It was time to embark on a new journey. December 2018 marks the month that Chris Haight and his wife Nikole, would dive head first into becoming business owners in the food industry.
On Feb. 8, the doors reopened to the Mount Jewett Family Tastee Freeze, located on West Main Street, in Mount Jewett.
“It has been quite the experience so far, learning the food industry, but it has been fun,” Haight stated, with excitement in his voice. Upon opening the restaurant, the Haights made the decision to hire back most of the employees who were employed at the Tastee Freeze under the previous owners, which has made training much more simple.
Haight plays an important role in the business as not only the owner, but also by designating himself to do a lot of the leg work, such as both opening and closing the restaurant daily. Haight also completes all inventory and ordering, scheduling and payroll.
Haight stated, “My job here as the owner is not only to manage, but I try to be very hands on, while working alongside my employees.”
Staffing consists of four cooks and three waitresses.
Although the Tastee Freeze has never been open past winters, the Haights took a gamble and opened before spring this year.
“In the summer, business will pick up. My wife and I anticipated that we would lose money before we would make money. It is all part of the process,” Haight remarked.
Spring hours will soon be put into effect. The restaurant will then be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch and a modified dinner.
“Keep a look out for updated hours on our Facebook page,” said Haight.
The Freeze currently offers dine-in or take-out during the above listed hours, offering a couple different specials.
Haight stated, “Wednesday wing night and Friday fish fry seem to be very successful, thus far.”
The fish fry includes coleslaw, baked potato or french fries, cottage cheese or applesauce, and a dinner roll. Also, hard serve ice cream is available in many flavors, with soft serve ice cream soon to come.
