The Lawyer and I

Nothing says "legitimate restaurant business" like a first meeting with a high-powered restaurant lawyer who counts some big names in the industry among her many clients. Meeting in the boardroom of her exquisite office at her reputable firm - prime real estate on the waterfront, with views of both the airport and seaport - Trish (as we'll call her) certainly came across at first glance as extremely intimidating. Think Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada" (did I really just make a "Devil wears Prada" reference?).

She couldn't have been more different. She led the majority of the conversation but did so in a very straightforward, down-to-earth and, refreshingly enough when dealing with lawyers, ego and jargon-free. Her expertise and experience in the restaurant business were clearly visible and it was obvious that she would prove to be an excellent resource, willing and able to take on and assist on a number of important hurdles.

Greg and I laid out our concepts for the restaurant and she seemed to be impressed. She liked where we were going with the general idea and saw the same immense potential in Saus that we see in ourselves. Trish could have easily ignored the opinions of a 23-year-old just starting in the restaurant business. Instead, she listened to everything I said with an open-mind, agreeing to some things while politely nodding along to others, but most importantly, respecting all my comments and opinions.

The meeting ended with her agreeing to email us the scope of work she can do for us, in addition to three references. Trish also hooked us up with names for brokers and a lease negotiation "specialist". All-in-all, it was an extremely productive first meeting and we are very confident that by hiring Trish, and hopefully locking down our location ASAP, things will really get rolling.