HOT DISHES FILLED WITH PRIDE!

Tracy Watson remembers a less stressful time in her life, albeit she hides it well behind a smile that would melt a tax collector’s heart.
She was hosting Canada Day golf tournaments as a beer rep for Molson when the country was infatuated with her company’s "my name is Joe and I am Canadian” patriotic pitch
The economy was on Viagra, people were drinking, eating out and buying big toys. Heck, even Santa Claus was having trouble keeping up with The Joneses.
Watson, now 40, had a regular paycheque boasting impressive numbers. Tums and Rolaids were for everyone else. If only the happily-ever-after story ended right there.
Tearing a page out of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream speech,” Watson did an about face – it’s pronounced about not a-boot – and decided to try working for herself.
“So Canadian, eh? Worry more and work harder than ever for less money,” she laughed Friday while charming customers at her Hot Tommy’s eatery on Townline Road in Abbotsford.
It will be a year this August since she and business partner Michelle Esau dipped into the restaurant business, having purchased the quaint place from Tommy Kelly.
There are no plans “yet” to change the name to Hot Tracy’s or M-m-m Michelle’s – customer suggestions – but everything else is under review as the owners grapple with a sluggish economy and more competition.
But optimism is my dear Watson’s strength – and the No. 1 challenge, she figures, is getting people to her industrial park location for the first time. Getting them back has been less an issue, thanks to excellent food, atmosphere, homemade sauces, salsas and reasonable prices.
To that end, Watson has been visiting businesses in the ’hood, dropping off menus, letting them know about her takeout service and offering encouragement.
“There are a lot of small and new business owners right around us doing what we’re doing – growing slowly, hoping for better days. And it’s so encouraging when you see companies really take off.”
Her small eatery is open Monday to Friday, serves alcohol and “attitude” and tinkers with its menu and décor, inside and out on the patio.
There are minor sports pictures, murals, newspaper clippings, a Tracey Street road sign, some racing posters and a new Bring on the Heat towel stapled to the wall near the bar – behind all the Vancouver Canucks paraphernalia.
Watson promises to change the look over time, but filling the restaurant is her immediate priority.
“I have to admit, it drives me crazy when we’re not busy. I know more people are eating at home these days to save money, but it still makes you worry.
“. . . I have staff to pay, food to prepare, bills to pay. Sometimes it just sucks being an adult!”
Her mission is to spread the good word about the safe, Cheers-like atmosphere at Tommy’s.
Watson will be out promoting Hot Tommy’s next month with a golf tournament and she plans to have a crab bake at this year’s air show.
She also has plans for Friday afternoon barbecues, private parties and some form of catering to go with the new takeout service.
“The mind is working 24/7. I’m trying to stay really positive, seeing people fill the seats.”
Perhaps her “gamble” and the grand opening of Chances Abbotsford down the street is telling her something.
Either it’s sometimes you have to be lucky to be good, or in small business – as one Canadian poker star stated recently – “I hope to break even this week. I need the money!”