People who ventured to the former entrance of Esperanto at 6 1ΒΌ2
Caroline Street last weekend were met by a sign that encouraged them
'not to panic' as their favorite early AM emporium had moved - but not
too far.
Indeed, the mecca of munchie was but 50 feet away, in a new and expanded facility to better accommodate your doughboy desires. There is now at least 4 times the seating, with all your favorites still available in convenient, hand-held single portions up to economy/ fraternity sizes.
Will Pouch, one of the founders of Esperanto in 1995, has become an elder statesman of the Caroline Street cuisine scene, and still gives off a joie-de-vive vibe as if he has not a care in the world. Getting him to sit still for a conversation is as easy as picking up mercury. But before the actual move took place, during the middle of the prep period, we got the energetic entrepreneur to sit still for a brief retrospective:
Take us through some great moments in Esperanto history, starting with the founding.
"We started this in 1995 with my partners Sheldon and Maureen Solomon. Later Joe Yorschak, who came here early on as a prep cook, moved up to small partner.
How are people feeling about the move?
Most are happy because there will be more opportunities to sit down inside; our staff is generally positive because there will be more counter and prep room. A few people think we are selling out, but the truth is that we had no choice... our landlord needed the space for a contemplated future project.
So like anything else, we make the best of things and turn the dislocation into an opportunity.
Speaking of new opportunities, will customers have the opportunity to see some new items on the menu?
Oh sure, one thing we have already instituted is adding the line of Calypso and Boylans beverages, which the staff has been into for awhile and the customers have requested...as far as food, the first thing we made sure of is that we will have better displays for our favorites, and we are looking into having a few more hand-baked items like Whoopie Pie's, as well as enchiladas and gyros. We have this long ramp now for wheelchair access, which we are looking into utilizing for some new grab-and-go selections if we can make it "our stuff." Also, we have sent a hot box over to the Putnam Den to vend Doughboys and other items at their concerts to make it more convenient for their customers.
What are your thoughts on being the 'elder statesman' of the block in terms of the late night eats market here? There are many newcomers...
We love competition, it makes a good situation stronger as long as the playing field is level we welcome everyone. The idea of us being around as long as we have is exciting when you stop to think about it. We are on our second generation of customers. I guess the most gratifying situation is that we have developed a 'work vibe' that is highly desirable, so not only do people want to come back here when they are on vacation or after traveling and work here again, but we have kind of an "alumni club" of former employees who are coming back to visit all the time. We love that!
Will Pouch, one of the founders of Esperanto in 1995, has become an elder statesman of the Caroline Street cuisine scene, and still gives off a joie-de-vive vibe as if he has not a care in the world. Getting him to sit still for a conversation is as easy as picking up mercury. But before the actual move took place, during the middle of the prep period, we got the energetic entrepreneur to sit still for a brief retrospective:
Take us through some great moments in Esperanto history, starting with the founding.
"We started this in 1995 with my partners Sheldon and Maureen Solomon. Later Joe Yorschak, who came here early on as a prep cook, moved up to small partner.
How are people feeling about the move?
Most are happy because there will be more opportunities to sit down inside; our staff is generally positive because there will be more counter and prep room. A few people think we are selling out, but the truth is that we had no choice... our landlord needed the space for a contemplated future project.
So like anything else, we make the best of things and turn the dislocation into an opportunity.
Speaking of new opportunities, will customers have the opportunity to see some new items on the menu?
Oh sure, one thing we have already instituted is adding the line of Calypso and Boylans beverages, which the staff has been into for awhile and the customers have requested...as far as food, the first thing we made sure of is that we will have better displays for our favorites, and we are looking into having a few more hand-baked items like Whoopie Pie's, as well as enchiladas and gyros. We have this long ramp now for wheelchair access, which we are looking into utilizing for some new grab-and-go selections if we can make it "our stuff." Also, we have sent a hot box over to the Putnam Den to vend Doughboys and other items at their concerts to make it more convenient for their customers.
What are your thoughts on being the 'elder statesman' of the block in terms of the late night eats market here? There are many newcomers...
We love competition, it makes a good situation stronger as long as the playing field is level we welcome everyone. The idea of us being around as long as we have is exciting when you stop to think about it. We are on our second generation of customers. I guess the most gratifying situation is that we have developed a 'work vibe' that is highly desirable, so not only do people want to come back here when they are on vacation or after traveling and work here again, but we have kind of an "alumni club" of former employees who are coming back to visit all the time. We love that!
Main Menu
Leave a comment