08/12/2021
There hasn’t ever been a time in this restaurant venture that I thought I would have to sit down and write these words… even in the hardest of times.
As a kid I remember Hobbit being a staple in our community. It wasn’t a fancy place, but the food was good, you always knew someone in there and if by some chance you didn’t, you would by the time you left.
It was a place of comfort, a local Cheers if you will. The laughter echoed loudly and even after all of the people that occupied the space during business hours had left…it still echoed, just softer.
I spent many long nights and many early mornings in that old building. When I thought I couldn’t go another day, my community and the friends I met in that old place would come and stand by me, lending their hand at whatever task I may be challenged with. They believed in that place. They believed in me.
It has been 1,989 days since we gave life to Havana Hobbit.
I’d never worked in a restaurant before, never even waited a table. What was I thinking? I was young, desperate for a new start, longed for the familiarity of my small town and what I had left after a much extended residence in South Florida. The community was SO excited that their little watering hole would reopen and have new life! We worked seven days a week for a long, long time. Some of the staff that had been there prior to its closing as Hobbit American Grill came back and mentored me, taught me, and trusted us to keep the doors open.
We watched our Havana Hobbit family fulfill personal goals such as buying vehicles, moving forward in their education, raising babies… we learned that God had chosen us to become parents to our most precious gift, Hunter.
I don’t have to look far to see the memories we have created in that old place with all of you who have made them right along side us.
As sad as it is, all good things must come to an end.
It is with much emotion, I am hanging up my apron for a while.
Havana Hobbit could have never been what it was for all of those years had it not been for y’all. I have made memories and friends that I hold very closely to my heart. The people who believed in us, and the ones who challenged us… Thank you.
Its time to tuck the “Old Memories, New Traditions” in to a quiet place in my heart.
I love y’all and will forever be grateful for the six and a half years you have given.
This is one of the hardest “see ya later” letters I’ve written.
We are tired.
“This new season is going to be the place where you will learn a lot. It won’t be easy but the wisdom you gather here will be worth more than gold.” - Morgan Harper Nichols
Be blessed,
Lauren
Havana Hobbit ❤
