Airport Cafe

[Jay Honeck]

At other times, in other restaurants, he would be the guy to be studiously
avoided, like a stray dog that looked friendly. In a freeway restaurant, or
a hotel lobby, he would be the old guy that would cause you to avert your
eyes and quicken your step, for fear of endless, repetitive conversation
that might tie up your whole day.

But not here. For this was an airport cafe, and that meant that this fellow
was likely a combination of unofficial airport historian, court jester,
and -- most importantly -- a survivor of many years of flying. As such, his
eccentricities could be overlooked, his unshaven, disheveled appearance
ignored, and his habit of talking to anyone and everyone became endearing.

Rudy was just such a guy, and he came into our lives this past weekend.

We, as always, were late for breakfast. This far into the early afternoon,
there were only a few of us dining, and not much left to see on the ramp, so
we partook of that grand old tradition known everywhere as "hangar flying."
Within minutes we all knew what the others had flown, and where they were
from, and a feeling of camaraderie and warmth combined with hot coffee and
tea to make for a most agreeable atmosphere.

Into this temple of aviation walked Rudy. We have all seen his kind; he
was the old guy sitting by himself at the airport cafe, with a bit of egg
yolk stuck in the corner of his mouth. Lean, tall and lanky, with a shock
of tousled gray hair that belied his age, his easy demeanor with the
waitress and familiarity with the menu pegged him as that mainstay of
airport restaurants everywhere -- he was a "Regular."

We usually stand out in an airport crowd, thanks to our kids (isn't that
sad?), and here was no different. Sizing us up from across the dining room,
the old man quickly took a shine to us, and we were soon chatting amiably
about Iowa, football, and flying until our food came -- whereupon our hunger
overtook our manners, and we settled into a silent reverie over corned beef
hash and eggs smothered with biscuit gravy...

But the silence didn't last long.

Pushing 80, Rudy was clearly a man on a mission, and not the type to sit
quietly for long. Soon we were discussing Cirrus Design, soaring, and float
planes. He had flown his own planes for many years, but had stopped flying
some years ago, not because of any physical problems, but because he had
found a new, all-encompassing love: Classic cars. More importantly, the
cars of his youth. He and his wife were founding members of a Packard Car
Club, and they now traveled the country attending car shows and forums.

Silently aghast at how anyone could be drawn away from flying by a mere
automobile, I politely hummed and hawed about cars, too, but my heart wasn't
in it. The conversation slowly ground down, and we were momentarily
distracted by a Navion on the ramp. Soon, silence reigned, and I went
back to my newspaper.

As we all finished breakfast, Rudy looked us over with a gleam in his eye,
and asked the kids if they'd like to go see "an old, 1928 Packard." Not
sure how to respond, they looked at me with questioning eyes, and I
responded with a wary "Sure!" Soon we were ambling out to the parking lot
in Rudy's wake, trying to keep up.

In all the years we had flown to this airport cafe, we had never, ever been
off the airport -- so the parking lot was a strange, new world. Much to our
amazement, there sat a real, live "Bonnie & Clyde" gangster car, complete
with hood ornament, running boards and a place to hide your Tommy gun! As
we neared this amazing old vehicle, Rudy was absolutely alive, answering our
non-stop questions ("How fast will it go?" "How big is the engine?") and
gleefully showing us the bizarre and amazing features of his 77 year-old
gem.

Then he looked at Rebecca, winked, and asked her if she'd like to take her
family for a ride? By then firmly entranced by the old man, the kids and
Mary gleefully clambered up the big running boards and settled into the
capacious back seat. It was incredible -- my 15 year old son could LAY DOWN
on the seat, and his feet couldn't touch the back of the front seats!

I found my way into the passenger front seat, next to Rudy, and he fired up
that big 'ol in-line 6 cylinder engine. It started instantly and easily,
and ran as smooth as any V-12. With gracious, practiced movements that can
only come from a lifetime of experience, Rudy manipulated the unusual (and
unlabeled) controls with ease, and we were soon trundling down the road.

Every, single person we passed stopped, stared, smiled, and waved. Rudy
always waved back, and soon, so did we. As the conversation continued, the
ride grew longer, until we were miles from the airport, enjoying the warm
day and the Packard's unique "flow-through ventilation" (the windshield
could be opened up "in flight"!) all the while marveling that a piece of
equipment could run so perfectly after nearly eight decades. With sterling
silver door handles and enough headroom to easily wear a top hat, it soon
became clear that we had made little progress in automotive engineering
since 1928.

Too soon Rudy returned us to the airport, where he produced a Packard Club
magazine, proudly showing him doing a hand stand, on a chair, balanced on
two inverted water glasses! The photo was over 55 years old, and a truly
amazing feat -- but he was far more proud of the next picture, taken just
last year, showing him doing a similar hand stand at age 77!

Before long it was time for us to head back to Iowa City. Rapier sharp,
Rudy remembered all of our names, bid each of us adieu individually, and
left us gazing in awe as this amazing old man drove off in his remarkable
time machine.

All the way back to Iowa City I couldn't help but ponder the strange
attraction that airport cafes have for the best of people, even for those
who no longer fly. In my experience, no other place is so imbued with such
a powerful appeal for the doers and dreamers amongst us. And on this day,
at this time, we were made all the richer because of one selfless old man,
one beautiful old car, and our ability to let down our guard in the natural
ambience and warmth of the airport cafe.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Beckman]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:ZbMXe.354359$_o.50707@attbi_s71...
> At other times, in other restaurants, he would be the guy to be studiously
> avoided, like a stray dog that looked friendly. In a freeway restaurant,
> or a hotel lobby, he would be the old guy that would cause you to avert
> your eyes and quicken your step, for fear of endless, repetitive
> conversation that might tie up your whole day.
>

<Snip>

Copy ... Paste ... Save ... Thanks

Jay B

[N93332]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:ZbMXe.354359$_o.50707@attbi_s71...

Another great story, Jay!
Where is this airport cafe?

[Montblack]

("Jay Honeck" wrote)
[snips]
> Classic cars. More importantly, the cars of his youth. He and his wife
> were founding members of a Packard Car Club, and they now traveled the
> country attending car shows and forums.


> As we all finished breakfast, Rudy looked us over with a gleam in his eye,
> and asked the kids if they'd like to go see "an old, 1928 Packard." Not
> sure how to respond, they looked at me with questioning eyes, and I
> responded with a wary "Sure!" Soon we were ambling out to the parking
> lot in Rudy's wake, trying to keep up.
>
> In all the years we had flown to this airport cafe, we had never, ever
> been off the airport -- so the parking lot was a strange, new world. Much
> to our amazement, there sat a real, live "Bonnie & Clyde" gangster car,
> complete with hood ornament, running boards and a place to hide your Tommy
> gun! As we neared this amazing old vehicle, Rudy was absolutely alive,
> answering our non-stop questions ("How fast will it go?" "How big is the
> engine?") and gleefully showing us the bizarre and amazing features of
> his 77 year-old gem.


Connie, the gal from the theater who came to OSH last year - 2004, was a
member of the Packard Car Club. They used to travel around the country in
their Packards - I believe one was a 1951.

Flashback to 1977 or 1978 at Woodbury High School's parking lot (Twin
Cities - St. Paul side) ....100's of Packards showed up one day. I was
working as a lifeguard at the school pool that day. They were having a big
rally. 100's of these beautiful classic cars staged at our school during the
day - don't recall if they were *in* from Chicago or heading *to* Chicago?

Me on the phone to Pops:
"No, I don't want to drop everything to go look at some old cars."
"They're Packards, 100's of them - mostly black."
"I'll reschedule my afternoon and be there in 20 minutes!"


Montblack

[Tony Goetz]

Jay Honeck concluded a great post with....
> All the way back to Iowa City I couldn't help but ponder the strange
> attraction that airport cafes have for the best of people, even for those
> who no longer fly. In my experience, no other place is so imbued with
such
> a powerful appeal for the doers and dreamers amongst us. And on this day,
> at this time, we were made all the richer because of one selfless old man,
> one beautiful old car, and our ability to let down our guard in the
natural
> ambience and warmth of the airport cafe.


A truly great post, Jay. I grew up (still am, I guess) here in the wilds of
Southern California. The first 4 years of my life were spent at a small
little airport in Huntington Beach called Meadowlark, and on the grounds was
of course a cafe where you could meet people like you describe day in and
day out. The airport is now gone, though it lives on in memory and online
( www.l16.com ). One of the most colorful characters to frequent that
airport was a guy by the name of Ray Rice. He used to drive trucks, fly a
Tri-Pacer, and be in the constant company of his small dog, all of which
have since passed from his life. Looking at him, you might be a bit wary.

But if you had the fortune to know him, you knew he was one of the most
genuine, honest, and caring people in the world. If you wanted to talk about
anything aviation, he was up for it and probably had a half dozen stories to
go with it. He had a knack for getting himself into interesting, even
amazing, places - talking his way up to the tops of control towers during
airshows, rides in the Goodyear blimp, etc. Anyone who's been around Chino,
Flabob, Riverside, and other So Cal airports enough has surely seen him.
Chances are he had his trusty camera with him.

He passed away last December, having stepped off a curb too early to cross a
major street not far from our house. The last few years he didn't have a
permanent residence, but we were sort of his adopted family and he was
always welcome in our home. The paper listed the death of "an older man,
possibly a drifter." Oh if they only knew....


-Tony Goetz

[William Snow]

Great Story Jay!

We all know someone like that.

Bill Snow
Cape Cod

[BillJ]

Jay,
Now that you are Packard-qualified (second officer?) you should make
another addition onto your list of places to fly. In eastern Ohio,
Warren, OH there is a wonderful Packard museum (the Packard family
started in Warren). In July there is a drive-in of Packards from all
over. Last year I think they had at least one from every year they were
made! The museum has some really beautiful ones, and classic motorcycles
also.

Land at YNG or visit us at UCP and will take you over anytime.

Bill N535TW

[Jay Honeck]

> He passed away last December, having stepped off a curb too early to cross
> a
> major street not far from our house. The last few years he didn't have a
> permanent residence, but we were sort of his adopted family and he was
> always welcome in our home. The paper listed the death of "an older man,
> possibly a drifter." Oh if they only knew....

Thanks, Tony. So many of these old fellows are only looking for someone to
talk to -- if only we could take the time to listen, we all might learn
something.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> Now that you are Packard-qualified (second officer?) you should make
> another addition onto your list of places to fly. In eastern Ohio, Warren,
> OH there is a wonderful Packard museum (the Packard family started in
> Warren). In July there is a drive-in of Packards from all over. Last year
> I think they had at least one from every year they were made! The museum
> has some really beautiful ones, and classic motorcycles also.

Neat. Rudy also mentioned that there is a Packard museum somewhere in
Wisconsin?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> Where is this airport cafe?

Janesville, WI. (JVL)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Gene Seibel]

Great post, Jay. Exactly my thoughts in http://pad39a.com/gene/guy.html
but you took the time to say it better.
--
Gene Seibel
Tales of Flight - http://pad39a.com/gene/tales.html
Because I fly, I envy no one.

[Bob Chilcoat]

Another great story, Jay.

Now take a note: it's "... LIE down on the seat" (lie is intransitive, lay
is transitive -- unless you're talking about the homonyms). You lay down
the pencil. You lie down to sleep.

Pet peave # 18 triggered... Must control keyboard of death... Ugh...
Ooof... Mfff...

--
Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)


"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:ZbMXe.354359$_o.50707@attbi_s71...
> At other times, in other restaurants, he would be the guy to be studiously
> avoided, like a stray dog that looked friendly. In a freeway restaurant,
> or a hotel lobby, he would be the old guy that would cause you to avert
> your eyes and quicken your step, for fear of endless, repetitive
> conversation that might tie up your whole day.
>
> But not here. For this was an airport cafe, and that meant that this
> fellow was likely a combination of unofficial airport historian, court
> jester, and -- most importantly -- a survivor of many years of flying. As
> such, his eccentricities could be overlooked, his unshaven, disheveled
> appearance ignored, and his habit of talking to anyone and everyone became
> endearing.
>
> Rudy was just such a guy, and he came into our lives this past weekend.
>
> We, as always, were late for breakfast. This far into the early
> afternoon, there were only a few of us dining, and not much left to see on
> the ramp, so we partook of that grand old tradition known everywhere as
> "hangar flying." Within minutes we all knew what the others had flown, and
> where they were from, and a feeling of camaraderie and warmth combined
> with hot coffee and tea to make for a most agreeable atmosphere.
>
> Into this temple of aviation walked Rudy. We have all seen his kind; he
> was the old guy sitting by himself at the airport cafe, with a bit of egg
> yolk stuck in the corner of his mouth. Lean, tall and lanky, with a shock
> of tousled gray hair that belied his age, his easy demeanor with the
> waitress and familiarity with the menu pegged him as that mainstay of
> airport restaurants everywhere -- he was a "Regular."
>
> We usually stand out in an airport crowd, thanks to our kids (isn't that
> sad?), and here was no different. Sizing us up from across the dining
> room, the old man quickly took a shine to us, and we were soon chatting
> amiably about Iowa, football, and flying until our food came -- whereupon
> our hunger overtook our manners, and we settled into a silent reverie over
> corned beef hash and eggs smothered with biscuit gravy...
>
> But the silence didn't last long.
>
> Pushing 80, Rudy was clearly a man on a mission, and not the type to sit
> quietly for long. Soon we were discussing Cirrus Design, soaring, and
> float planes. He had flown his own planes for many years, but had stopped
> flying some years ago, not because of any physical problems, but because
> he had found a new, all-encompassing love: Classic cars. More
> importantly, the cars of his youth. He and his wife were founding members
> of a Packard Car Club, and they now traveled the country attending car
> shows and forums.
>
> Silently aghast at how anyone could be drawn away from flying by a mere
> automobile, I politely hummed and hawed about cars, too, but my heart
> wasn't in it. The conversation slowly ground down, and we were
> momentarily distracted by a Navion on the ramp. Soon, silence reigned,
> and I went back to my newspaper.
>
> As we all finished breakfast, Rudy looked us over with a gleam in his eye,
> and asked the kids if they'd like to go see "an old, 1928 Packard." Not
> sure how to respond, they looked at me with questioning eyes, and I
> responded with a wary "Sure!" Soon we were ambling out to the parking
> lot in Rudy's wake, trying to keep up.
>
> In all the years we had flown to this airport cafe, we had never, ever
> been off the airport -- so the parking lot was a strange, new world. Much
> to our amazement, there sat a real, live "Bonnie & Clyde" gangster car,
> complete with hood ornament, running boards and a place to hide your Tommy
> gun! As we neared this amazing old vehicle, Rudy was absolutely alive,
> answering our non-stop questions ("How fast will it go?" "How big is the
> engine?") and gleefully showing us the bizarre and amazing features of
> his 77 year-old gem.
>
> Then he looked at Rebecca, winked, and asked her if she'd like to take her
> family for a ride? By then firmly entranced by the old man, the kids and
> Mary gleefully clambered up the big running boards and settled into the
> capacious back seat. It was incredible -- my 15 year old son could LAY
> DOWN on the seat, and his feet couldn't touch the back of the front seats!
>
> I found my way into the passenger front seat, next to Rudy, and he fired
> up that big 'ol in-line 6 cylinder engine. It started instantly and
> easily, and ran as smooth as any V-12. With gracious, practiced movements
> that can only come from a lifetime of experience, Rudy manipulated the
> unusual (and unlabeled) controls with ease, and we were soon trundling
> down the road.
>
> Every, single person we passed stopped, stared, smiled, and waved. Rudy
> always waved back, and soon, so did we. As the conversation continued,
> the ride grew longer, until we were miles from the airport, enjoying the
> warm day and the Packard's unique "flow-through ventilation" (the
> windshield could be opened up "in flight"!) all the while marveling that a
> piece of equipment could run so perfectly after nearly eight decades.
> With sterling silver door handles and enough headroom to easily wear a top
> hat, it soon became clear that we had made little progress in automotive
> engineering since 1928.
>
> Too soon Rudy returned us to the airport, where he produced a Packard Club
> magazine, proudly showing him doing a hand stand, on a chair, balanced on
> two inverted water glasses! The photo was over 55 years old, and a truly
> amazing feat -- but he was far more proud of the next picture, taken just
> last year, showing him doing a similar hand stand at age 77!
>
> Before long it was time for us to head back to Iowa City. Rapier sharp,
> Rudy remembered all of our names, bid each of us adieu individually, and
> left us gazing in awe as this amazing old man drove off in his remarkable
> time machine.
>
> All the way back to Iowa City I couldn't help but ponder the strange
> attraction that airport cafes have for the best of people, even for those
> who no longer fly. In my experience, no other place is so imbued with
> such a powerful appeal for the doers and dreamers amongst us. And on this
> day, at this time, we were made all the richer because of one selfless old
> man, one beautiful old car, and our ability to let down our guard in the
> natural ambience and warmth of the airport cafe.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>

[RST Engineering]

Pet peeves #19 & 20 triggered.

#19. Peeve.

#20. Quoting 400 or so lines of text for a ten line comment.


Jim




"Bob Chilcoat" > wrote in message
...

>
> Pet peave # 18 triggered

[Montblack]

("Bob Chilcoat" wrote)
>
> Now take a note: it's "... LIE down on the seat" (lie is intransitive,
> lay is transitive -- unless you're talking about the homonyms). You lay
> down the pencil. You lie down to sleep.


Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

- child's bedtime prayer - 18th century

Is laying yourself down [to sleep] intransitive - you become the pencil?


Montblack

[Montblack]

("Montblack" wrote)
>> Now take a note: it's "... LIE down on the seat" (lie is intransitive,
>> lay is transitive -- unless you're talking about the homonyms). You lay
>> down the pencil. You lie down to sleep.


> Now I lay me down to sleep,
> I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

> Is laying yourself down [to sleep] intransitive - you become the pencil?


Crap. I mean transitive.

Great, now I'm in the deep end and I can't touch the bottom.


Mont-black (...as in primary colors)

[Morgans]

"Bob Chilcoat" > wrote

> Pet peave # 18 triggered... Must control keyboard of death... Ugh...
> Ooof... Mfff...

Step away from the keyboard. Yes that's it. Let it lie there, and back up!
<g>
--
Jim in NC

[David Dyer-Bennet]

"Montblack" > writes:

> ("Bob Chilcoat" wrote)
> >
> > Now take a note: it's "... LIE down on the seat" (lie is
> > intransitive, lay is transitive -- unless you're talking about the
> > homonyms). You lay down the pencil. You lie down to sleep.
>
>
> Now I lay me down to sleep,
> I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
> If I should die before I wake,
> I pray the Lord my soul to take.
>
> - child's bedtime prayer - 18th century
>
> Is laying yourself down [to sleep] intransitive - you become the pencil?

I *knew* that would pop up soon. Note that it's "lay me"; that's a
reflexive form. Different situation.
--
David Dyer-Bennet, >, <http://www.dd-b.net/dd-b/>
RKBA: <http://noguns-nomoney.com/> <http://www.dd-b.net/carry/>
Pics: <http://dd-b.lighthunters.net/> <http://www.dd-b.net/dd-b/SnapshotAlbum/>
Dragaera/Steven Brust: <http://dragaera.info/>

[David Dyer-Bennet]

"Montblack" > writes:

> ("Montblack" wrote)
> >> Now take a note: it's "... LIE down on the seat" (lie is
> >> intransitive, lay is transitive -- unless you're talking about the
> >> homonyms). You lay down the pencil. You lie down to sleep.
>
>
> > Now I lay me down to sleep,
> > I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
>
> > Is laying yourself down [to sleep] intransitive - you become the pencil?
>
>
> Crap. I mean transitive.
>
> Great, now I'm in the deep end and I can't touch the bottom.

Welcome to the grammar thread!

I had a pretty good partnership going with a college roommate. Turns
out I could pretty reliably tell him what was the "right" way to say
something, better than he could figure it out. Once that was settled,
he could provide the grammatical argument and terminology, much better
than I could. It came in handy!
--
David Dyer-Bennet, >, <http://www.dd-b.net/dd-b/>
RKBA: <http://noguns-nomoney.com/> <http://www.dd-b.net/carry/>
Pics: <http://dd-b.lighthunters.net/> <http://www.dd-b.net/dd-b/SnapshotAlbum/>
Dragaera/Steven Brust: <http://dragaera.info/>

[Jay Honeck]

> >> Now take a note: it's "... LIE down on the seat" (lie is intransitive,
> >> lay is transitive -- unless you're talking about the homonyms). You lay
> >> down the pencil. You lie down to sleep.
>
>
> > Now I lay me down to sleep,
> > I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
>
> > Is laying yourself down [to sleep] intransitive - you become the pencil?
>
>
> Crap. I mean transitive.

Try not to worry too much about it. My English professors (the good
ones, anyway) taught me that English is a living, breathing animal that
can't be caged or contained inside such silly, pedantic rules.

Besides, no matter how much I proof read my own stuff, I ALWAYS make
mistakes. That's why newspapers have "Editors" -- cuz no one is very
good at spotting their own flubs.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[N93332]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Besides, no matter how much I proof read my own stuff, I ALWAYS make
> mistakes. That's why newspapers have "Editors" -- cuz no one is very
> good at spotting their own flubs.

And if editors were always right, Jay Leno wouldn't have material on Monday
nights...

[Peter R.]

Jay Honeck > wrote:

> Besides, no matter how much I proof read my own stuff, I ALWAYS make
> mistakes. That's why newspapers have "Editors" -- cuz no one is very
> good at spotting their own flubs.

And your (rare) mistakes give us mere English mortals some hope. :-)

As always, Jay, I very much enjoy reading your stories. Please keep
posting that kind of work.

--
Peter
Off to regain my night currency tonight...























----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----

[RST Engineering]

St. Peter is awakened early one morning by somebody banging and clanging on
the gates. He opens one sleepy eye and yells out, "Who is it?"

The answer comes back, "It is I."

St. Peter groans, "$#!|, another English teacher."

Jim

[Matt Whiting]

Jay Honeck wrote:
>>>>Now take a note: it's "... LIE down on the seat" (lie is intransitive,
>>>>lay is transitive -- unless you're talking about the homonyms). You lay
>>>>down the pencil. You lie down to sleep.
>>
>>
>>>Now I lay me down to sleep,
>>>I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
>>
>>>Is laying yourself down [to sleep] intransitive - you become the pencil?
>>
>>
>>Crap. I mean transitive.
>
>
> Try not to worry too much about it. My English professors (the good
> ones, anyway) taught me that English is a living, breathing animal that
> can't be caged or contained inside such silly, pedantic rules.

Ah, your professors didn't know the rules either, eh? :-)

Matt

[A Lieberman]

On Tue, 20 Sep 2005 04:26:33 GMT, Jay Honeck wrote:

> All the way back to Iowa City I couldn't help but ponder the strange
> attraction that airport cafes have for the best of people, even for those
> who no longer fly.

Great post Jay,

I keep telling my wife, when we retire, that I would love to open a cafe.
The market is there, no question about it.

I love to fly, she loves to cook, I love to hangar fly, she loves talking
with people, which in my opinion would be a win - win situation.

My biggest disappointment for my $100 burger runs, is that most cafes are
closed on weekends. I hope to change that in my corner of the world, when
my turn comes.

Allen

[john smith]

> I keep telling my wife, when we retire, that I would love to open a cafe.
> The market is there, no question about it.

I don't know what the business situation is where you live, but here in
Central Ohio, 50% of the new restaurants don't last one year.

[Jack Allison]

Cool story Jay...but are you sure it just wasn't Montblack in disguise?
I'm thinking unshaven, disheveled hair...yep, that could be him.
Check the scars :-)


--
Jack Allison
PP-ASEL-IA Student
Arrow N2104T

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth
with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there
you will always long to return"
- Leonardo Da Vinci

(Remove the obvious from address to reply via e-mail)

[A Lieberman]

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 01:34:25 GMT, john smith wrote:

>> I keep telling my wife, when we retire, that I would love to open a cafe.
>> The market is there, no question about it.
>
> I don't know what the business situation is where you live, but here in
> Central Ohio, 50% of the new restaurants don't last one year.

Hey John,

Suffice it to say, it would be a supplement to my retirement. My own
airport only has vending machines. Per airnav.com

Aircraft operations: avg 148/day
54% local general aviation
46% transient general aviation
<1% military

That's a lot of traffic, which includes corporate jets and king airs. So,
I would have a very interested market at my own airport. We get a lot of
weekend warriors that fly in. Lets also talk about the hangar flyers that
show up 7:00 in the morning for their cup of coffee. Lots of potential to
say the least.

Location, naturally is everything. If I look at HKS (Class D airport),
they average the following per airnav.com

Aircraft operations: avg 171/day
51% local general aviation
37% transient general aviation
6% military
6% air taxi

So, I have 2 airports I can consider within 10 miles of where I live.

Personally, I wouldn't want a full scale restaurant, just something where
pilots can come in, get something decent home cooked food to eat and fly
away to return another date. It sure would beat vending machines!

Allen

[Morgans]

"RST Engineering" > wrote

> St. Peter groans, "$#!|, another English teacher."

<chuckle> Thanks, I needed that!
--
Jim in NC

[john smith]

> Personally, I wouldn't want a full scale restaurant, just something where
> pilots can come in, get something decent home cooked food to eat and fly
> away to return another date. It sure would beat vending machines!

Okay, Allen, let me throw this at you...
A friend of mine just "retired" from running the Barnstormer Restaurant
at KOSU/Don Scott Field, The Ohio State University Airport.
He took over the operation after two previous operators, experienced in
the restaurant business locally, declined to renew their operating lease
with the airport.
Decide what hours you are going to be open.
Breakfast (for the corporates and GA), lunch (for the GA crowd), or
dinner (aviation and general public)?
Is this to be a "mom & pop" place?
Who is going to take over if mom and/or pop get sick or have to take
care of something else?
This is a business that requires long hours. Don't count on having time
to get away to go flying.

[Jay Honeck]

> This is a business that requires long hours. Don't count on having time
> to get away to go flying.

True enough. But if you're doing what you love to do, it's no longer
"work"...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> Cool story Jay...but are you sure it just wasn't Montblack in disguise?
> I'm thinking unshaven, disheveled hair...yep, that could be him. Check the
> scars :-)

Nah -- although they were about the same height, I just can't picture
Montblack doing a hand-stand!

:-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> My biggest disappointment for my $100 burger runs, is that most cafes are
> closed on weekends. I hope to change that in my corner of the world, when
> my turn comes.

My biggest disappointment is that most of them stop serving breakfast too
damned early.

That's why we (and many others) LOVE Janesville -- they serve breakfast till
3 PM on Sundays...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> Location, naturally is everything. If I look at HKS (Class D airport),
> they average the following per airnav.com

This is one reason we have considered a restaurant to be an essential part
of our long term plans, even though we know NOTHING of the restaurant
business. (Of course, ignorance didn't stop us from buying an old hotel!
:-)

The Iowa City airport is unique in that it is within walking distance of the
city proper. (Of course, that will probably lead to its ultimate demise,
but let's hope that's far in the future...) Since the key to a successful
airport restaurant is that it MUST be able to draw non-pilots, the airport
location is simply outstanding.

Anyone interested in Iowa City as a restaurant location? It would be a
natural with our inn.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Matt Barrow]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:YhdYe.356690$_o.112487@attbi_s71...
>> This is a business that requires long hours. Don't count on having time
>> to get away to go flying.
>
> True enough. But if you're doing what you love to do, it's no longer
> "work"...

And when you can combine the two (work you love, and flying) it's just short
of heaven.


--
Matt

---------------------
Matthew W. Barrow
Site-Fill Homes, LLC.
Montrose, CO

[George Patterson]

john smith wrote:
>
> I don't know what the business situation is where you live, but here in
> Central Ohio, 50% of the new restaurants don't last one year.

I don't know if this is a factor in the situation in Ohio, but it used to be the
case that immigrants would open restaurants as a first step. As businesses go,
they require little capital investment; they are more labor intensive. The owner
would usually put his whole family to work and save the profits. In a
surprisingly short time, he would have enough to open up the business he really
wanted to have. Then the restaurant would either close or change hands.

I saw a lot of this in Atlanta right after Vietnam fell. Many merchants were
relocated there. There were lots of "Chinese" restaurants for a while.

George Patterson
Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a person to
use the Internet and he won't bother you for weeks.

[George Patterson]

Jay Honeck wrote:
>
> Anyone interested in Iowa City as a restaurant location? It would be a
> natural with our inn.

You might see if one of the Katrina evacuees is interested. Perhaps you could
partner with an experienced restauranteer.

George Patterson
Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a person to
use the Internet and he won't bother you for weeks.

[Montblack]

("George Patterson" wrote)
> You might see if one of the Katrina evacuees is interested. Perhaps you
> could partner with an experienced restauranteer.


Alexis Park Inn and Suites
....we have crabs!


Montblack
On the Upper Mississippi carp are called carp :-)

[Montblack]

("Jay Honeck" wrote)
> Nah -- although they were about the same height, I just can't picture
> Montblack doing a hand-stand!


JPEG --> Rotate 90 degrees.
<repeat>


Montblack

[Montblack]

("Jack Allison" wrote)
> Cool story Jay...but are you sure it just wasn't Montblack in disguise?
> I'm thinking unshaven, disheveled hair...yep, that could be him.


Hey! You forgot endearing!!!

"As such, his eccentricities could be overlooked, his unshaven, disheveled
appearance
ignored, and his habit of talking to anyone and everyone became endearing."

"...his easy demeanor with the waitress..." - Guilty.

"...with a bit of egg yolk stuck in the corner of his mouth." - This too.


> Check the scars :-)

I asked specificaly for the "SpeedO cut" but they went longitudinal once I
was out. <g>


Montblack
"Sizing us up from across the dining room, the old man quickly took a shine
to us,"

[Jay Honeck]

> Alexis Park Inn and Suites
> ...we have crabs!

Our motto: "Better than bed-bugs!"

;-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> "...his easy demeanor with the waitress..." - Guilty.
>
> "...with a bit of egg yolk stuck in the corner of his mouth." This too.

Dang! I never realized that Rudy was actually living your future -- but,
you know, you could do worse in life than to grow old and become an airport
bum driving a cool old car...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[George Patterson]

Montblack wrote:
>
> Alexis Park Inn and Suites
> ...we have crabs!

I was thinking more about the alligator-tail I saw on the menu of the "Landing
Zone Cafe" in Connecticut.

George Patterson
Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a person to
use the Internet and he won't bother you for weeks.

[Montblack]

("Jay Honeck" wrote)
> -- but, you know, you could do worse in life than to grow old and become
> an airport bum driving a cool old car...


Let me know where those two graphs meet for my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan.
<g>


Montblack
Has this baby been restored, mister?
All paint is original, however, the trani was replaced near the end of the
last century.

[A Lieberman]

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 04:09:07 GMT, john smith wrote:

> A friend of mine just "retired" from running the Barnstormer Restaurant
> at KOSU/Don Scott Field, The Ohio State University Airport.
> He took over the operation after two previous operators, experienced in
> the restaurant business locally, declined to renew their operating lease
> with the airport.

Hi John,

Appreciate your input!

> Decide what hours you are going to be open.
> Breakfast (for the corporates and GA), lunch (for the GA crowd), or
> dinner (aviation and general public)?

I want to cater to GA. Corporate would only be a "bonus".

Like Jay said in another post, the airport must be easily accessible to the
public and both airports in mind are very easy, MBO being much easier.
Plenty of morning regulars come in for their morning coffee.

> Is this to be a "mom & pop" place?

Mom and pop place. I would envision regulars coming in and pilots being
the secondary though I would cater to pilots as best as possible. I want
it to be personable, and relaxed. My wife makes a mean bread pudding and
peach cobbler *smile*, and pastries. I have to watch my weight and
balances if I am not too careful

> Who is going to take over if mom and/or pop get sick or have to take
> care of something else?

It's not my primary income, so I won't be depending on the income. Like
Jay said, it's for the love of doing what I want to do.

If we can't make it, then the "closed sign" goes up. With my wife and my
work history in our current jobs, that sign won't be up too often.

> This is a business that requires long hours. Don't count on having time
> to get away to go flying.

Breakfast and lunch is all I am looking at. Nothing more, nothing less.
I'd envision breakfast foods more then lunch foods, as I am like Jay, I am
a morning warrior, and rather eat a good breakfast.

Allen

[Robert A. Barker]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:ZbMXe.354359$_o.50707@attbi_s71...

Jay: Great story!!!!

> As we all finished breakfast, Rudy looked us over with a gleam in his eye,
> and asked the kids if they'd like to go see "an old, 1928 Packard." Not
> sure how to respond, they looked at me with questioning eyes, and I
> responded with a wary "Sure!" Soon we were ambling out to the parking
> lot in Rudy's wake, trying to keep up.

The second car I owned was a 1927 packard. Of course it was black and
had
a straight six engine with pistons that looked like ash cans.One of my
buddies had
it's twin.He also had a 1926 Packard convertable with the big straight eight
engine
and rumble seat.That one had the spare wheels in the front fender wells and
LOTS
of chrome.

Bob ( old fart) Barker N8749S

[Robert A. Barker]

"Robert A. Barker" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> news:ZbMXe.354359$_o.50707@attbi_s71...
>
> Jay: Great story!!!!
>
>> As we all finished breakfast, Rudy looked us over with a gleam in his
>> eye, and asked the kids if they'd like to go see "an old, 1928 Packard."
>> Not sure how to respond, they looked at me with questioning eyes, and I
>> responded with a wary "Sure!" Soon we were ambling out to the parking
>> lot in Rudy's wake, trying to keep up.
>
> The second car I owned was a 1927 packard. Of course it was black and
> had
> a straight six engine with pistons that looked like ash cans.One of my
> buddies had
> it's twin.He also had a 1926 Packard convertable with the big straight
> eight engine
> and rumble seat.That one had the spare wheels in the front fender wells
> and LOTS
> of chrome.
>
> Bob ( old fart) Barker N8749S
>
>
I hate it when my fingers do thier own thing. That should
read 1937 Packard.The conv.is correct as a 1926.

Bob Barker

[John Ousterhout]

Montblack wrote:
>
> Me on the phone to Pops:
> "No, I don't want to drop everything to go look at some old cars."
> "They're Packards, 100's of them - mostly black."
> "I'll reschedule my afternoon and be there in 20 minutes!"

I would reschedule too...

At The EAA Northwest Fly-in in Arlington WA a few years ago there was a
great display of classic cars and classic planes parked together. I was
captivated by the Packard parked by a Staggerwing. I had my digital
camera with me and I spent a long time trying to get the crowd to move
back so I could get a good photo.

http://www.ousterhout.net/gallery/p7080020.jpg
http://www.ousterhout.net/gallery/p7080022.jpg

Intending to exploit this beautiful sight, I returned very early the
next morning with my 35 mm camera (w/ 28mm wide angle lens) but alas,
the Packard was gone.

I made a print of the second photo and sent it to the EAA Photo contest
where it won an honorable mention (and a nice set of Canon compact
binoculars).

- John Ousterhout -

[Jack Allison]

Paul's new future: Airport bum. He had practice doing the library bum
thing last year so it only seems logical

>
> Let me know where those two graphs meet for my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan.
> <g>

Um...Jay specifically said *cool* old car. I believe it's universally
accepted that Dodge minivans are not cool. Sure, maybe they are "the
airplane of minivans" but cool? Nope. Functional? Yes, cool? No.

Ok Paul, so I forgot endearing. You got me on that one. No slack on
the non-cool minivan though. :-)


--
Jack Allison
PP-ASEL-IA Student
Arrow N2104T

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth
with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there
you will always long to return"
- Leonardo Da Vinci

(Remove the obvious from address to reply via e-mail)

[George Patterson]

Jack Allison wrote:

> Um...Jay specifically said *cool* old car. I believe it's universally
> accepted that Dodge minivans are not cool.

Maybe in 40 or 50 years they'll be cool? Definitely be old!

George Patterson
Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a person to
use the Internet and he won't bother you for weeks.

[Montblack]

("George Patterson" wrote)
>> Um...Jay specifically said *cool* old car. I believe it's universally
>> accepted that Dodge minivans are not cool.

> Maybe in 40 or 50 years they'll be cool? Definitely be old!


Yeah, maybe those lines will never cross.


Montblack

[Matt Barrow]

"George Patterson" > wrote in message
news:3CpYe.19960$Yu2.8665@trnddc02...
> Jack Allison wrote:
>
>> Um...Jay specifically said *cool* old car. I believe it's universally
>> accepted that Dodge minivans are not cool.
>
> Maybe in 40 or 50 years they'll be cool? Definitely be old!
>
If they're even running in 4 or 5 years, that'll be a miracle, not merely
"cool".


--
Matt

---------------------
Matthew W. Barrow
Site-Fill Homes, LLC.
Montrose, CO

[Jack Allison]

Montblack wrote:

> Yeah, maybe those lines will never cross.
>

Definitely diverging.


--
Jack Allison
PP-ASEL-IA Student
Arrow N2104T

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth
with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there
you will always long to return"
- Leonardo Da Vinci

(Remove the obvious from address to reply via e-mail)