Son #2 reporting from Clearwater...

This is Chris here. My father has been quite busy lately with helping start the new steak restaurant. He spends all day there ordering kitchen equipment, neon signs, furniture and the likes. I've stopped by several times over the past week and the place is looking incredible.

Last night they sanded the hardwood floors and put the first of three coats of that glossy stuff on it. I guess it is laquer. They won't be able to walk on the floors for a few days I suppose - as this stuff dries. From what my father says it is looking beautiful. Originally the floors must have looked great, but it is 25 years later and this is the first time they have been sanded and refinished, so I'm looking forward to seeing them.

The big question is whether or not the owner will have a full country band again. The day before yesterday he mentioned that the band might only be a 2-man gig - which is nothing like it used to be. In the past there was a full 5-man band that performed every weekend. People were line dancing, 2-stepping and getting fairly rowdy. I suppose he is wanting to get away from that sort of crowd, but I fear that he is not considering the big picture. There are a zillion steakhouses out there, but absolutely none that you can go to and hear live country music. The band was his niche and what brought people in, but I'll admit the food was far better than any other steakhouse. But good food is not always enough. People want the right atmosphere.

It is still early so we'll see. I'm really hoping that he'll bring the full band concept back in time. For the first month or two I understand that the priority must be on getting the place up and running. Systems need to be established and food quality consistent. This will take time.