Home for the Holidays

What a great weekend we had!  Janet and I drove to Iowa, to spend the Christmas holidays with our families. I got to spend 3 or 4 wonderful days with my kids--nothing can make the holidays better than that!  At the same time, Janet got to spend time with her family as well, including spending a couple of days with her grandson, Tyler.  We stayed at her daughter's house and had a great, great time!  Thanks, Dana!

My daughter Emily had just returned from New Zealand, where she is determined to return as soon as possible.  I enjoyed hearing some of her stories, and loved the pictures.  Mostly, though, I enjoyed hugging my daughter again!!

With my oldest son at work for the early part of each day, I got to spend some extra time with my youngest, Zach.  He's the one of my children I have spent the least amount of time with in his life.  Since he is now a sophomore at the University of Iowa, my time with him, as with my other children, gets shorter and shorter as he ages and goes about his life.

Finally, I got to spend some quality time with my oldest, Josh.  I've spent the most time with him, since he used to live with us and work with me in the summers and over holidays.  Now that he's a "grown up" and has a real job, the time with him is too short, as it is with all of my amazing children.

I watched them, and was so proud of their growth and maturity.  They are truly loving, caring children, and I couldn't be prouded of them!  Their mother has done a very nice job with them, in my absence as I have traveled around the country searching for the "dream".  I'm a very lucky man.

Finally, Janet and I got to spend time together, and time away from each other, as well.  Working together at the restaurant, and spending 24 hours a day with each other, has got to explain why she is developing that twitch.  I have the most amazing wife, and sometimes forget to tell her how much I love her.

There are many, many much more successful people in the world than I will ever be.   With the blessings that are my wife and children, I wouldn't change places with any of them!

Now this is weird, even for Branson!

I realize that I am one of only a few people in this universe that actually even sees this blog, so I mostly write it for myself.  And even I occasionally get tired of another "and here's what else happened in Branson" stories.  But this one is just too good to keep entirely to myself.  So, if you are one of the 3 or 4 people who actually reads this blog, here's another one of those stories.

Tonight, with Dave and Cheryl off, Janet and I had a very busy day.  Busy early, busy late.  I was hoping to get everything cleaned up and get out of there as quickly as possible, when the weird magic of The Gardens jumped up once again and bit me.

I was walking out to the dining room with our musician's food, and noticed he had stopped playing and was speaking to the only two guests we had left in the restaurant.  I didn't pay too much attention to them, but did ask them how they enjoyed their food while I walked past them.  They said that everything was good, and I continued on my way, trying to get back to the kitchen to get everything cleaned up so we could leave.

Then I heard Wayne ask them where they were from.  "Indianapolis", they said.  That stopped me in my tracks, and I returned to them and dug a little deeper, to find out what part of Indy they lived in.  As it turned out, they lived a few miles from where we lived, but now--"the rest of the story".

I told them we had lived all over Indiana, in Ft. Wayne, and before that Indy, as well as Columbus, Indiana.  They replied they, too, had lived in Columbus, Indiana.  But wait for it, it's about to get even weirder.  Then, I told them I had gone to Hanover College.  They immediately wanted to know when.  When I told them I had been there from 72 to 76 they told me the husband had been a professor at Hanover during that time.  And. lo and behold, I discovered that he had been my Faculty advisor, my Business professor for about 4 of my courses, and absolutely my favorite professor at Hanover. 

He said he remembered a Joe Duncan, but that that Joe Duncan was somewhat thinner than I am.  I told him that that Professor Waldo had less gray hair than the man in front of me.  We got to share a few minutes of reminiscing, and he told me he hadn't been to Branson for years and years.  They had just stumbled upon our restaurant after reading about us in Trip Advisor.

I don't know much about odds, but I figure the odds of seeing them after all these years is pretty slim.  Had I not walked out when I did, had they come another night, or had I not overheard them say they were from Indy, I never would have stumbled upon them.  I'm telling you, the power of The Gardens amazes us all!  Have a great week!

More uniqueness at The Gardens

We have often felt that the restaurant had a unique "feel".  We have been complimented so many times by so many people about the way the restaurant is so comfortable to our guests; that it's almost like being at home.

This past weekend, more evidence of that appeared.  We have a customer who comes in every week or so to be one of the first people to eat Dave's wonderful Prime Rib, either on Friday or Saturday evening.  I have spoken to him a few times, and though I don't even know his name, I always feel comfortable talking to him. He has a larger than life laugh that is contagious, and we love to have him in the house!

Anyway, we had a bus that evening, so we were seating our guests in the "tea room".  (We hate that term, but still call it that for some reason).  I had a chance to say "hello" to him, and asked him how his prime rib was, and he said it was great as usual.  There were two other groups in the tea room, and one of them was excited about their upcoming meal, also  prime rib. 

Later, I walked back in, and the couple that also tried the prime rib was saying it was the best they had ever had.  The other group had gotten the salmon, and they reported the same with their meals.  That in itself isn't that unusual--we do hear that from time to time, which greatly pleases us, obviously.

What struck me, though, was that the next time I went back to check on them, the three tables had almost become a "community" of their own.  The gentleman who always comes in alone had pulled up a chair and was sitting between the other two tables of strangers.  I've been in a lot of restaurants in the last couple of years, and I have never seen that.  There was just a comfort that is hard to explain, and a desire to share "The Gardens Restaurant experience" with each other.  I can't explain it, but it's just a Gardens thing.

It reminded me of our parents.  They used to go on vacations to time shares all around the world, and they always seemed to come back with new friends that they had met in their travels.  I like to think they would have loved the restaurant.  It is a tribute to them, in so many ways.  They taught us so much, and we miss them every day.  I think they would have done the same thing as our prime rib gentleman did--pull up some seats and make some friends.  Maybe the restaurant is a Mom and Bob thing!

Life still amazes me!

It's been a while since I last "posted" a blog (is that even what you do?  I'm still so confused with all of this blog stuff!).  Today was just a day that needs to be shared, so I thought I should do so.

First, it's been a busy week in the restaurant, which we really enjoy!  It makes the hours go by so much quicker than when we're "dead".  On Tuesday nights, Janet and I (OK, Janet) are (is) taking a cake decorating class at Michael's.  We make (OK, Janet makes) wonderful cakes that we sell each day in the restaurant.  Sister-in-law Cheryl makes some as well, and the restaurant is well known for these desserts.

But, we don't do "fancy" cakes.  We've allowed people to bring in special cakes for their occasions, which a). gives us problems with the Health Dept., b). doesn't give us much needed income, and c). just seems wrong in principal to me.  (I know I'm in the minority, but when I go to the movies, I buy their popcorn--I don't smuggle in some from home--it's just who I am).

Anyway, by taking this course, we are hoping that we can start making some of those cakes and have them available for people to purchase from us, instead of others.  And I've got to tell you, I'm having the time of my life in these classes.  I'm the only man in the class (officially making me the only male "eye candy".)  But spending the time with Janet away from the restaurant doing something she enjoys is priceless to me.  The fact that she gets the icings and food colorings all over herself just has me rolling off the chair in laughter.  And I've discovered that laughter is a good thing lately.

Beyond this enjoyment, son Josh was here since my last "post", along with Janet's daughter Dana and grandson Tyler.  We had such a wonderful time while they were here, and miss them greatly already.  Finally, today we had a wonderful visit from our St. Louis friend and great love, Sharon Vaughn, who was one of my employees 6 or 7 years ago.  She came with family and spent a while with us at the restaurant on their way through town.  We had a great time catching up a little, and it was so good to see her.

All for now.  Hope everyone's life is heading in the direction they enjoy.  Janet and I have discovered church again here in Branson, and it makes such a difference in our lives.  Come to Branson and join us for a meal and a church service!

Breathing before the next season begins!

Branson is in a little bit of a lull this week and next.  With kids back in school, the town has kind of "closed down" for a little while.  Many of the shows are either on a short hiatus, or just coming back from one.  It's kind of nice being able to drive the "strip" in less than 45 minutes, but it's kind of sad at the same time.

If you're a business owner in town, the sadness is more acute.  If you rely on the tourists (as 99% of the town does), it's a maddening time.  The bills continue, and you just wait for the next wave of visitors.  Fortunately, the buses are on their way!

Starting in September, coaches start arriving.  In October, even more show up.  Then, starting November 1st, when the Christmas shows start, the floodgates really open up.  For the next several weeks, the town is as busy as it is at any time of the year, it seems. 

If you've never been to Branson during this time, I highly recommend it.  If there is a town more into the Christmas season than Branson, I'm dying to see it.  The Veterans come during this time as well, and nobody treats our cherished Veterans better than Branson does.  We have the largest Veterans Day parade in the world here in our little town of 6,050 people.

If you're reading this, and trying to decide where to go on a little trip, I encourage you to check out Branson.  And while you're here, if you should happen to get hungry, I know a beautiful little restaurant that's sure to please!

More of what makes Branson work

I know sometimes I come across like I'm connected to the Chamber of Commerce Welcoming Committee.  Well (and few people know this), I kind of am.  See, I worked out a deal with the Chamber--everyone I'm nice to gets me a fat fee of $1.14; even more ($2.00), if I get people to move here.  That's how I bought the restaurant.

Truthfully, though, it's just another example of how Branson works on so many levels that I haven't seen in different communities.  Here, everyone tries to help each other.  I can't tell you how many of our "competitors" have sent us business in the past.  Hats off to Chester's, The Keeter Center, The Chateau, Big Cedar, and everyone else who has sent people to us in the past.  It's just how Branson is.  We have recommended those people as well to our guests, not to mention Shorty Smalls, Blue Olive, Andy Williams, and Little Hacienda.  We like the buffets as well, especially the Plantation and Dockers.

Recently, we decided to start getting into the "gift" business, but finding the right vendors for nice items that would fit into our restaurant was proving to be a challenge.  Then, we went to Stone Hill winery for a tasting tour.  I highly recommend them, by the way--they couldn't be nicer.  Afterwards, we talked to Carrie, a friend  of ours and manager of the winery, and told her that we were looking for vendors to start our gift collections.  In most cities, getting any kind of cooperation, much less help, would have been the likely response.

Carrie, in true Branson fashion, got me the names and contact information of some of their best vendors.  She wasn't worried about the "competition".  In fact, I can honestly say that we never feel that from people here.  I'm sure it exists, but we have yet to experience it. We even ended up buying some engraved wine glasses from them, but that's not why Carrie and Tina helped us.  It's just a Branson thing.

Everyone here seems to want everyone else to succeed.  It's good for everyone to have success in Branson.  Next time you're thinking of a good place to visit, think about a trip here.  And make sure you give me the credit when you talk to the Chamber--I could use the extra $1.14!

It's kind of like "Cheers", only in reverse.

We are so fortunate to have so many friends that stop by and say hello everyday.  Frequently, they're hungry, and they stop by for food, which is a good thing to do in a restaurant.  But many times, people will just come by for a soda or a glass of tea, and spend time with us.  I've got to tell you, we really enjoy those times as well.  It's kind of like the old TV show "Cheers," where everybody knows your name. 

If there is one thing that seperates us from other restaurants in town (though we hope the food, atmosphere, service, and music come into play as well) it is the "family feeling".  We are so honored by people who tell us that the restaurant is so "homey".  We have had bus drivers and their guests tell us so often that they have come to Branson for years, and have never felt so welcome and at peace in a restaurant.  Jocille Tucker said on her Facebook page the other day that The Gardens is "like a haven".  Wow!! What great praise--thanks, Jocille.

When people come in and we get to spend a few minutes with us, it makes our day.  Many of you know that of the 4 of us Duncan's, Janet, Dave, and Cheryl are the talent.  Our restaurant works so much better when I let them do the "heavy lifting" in the kitchen or with our servers, and I get to just go out and talk.  I tell them I'm working hard, though, so please don't tell them I'm just having  fun with you.  You make our days.  Keep coming in, sharing your stories, and telling us about you and your family.  We love getting to know each one of you better!  Joe

Another Branson kind of day--You have to love this place!

For those of you who still haven't discovered what makes Branson so unique, let me add another sample to the "daily life" of this restaurant owner.  I came back form running an errand today and saw we had a couple of tables filled in the dining room.  We like that, by the way.  An empty restaurant is a bad thing, if you're an owner.  I also noticed that I knew both parties--not that unusual in a town of 6,000. 

What made it so "Branson-esque", though, is that the 2 parties discovered they knew each other, as well.  Gail Hinshaw and Sheldon Tucker, both great friends of ours, saw each other for the first time in years.  They had both lived in the same Kansas town of around 500 people 20 or so years ago.  This kind of thing seems to happen here all the time.  Janet and I will talk about people we haven't seen in a while, and like magic, they seem to show up the same day.  It's just so Branson!  By the way, Tucker is  a wonderful performer at the Waltzing Waters theater--please check him out sometime.  Gail is one of the owners of "The Mountain", a data storage facility that  I got to tour last week--very cool, and mostly inside a mountain!

Anyway, just a reminder about our restaurant.  It is not just a place to go and have a meal.  Rather, it's a place to have a true "dining experience".  The atmosphere is second to none, the music is outstanding, and the food is pretty darn good, too.  We have been honored to have been written up by the Springfield paper, and have won awards as "Best of Branson" by 417 Magazine.  Also, currently, we are ranked 4th in Branson out of over 300 restaurants in Branson, by Trip Advisor. 

Please come and check us out.  We guarantee a wonderful experience, and you just never know who you might run into.  Maybe someone from Kansas that you haven't seen in 25 years or so.  It is, after all Branson, and it is The Gardens Restaurant.  Joe

My first blog--I'm going to need help!

For the past several months, a good friend of our restaurant, Gail Hinshaw, has been after me to join this century, start a Facebook page, Twitter, and do a Blog.  OK, Gail, here's the blog.  If it's a disaster, it's all on me.  If it turns out to be a success, it's because of your prodding me along.  Thanks for that, my friend.

I wanted to talk briefly today about our experiences in Branson, since we moved here.  We have met some of the most amazing people in the restaurant, as well as in meetings, and at different shows and attractions we've attended.  Branson is the most incredible place, full of wholesome, family energy.  It's a town of 6,000 that attracts 7 million visitors per year.  Everyone who comes here is here to have a good time.  That's a great atmosphere to live in!

We have been honored to meet so many terrific performers, and so many wonderful people as well.  We love all of these shows, and hope people will check them out--Six, Cat's Pajamas, Rock and Roll is Here to Stay, Pierce Arrow, Shoji Tabuchi, The Rankin Brothers, George Dyer, Hamner Barber, Presleys, Baldnobbers, Clay Cooper, Spirit of the Dance, Jeerk, The Hughes Brothers, The Duttons, Country Tonite, Taylor Reed and many, many more.  If I didn't list you, please forgive me.  We have yet to see a show in Branson that we didn't love.  Some of the shows, we just haven't gotten to yet, but we will, as time allows.

Our good friends at Rock and Roll is Here to Stay recently got a 10 day notice that their theater was closing. They are in the process of moving to God and Country Theater, where their show will take place at 5:00 Tues-Sat.  Check out these really fine perfomers if you get a chance.  They deserve your attention. 

Thanks for paying attention to my initial ramblings.  Our goal is to interact with our friends and patrons, to continue to make The Gardens Restaurant the best it can be.  Your thoughts, wisdom, suggestions, and even criticisms are welcome.  Don't be too critical, please.  I'm a very sensitive guy, after all!  Joe