A Permanent Tasting Room Set-Up in OB?

Our name was being tossed around as the front-runner to build out & operate a kitchen in the back storage room of Belching Beaver's newest Ocean Beach location.  We caught wind of this one Friday night in December 2016, when we were set-up at their North Park tasting room.

Jarrod, the tasting room manager, had recommended us to Beaver's top brass.  He vouged for our grilled cheese & how we had been consistent vendors for the last two years at North Park.

"Are you guys interested?"  Jarrod asked.

"In OB?  Our own kitchen?  Connected to a bar on Newport?  Hell yeah, we are," I told him & a meeting was setup with the owners.

Our first meeting was at the OB tasting room.  Tom & Troy, the owners, showed us the space.  It wasn't much more than four bare walls & a light switch.  About 268 square feet with back door alley access.  No grease trap, exhaust hood, or any plumbing.

"Rent would be $400 a month, but you guys would be responsible for the build-out," Tom told us.

"Ok, & you guys are fine with us doing grilled cheese?" I asked.  

"Yeah, of course.  And we were thinking maybe you guys should do wings also," Troy said.  "Everybody loves chicken & they're real easy to fry up."

"Yeah, OK, well we could do something with wings," Kate said.  "What about the hours?"

"We'd want you to be open the same hours as us, of course.  Noon to 10pm."

"Ok, well we'll have to talk about it.  It's a great location," I said.  "Thanks for showing us the space."

"Sure, yeah take your time & let us know," Tom said.  "You won't find cheaper rent anywhere on Newport Avenue, that's for sure."  

We shook their hands & walked back to our house, floored by the thought of having our own place.  It was definitely an intriguing offer, but we had to do some recon.

Kate started reaching out to people with kitchens & calling empty commercial places that were "For Lease," to get an idea of what we were working with.

I began sketching blueprints in an old art school notepad with the dimensions I found online of the equipment we would need.