Thank Goodness They Survived

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“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts

The other day I was out for breakfast with my brother, his wife and my kids. We went to my neighborhood cafe that we used to meet at every weekend before the pandemic but have only been back about a handful of times since. Greeted warmly by the staff who marveled at how big the kids have gotten, it was such a feeling of homecoming. As we left, my sister-in-law said, “Thank goodness they survived.”

I find myself saying that a lot these days about businesses that I love but imagine didn’t have an easy time weathering the pandemic. There has been much hardship but it’s also been combined with innovation. Like with the theater. As an example, my friend and colleague Jack Canfora is releasing a theatrical podcast this fall – his theater company is performing one of the plays he’s written and then releasing it in seven podcast episodes.

I had a chance to interview Jack about how he came up with this idea and that not only democratizes our access to theater but also lets us all participate and be patrons of the arts. It’s the topic of my Pointless Overthinking post this week: Adding Innovation to the Grand Theatrical Tradition

(featured photo from Pexels)

36 thoughts on “Thank Goodness They Survived”

  2. And I’d also add that some small businesses/restaurants around here have survived, but are much different than they used to be. I want to support them, but they’re no longer what I need. Kind of emotionally awkward to even go inside

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  4. I liked how they remembered you. I believe that successful businesses are that way because of how they treat their regulars. The Okanagan valley is a destination in the summer with tourists but the businesses that survive market to the residents especially.
    Marketing I think is such an interesting field and critical to whether a business thrives but now availability of labour makes a huge difference. I read an interesting story and you might like it.
    https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/jul/11/mcdonalds-owner-paid-staff-while-closed-for-months/

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    1. I love that story, David. Especially when he says, ““They are the battery that keeps charging me up,” he continued. “It has been a blessed venture for me.”

      And your point about businesses that serve both the tourists and residents is an apt one. Right – it’s all about how you treat people and if you do it well, that’s how you get regulars, right?

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      1. Absolutely. A regular thinks “this is where I go for coffee” this is where I buy my bread – and they do so because they are acknowledged and appreciated. Simple and easy to do. Lessons we learn at our grandmothers knees. To say thank you.

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    2. That struck a chord with me, too! Years and years ago, when we frequented restaurants, we revisited a more authentic Chinese place, a little out of the way, that we haven’t been to for almost a year. Several of the servers recognized us and our favorite dishes, and asked us right away if we wanted to order them. It’s been almost a year, we could hardly believe they remembered us and our favorites. Needless to say, we recommended it to many folks since. It’s those little (or in this case, pretty impressive) touches that help make a visit memorable!

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      3. I think there is something wrong when people are surprised when you thank them. I recall a meeting with my family physician when I told him I had a second major item to chat with him. When I told him I wanted to sincerely express my deep appreciation for years of assistance, he paused. He said no one says thanks.
        It is easy while we are busy to forget to say thank you, but it’s essential in my opinion that we recognize and see people. Really see them.

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      5. That’s a good question? Did we stop? The importance of gratitude and having that attitude in life is one that I subscribe to. – Very nice to meet you EW and thank you for reading! – David

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  6. What a fascinating innovation indeed to produce and consume a theatre as a series of podcast. It made me think about how almost a century ago, the first soap operas in The US began as radio serials and then proceeded to television and then just this month, Days of Our Lives moved to streaming permanently.

    The medium changes but there’ll always be a need for compelling content and new ways for audiences to participate. Way to go for your friend.

    And yes, so happy for the businesses that weathered the pandemic and in some cases, flourished through innovation.

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    1. I like how you point out that some businesses flourished through innovation. So true!

      Funny about Days of our Lives. I didn’t know it had moved to streaming permanently. Wow, that’s a long story of drama and changing with the times. What a great example, Ab!

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      1. I like that. I think also it has an enthusiasm too it. “Plunge into the sublimes seas, dive deep, and swim far,” by Emerson is a favourite quote and your essay brought it immediately to mind. 💖

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  10. Whoa. This Jack sounds like quite the accomplished fellow. I’m impressed! Any woman would be blessed to be friends with him.

    What a sweet little restaurant. I’m glad they survived too. Made me sad how many places around here had to shutter their doors.

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