hints):

(A) Chris (MIT manager, soon to move on to Harvard store)

(B) Peter (MIT manager in training, but not for long)

(C) Vincenzo (DWY manager)

(D) Ayr (the one who everybody is angry at about the Food Truck Festival)

(E) Rolando (the one responsible for our food)

Tables and chairs at the Greenway

25 August, 2010 in Design, customers by ayr | 1 comment

So what did you all think about the tables and chairs? The Greenway has these sweet tables and chairs for Dewey Sq. Only problem is we’re often so busy getting your food ready we don’t have time to put them out.

I was around the other day and made sure every single chair and table got out before lunch. If you all like this set-up let us know and we’ll try harder to set them up.

Emo

25 August, 2010 in Team by ayr | No comments

This is Emo. He’s been with us for a few weeks now and we’re hoping to make it a long term relationship. He’s got what we’re looking for: great attitude, hard working, curious.

Before working with us Emo was working construction. Emo started out as a part time truck cleaner. Recently we moved him up to full time at the end of the day (packing the truck, dealing with dishes, etc.).

Since he works back at the kitchen Emo never sees our operation. Last week on his own initiative he stopped by to see what this thing is he’s been working on. I grabbed a fry and Chickpea and lemonade for him. Hoping he loved it.

Welcome to the team Emo.

DWY survey

23 August, 2010 in Branding by ayr | 8 comments

Survey time. If you’re a Dewey truck customer, and you stopped by today, please help us by filling out this 5 minute survey. Thanks!

UPDATE: Due to the rainy day we are keeping this open another day.

NOTE: If you’re having trouble seeing the survey it’s likely because your browser is blocking pop-up windows. The survey service we use changed the way they offer the surveys. I think it’s suppose to be more slick or something, but we’re not very happy. Working on a solution.

Keep reading for survey…

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Concrete is cut

22 August, 2010 in Construction by ayr | No comments

We’re making progress on the Harvard Square (or at least our landlord, who is doing the work at this point, is making progress). This picture is taken from within the space, of the door that is all papered out. Don’t worry, as soon as we take over the paper is coming down and you’ll be able to see everything going on. In the meantime let this post be your clear window.

I stopped by the other day and was really happy to see light pouring in from our back skylight, through the gigantic hole in the floor that was cut. This was an idea Jinhee Park (our architect) had, and I think it’s going to be brilliant. We liked the models, but it’s hard to know until you see the real thing. Happy to report it’s even better than we’d hoped.

After the link I’ve included some pictures of the massive steel beams that are supporting the giant cut-out in the floor of the mezzanine, the light pouring into the space, and the chilled water pipes we’re trying to decide how to handle.

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We’re not the only ones who love you Megan!

19 August, 2010 in Team by ayr | 3 comments

Some of you may remember some of the funny job applications we’ve had in the past. Like the guy who went on for 2 pages about his butchering techniques and experience.

Alright, so this one if even funnier. Not exactly an application, but just hilarious.

The picture above is of Megan. She’s a recent member of the Clover family. You see Megan is Vincenzo’s wife. We’re thrilled to have gotten to know her, and really appreciate that she’s helping us out a bit with hiring. Megan has had a ton of experience with food service hiring, and we’re, well, new to everything. So anyway, enough set-up. The email is after the break. Get ready to laugh.

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Clover Blues

18 August, 2010 in Branding, Team by ayr | No comments

Some of you might be asking yourself what a white kid from the North is doing playing all that blues?

When Erik Joule (Levi’s guy, early advisor and supporter of Clover) and I were discussing branding and retail space early on, and he asked me “what does it sound like?” I was stumped. I’ve always loved music. I used to DJ on the radio, helped run some radio stations, etc. But I was stumped. For all the detail and research I’d put into the company and environment we were creating I’d never thought of what it would sound like.

(more after break)

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Meet Betrous

17 August, 2010 in Licensing, Menu, Operations by ayr | No comments

This is Betrous. (Sorry if I’m mucking up the spelling.) I love this guy and I love his falafel. As a student I lived across the street from his truck and would enjoy his $2.50 Falafel with hot sauce, Soda, Baklava combo at least 2 times per week.

If you haven’t tried his truck you should. It’s at 77 Mass Ave, right at the heart of MIT’s campus (we’re at the rear end). Tell him Clover sent you.

I love Betrous’ business. He knows his customers. He cares about his food. He works hard. Now I know exactly how hard. He’s been doing this for years with little attention. What more can you ask for.

I stopped by today to say hi and chat a bit. Here’s my favorite quote from the day: “People ask me… they say do you want to advertise… but I don’t spend money on advertising. Spend it on the food. Food is the advertising.” Couldn’t say it better myself.

Not everyone knows this next part… (after the break)

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I know I’m in the right place

16 August, 2010 in Construction, Design, Environmental by ayr | No comments

This was spotted on the most recent trip to my furniture maker, the ones making the furniture for the restaurant in Harvard Square. Isn’t it brilliant?

We wanted to do all custom furniture, but our budget was very tight. My architects had worked with a guy they thought would be perfect. I saw this contraption and knew I was in the right place. I’ll say it again, isn’t that brilliant?

I love how limited resources combined with necessity can spurn creativity and invention. This is at the core of the Yankee ethic that I love so deeply. Need a dust pan? Slice that bucket in half, nail it to a piece of wood. Know what, it’s re-using without being “green,” and it’s cheap without being from Wal-Mart. Isn’t that brilliant?

That sandwich is delicious, and you’re not going to get to eat it

16 August, 2010 in Branding, Design, Menu, Team by ayr | 11 comments

Friday when I got back from vacation Enzo, all expectation and excitement, showed me this picture on his iPhone. I told him “not going to happen.” And after that felt like I’d kicked a puppy.

I can be a jerk sometimes. And part of it was that, I just didn’t deliver the message well. But there is a more substantial challenge. Rolando and I have to figure out how to source these great ideas and energy from our employees, while making sure the output is in line with our vision for Clover. It’s a tricky thing to do, and I really screwed it up Friday (sorry Enzo).

(more after break)

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