Has it really been a year?!
Tomari's opened January 17, 2017 and it's been quite a year! Oh my! We've learned so very much this year:
We learned . . .
That we have the best team that any business could ever hope for. Truly. Zach, Alley, and Emily were our original and amazing trio. They welcomed you each and every day over this past year, always striving for perfection in serving you the very best coffee and food that we have to offer. They are honest, hardworking, and so completely genuine and we know we would not be here without them. They truly are Tomari's and we've adopted them as family. Sadly Emily left us late last year to pursue her chosen career in the medical field. She is now working at Swedish Hospital as a CMA and although we were very sad to see her go, we are cheering her on from the Tomari's sideline! Our new barista, Beth, is a very welcomed addition and fits with our team like a hand in glove. She stepped in and stepped up keeping stride like the pro she is. Beth is a local here on the mountain and we are so very very glad to have her join the team (and the family). We also welcome Rachael, our newest team member who has now been on board a matter of days. Another local, We are so fortunate to have found each other! Rachel has an amazing energy surpassed only by her great work ethic and team spirit. This is the Tomari's team and they are eager to please!
We learned . . .
That not only do we have the best staff, we have the best local partners supplying us with highest quality and tastiest food and drink. Because after all, what is a coffee shop without high value gourmet coffee and delightful food and treats. Mountain Top Confections is our crux and core. Carolyn Autry's culinary skills are wowed over and over. It's so much fun to watch a newbie take a first bite of Carolyn's to die for cinnamon rolls or a piece of her flourless chocolate cake - also to die for! Heck, all of her stuff is to die for! Our grandchildren are suckers for the Tomari's cookies! Kevin our breakfast burrito guy is simply the best, delivering a wide variety of breakfast burritos he personally designs to satisfy every possible taste and dietary preference/need. Then there's his green chili! Need I say more! Thank you to Pablo's coffee! No Mom-N-Pop shop could every ask for a better partner than Pablo's! They have been there every step of the way for us. From loaning equipment to training and of course their spectacular roasting of those amazing coffee beans. We love you Pablo's! Finally a special shout out to The Pickle Bear and of course Naomi our homemade salsa connection for giving us the all so important finishing touches. Thank you all for this amazing first of (hopefully) many years!
We learned . . .
That there is some amazing local talent here in the community who are willing to share their incredible talent with us. They shlep their wide array of instruments and equipment to the shop on select weekends and bless us with their fabulous music simply for the joy of playing and for the pleasure of our wonderful guests. From the classical sound of Bronwyn and Derek in Madera Dulce to our very good friends of Senior Discount playing that foot stomping oldies Rock-n-Roll, and of course the melodic folk sound of Mailyn Faulkner and the sweet sweet voice of Michal McDowell. We are so very fortunate and grateful to have these accomplished and brilliant musicians as very very good friends of Tomari's.
We learned . . .
That you are the very best customers and guests that any business could ever ask for. We had a dream and wanting to build the spirit of community into the core of our business because it's at the core of our hearts. YOU brought that to us. I've heard from so many locals and visitors alike that there is a certain vibe when one walks into Tomari's. That vibe comes from YOU. It's a vibe of friendship and care for one's neighbor which, sadly, is all too rare in these modern times. It's a feeling of stepping back into the old days where a tip of the hat and a friendly hello and maybe even a minute to chat about the family and what's going on is still a reality. It's community. It's a dream come true.
We learned . . .
That we have a long way to go and so many opportunities for the next year and the future. New products and services to meet your needs and wants, fun music and events to provide even more motivation for your visit, and maybe a few surprises along the way . . .
Thank you for this year! We've certainly learned a lot!