In this episode of the I love Cambridge, our guests are Nicole Borysiewicz And Rick Duffy. Owner and operator of Ernie's Roadhouse. Ernie's Roadhouse is an excellent location to meet up with friends for a meal and a drink. Despite COVID, Ernie's has been open since 1979 and is now completely open! Their menu is diverse, and they just earned an award for their burgers. Today, Rick and Nicole will discuss how they have been operational throughout the COVID Crisis and what patrons should watch out for in their restaurant – bestsellers and upcoming hosted events.
Standout Quotes:
· “I've always had hospitality kind of in my blood and, and I love what I do.” [Nicole]
· “Owning a restaurant is not for the faint of heart.” [Walter]
· “We know a lot of people based on what drink they reorder and what their meal is.” [Nicole]
· “I can tell by who's here in the crowd just by looking at the chit orders.” [Rick]
Key Takeaways:
· Despite discussing the COVID Restrictions and agreeing to take a break when it initially happened, Nicole and Rick didn't stop. But then they just jumped into takeout. They survived by doing takeout four nights a week, and the demand grew to five nights a week.
· Before COVID, they worked seven days a week from 11 AM to 2 AM. They've cut those hours significantly. So now open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 PM to 10 PM. Sundays at 8 PM. So less late-night fun and more daylight work.
· Ernie's has been operational since June of 1979 and has just celebrated 40 years in the business.
· Ernie's are known to have the best chicken wings. They do a lot of wings and own pizza. Their burgers just received an award, So they were awarded and got the prize in the mail from Heinz ketchup.
Episode Timeline:
[00:26] Meet today’s guests “Nicole Borysiewicz And Rick Duffy,” Owner and operator of Ernie’s Roadhouse
[0:50] Have you continued to operate in the middle of the COVID crisis?
[01:13] Who is stationed at the Roadhouse?
[01:31] Is the patio area accessible?
[02:04] Are you back to business as usual yet?
[03:14] How long has been Earnie’s Roadhouse been around?
[03:36] What are the bestsellers on your menu?
[04:26] Do you still host dart games?
[05:16] What are your primary roles in the Roadhouse?
[05:47] Are you the Original Owner?
[06:18] Have you seen NHL around the establishment?
[07:21] What inspired you to enter the food business?
[09:21] Do you have any unique concoctions?
[09:47] What kind of patrons do you have?
[10:24] Will Rick represent Ontario?
[11:13] Is it a global competition?
[11:42] Are you happy to have your regulars back?
[12:19] Does an order give you a hint about the person?
[13:12] Are there any questions left unasked?
[13:59] Is your website “earniesroadhouse.com”
[14:05] What are your social media accounts?
[14:13] Do you have a telephone number?
Learn more about Nicole Borysiewicz And Rick Duffy and the Ernie’s Roadhouse at:
Website: https://www.erniesroadhouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erniesroadhouse/
Phone: (519) 658-9562
