Shelton Business Spotlight: Liquid Lunch

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series we’ve kicked off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Liquid Lunch
Owners: Fred & Michele Bialek, Mark Moeller
Website: www.liquidlunchrestaurant.com
Address: 6 Research Drive suite 120 Shelton, CT 06484

How did you come up with the name?

My friend and I were at work and I was thinking about names for our new restaurant. I had come up with a couple of things like The Kitchen, The Kettle; nothing extraordinary. My friend Claire said “Nah, nothing thrills me.”
I replied out of exasperation with “I don’t know, We could just call it Liquid Lunch!”
“That’s it!” she said. I never thought of the name before that moment. Thanks, Claire!

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

We started our business 10 years ago on 434 Howe Ave. Fred and I are Valley kids and really wanted to stay here. I grew up in the Downtown area of Shelton and always thought it was the perfect place to have a cafe. We were advised against this location. People thought it was not the best place for a small business. Boy, were they wrong! We feel truly blessed with the supportive response from our community. In 2006, Bob Scinto, a regular customer, asked us to open a restaurant in his new building at 6 Research Drive in Shelton and of course we jumped at the opportunity! In November of 2008 we opened our corporate doors to the public and hence we have run two Shelton businesses.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Restaurant

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

On January 6th 2014, our baby- 434 Howe ave was involved in the Howe Avenue fire. We lost our first location along with so many other business owners as well as those who lost their homes. We are still in limbo, not knowing the outcome of this tragic event. We are committed to doing things right and want everyone to know that we are will continue to offer the best quality eating experience possible.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

The recession of 2008 was the most devastating, sustained and challenging event of our lives. We have been forced(as has everybody) to re-evaluate and reconstruct our business to change with the times. The life of a small business owner is more difficult than ever and we are forced to compete with Cheap and Fast.The most frustrating part is trying to keep up with the large name lunch places. Our dedication to quality and individual attention can sometimes feel like a detriment, not an asset.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Honestly, every day that we are honored to open our doors and serve our Liquid Lunch family is our best. We have truly become an extended family-families have grown up and we have shared joyous events. We see kids go away to college and return for holidays, saying that our Chicken Noodle is something they miss. I have been able to re-connect to people with whom I shared childhood memories. I am so proud to hold a space to help families grow well.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

We have been able to devise a method of freezing our soups which is pretty innovative and user-friendly. This is what we believe to be the future of Liquid Lunch. We are planning to become the Ben & Jerry’s of soup. Keep a look-out for us!

How do you deal with difficult customers?

From day one, I have seem the difficult customer as a challenge. I am determined to find a way around their issues and make them a friend. Usually this works and the most difficult, nasty people simply want to be heard. Once they feel appreciated, these people usually become our best customers.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing community that we feel it is necessary for us to do whatever we can, whenever we can. We have the benefit of holding a highly visible platform for local issues and highlights and this is part of the deal. Whenever possible, we put out a jar or contribute a gift certificate or hold a benefit. We are part of this community. It is our heart.

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