I don't think any of us founders ever in our wildest dreams thought it would grow as large as it is
said Leslie Schaller, one of the original owners and now business manager. Eight unemployed restaurant workers who wanted to start a business with a cooperative focus founded Casa Nueva in 1985, putting the company in the hands of the employees. Today, the restaurant will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
When we first opened I don't think any of us founders ever in our wildest dreams thought it would grow as large as it is
said Leslie Schaller, one of the original owners and now business manager.
Initially, every worker at Casa Nueva became a worker-owner, but now employees have the choice of becoming a worker-owner or remaining an associate.
There are 23 workers who are now partial owners of the company, though Schaller is the only original owner still employed there.
In order to celebrate its anniversary while paying homage to the local spirit at the core of the restaurant's mission, Casa will hold an in-house party tonight open to the general public.
The event will recognize those who frequent Casa Nueva, former and current workers, and the local food producers whose products the restaurant uses, said Alicia Cordell, human resources coordinator.
The main reason for holding this event is to focus on community - we buy food locally and we're involved with other local organizations
Cordell said. A lot of it is having people in the building who have been there over the years.
In order to recognize those who have remained loyal to the restaurant during the years, an eater-owner award will be given out at Casa Nueva's anniversary party.
When we were thinking about who we wanted to give the award to
we considered people who have a similar mission
(who are) focused on community involvement
Cordell said.
Frank McDermott, owner of Blue Eagle Music, 40 N. Court St., received the eater-owner award last year. McDermott eats at Casa at least once a day for breakfast and often eats dinner there as well. McDermott said the food options and
restaurant's atmosphere keep him a frequent customer.
The food is great - it's local
organic
healthy stuff
McDermott said. There's a great crew of people. It's cool people doing a cool job at a cool restaurant.
Casa's focus on the arts helps attract regular customers, said Danielle Wyckoff, a current server at Casa and a regular patron for three years before working there.
There is a steady stream of regulars
