Year Two By Claudia Boliba, Owner
have to say it was a year all about family. Our personal family and our new extending family here at Gazos Grill. We witnessed about everything. Life beginning, ending, renewal of life and celebrations of life's accomplishments- a full plate. Our family had to pull together, regroup, and even re-examine our goal to continue our dream here at Gazos. With the addition of a few family members we've been able to keep it rolling toward success. I would like to introduce to you those members. First, Myles, born August of last year, is the first grandson to the Hare family. His bright eyes and smiling face is a light in our day to remind us it's all worth it. Next, Harleigh, daughter of Stephanie, is the spark that keeps the engine running for Gazos. Always ready for a challenge, she tackles everything with a sense of humor and dedication. You can see her cooking in the kitchen, arranging flowers, and sweeping floors. Say hi, you're sure to get a smile! Thank you Harleigh! Now I'd like to mention someone who is no longer working here, but helped pull us through the winter of last year. Peter, a person who will forever be a member of our extended family. He was cook here from August of last year to around March of this year. Raised in the restaurant business, Peter is an excellent cook who took over the kitchen with enthusiasm and lightened the load with his humor. Thanks for an amazing New Year's Eve Party, Peter. Now he's moved on to a bigger and better life for himself in Konocti Harbor. Best wishes Peter! Always behind the scenes but not out of sight are our musician friends, who fill the room with rhythm, and always amazes us the new talent. They keep everyone moving and grooving in the restaurant, keep it up! We had two Big graduations this year- my son Brian who after finishing his fire academy training, completed his AA in fire technology and graduated from Chabot College in Hayward. He will continue his education at Sacramento State in January. Also, Jarred, the Hare's 3rd son graduated valedictorian from Woodside High School and will continue his education in engineering at Santa Barbara State. Congrats to you both! Sadly we were all taught a life's lesson in grace from Jeff Hare's mother, Bobbie, when she left us quietly in December. Her humor and beauty will be missed. Today is dedicated to her. It's a time to celebrate life, love and family. Come be a part of our family by sharing our home here at Gazos with us. Continuing to support a family dream with your patronage, keeps Gazos alive! It's fitting we share the month of our anniversary with the month of celebration of "The Summer of Love" because both Stephanie and I are products of that time. Life, Love & Family are what we are all about here at Gazos and we would like to continue sharing the warmth of our food, the soul of our music and the light from our sunsets with you, our family. Health concerns were priority for my husband, Fred and I this year, and "our family" stepped up and kept things rolling for us. Year Three
Open a restaurant in the middle of nowhere, no backers, large loans, little experience, no furniture, supplies, or food...How have we made it happen? Energy, a dream, and faith in the people that pour their hearts into making it happen. Stephanie (with experience and boundless energy) has worked over 20 years in the restaurant industry waiting tables, pouring coffee, mopping floors, cleaning toilets, flipping burgers, washing piles of dishes all the while, still wearing a smile. Yet, all of this is just a small part of what goes into a day at a restaurant. Multiply this by years and many of us would be sitting in a wheelchair by now. But not Stephanie, she can still be seen making up a meatloaf with a pot of soup on the stove and her famous biscuits and gravy warming in the oven, while waving hello to welcome the next customer who walks in the door. And this was her dream? Her supportive family have helped make this possible. First, her husband Jeff, our weekend warrior who tackles the early opening hours alone, having coffee ready for our first customer or a sleepy employee who staggers in the door. He can be seen washing, sweeping, cleaning, scraping, and mopping- talk about energy. All of which he does after working a full time job in construction. Did I mention, together they have six kids, Yes, six children! All of whom have had some part in making this restaurant run. Starting with their oldest, Wesleigh, started his own restaurant, 7th street Montara, stepped up to be one of our cooks in the beginning, along with Harleigh, and Ben. (Never take these three out to eat, they'll critique everything). Then there is Jarred who can be found waiting, busing now and then, since he's a full-time student at UCSB but most likely he'll be eating- he's 6'4" and a growing! Chelsea, the Hares's 2nd daughter, works weekends waiting tables, though on her downtime she loves to draw behind the counter, which is her true passion. Her artwork is often display on the windows to brighten up the place. And last but not least, their 3rd daughter Ashleigh, also helps wait tables. But the way I see it, she will end up writing about us all one day in a book. Watch out Stephanie, she has your story down. Now, that's just half the family. On my side we have our all-around maintenance man, shopper, and gofer, my husband Fred. Unclogging toilets, changing light bulbs, or tending bar are but a few of his contributions to this place. He usually has something in his hand, ready to take on the next challenge. His latest feat has been taking over as cook for the evening shift, which he says is nothing compared to cooking for his troops in the army during the Vietnam war. My oldest, Rebecca has also helped prep in "Hell's Kitchen" and recently tackled the evening waitress slot. Brittney, my 2nd daughter, has been my holiday decorating, party planner, website and music flyer designer, all while finishing her degree at SFSU. She also worked alongside her Dad in kitchen, cooking. My son Brian also has been busy attending college but with the help of our god son Casey, squeezed in time to paint Gazos. As for me, I just juggle the books, payroll, bill collectors, decoration, and do a few dishes. As you can see, it couldn't be done without a little help from the family. Strong work ethic and effort-things you learn in life from your family. I learned this from my family, mostly from my mother. Not surprisingly, she worked as a waitress as a teenager, juggling four coffee cups in one hand and four plates in the other, although I know she would say it was five plates...I will keep this realistic. I'd like to dedicate this year to her. Like her, we are not going to give up without a fight. Our drive to continue comes from our upbringing. She was the energy of our family & supported us in this effort. |
| Established 2005 |
Year One
By Claudia Boliba, Owner
By Claudia Boliba, Owner
....And what a year it has been! August 6, 2005 we opened our doors with a bang! Peak of the tourist
season crowds poured in, anxious to sample the dishes of the new eatery on the coast. Under-staffed and
under-prepared we struggled through our first days, overwhelmed with the enormity of the need for a
restaurant in this "middle of nowhere" location. Once a thriving business known as Pinkies, years have
passed since any really successful restaurant endured. My sister, Stephanie and I had a dream of bringing
life back to this beautiful spot on the coast. To our friends, who have come to enjoy our food or entertain
us with their talented music or just stop by to say "hi", we would like to thank you for making this dream
come true. Many rainy days and Devil's slide has not made it easy, but your smiling faces, beautiful
melodies, and fabulous sunsets have let us know that the light will always shine at Gazos Grill. We are
here to stay!
| Year Four By Claudia Boliba, Owner The other day someone walked up to me and said "Honestly, I didn't think you would still be here!" And honestly it’s a comment like that keeps me hanging in here. So many people look at the world in that way. Don't try it. It won't work. It hasn't before, it never will. It can't happen, not here. Don't risk it. Well, I have and here we are. Four years later, surviving December through March rain storms, Devils Slide, inflated gas prices and a poor economy! When I look back and search for an answer to why we’re still here? I come up with only one word, YOU. Yes, you! You, the one who comes by just to say hi and make sure we are still here. Every week, rain or shine. Fog or firestorm. You who bring in new friends each weekend. Sit at the same tables. Drink the same coffee. Not once but twice a week. You come for the sunsets, the fireplace, the music, the food. You who find it a place where you can share long and lingering conversations with good friends. Hang out for a while, get off the road, out of the wind. You, who bring your family in to play games, enjoy a chocolate shake, or garlic fries. Or maybe, if you are a risk taker, try our “Undertow Burger”. Also, you are the one who makes the coffee each morning, or the omelet just the way “YOU” like it! It’s you I catch singing in the kitchen or running out to play a few notes with the bands between dish cycles. You even don’t mind playing to an empty room. It’s you that sweep and mop the floors, lug in the groceries, stock the shelves and clear the drains. You can balance coffee cups, while doing the hand jive, and still manage to smile when the tip tray is empty. Also, you have had to put off celebrations or trips because the restaurant needs you. You make the soup, bake the pies, scrub the grill, carry the ice, lift the water bottles, and on and on. And you are still here. You may not know me, but you know who “YOU” are…and what would I do without “YOU”! So, today to celebrate #4 , I would like to dedicate this day to “YOU”! For honestly without “YOU”?! I wouldn’t still be here. Thank you all so much! Enjoy the day. To Be Continued.... |
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