So… what’s been going on?

Cabinet in waiting... tile complete     IMG_1047 (1)

Hello!  Since we’re regularly asked ‘When ya’ll opening?’ while also hearing ‘We can’t wait for ya’ll to open!’… we thought it was a good time to give a quick overview of the past few weeks and what’s been going into this little adventure.

The two pictures show when ‘the wall’ was first built and what it currently looks like.  Keep in mind, there was nothing there when we started.  Nothing!  Everything, and we mean EVERYTHING, had to be added (thankfully, the bathrooms were done from the previous tenant).  Barely any electric, a bit of plumbing.  And that’s it!

A very special shout out to G&J Construction Management for going above and beyond to keep this rolling, value engineering, helping us jump hurdles.  Worth noting, the J of G&J lives right here in lovely Ladera.  The G, and he’s OG (!!!), lives next door in Mission Viejo.  Look ’em up HERE … WE CAN’T SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT MARTY and JOHN!

They’ve added electric panels.  Moved and added sprinklers (ugh!).  Moved air vents.  Added lights, tiles, plumbing, sinks, water heater, framing, drywall, outlets.  We’ve also put in speakers, lots of wiring for speakers and security cameras, added cabinets – then had to move cabinets a whopping 10 inches back (don’t ask!), added and removed and will re-add counters to accommodate the cabinets.  We’ve bought some equipment… then bought more equipment.  Had county inspections from the Building Department and Health Department.  We’ve been narrowing down the menu.  Picking out furniture.  Laughing.  Crying.  Losing sleep.  Waking up ecstatic.

This Lola’s Cafe has been one of the craziest things we could’ve ever imagined.  Yes, we would change plenty about the process if we could do it again… but the end result would still be the same… WE CAN’T WAIT TO OPEN AND BE FULL ON LADERA!!!

We’re getting VERY close… and until then, score an Early Bird Gratitude Card HERE.

Cheers!