07/30/2023
This might be somewhat long, but probably should be said.
If it seems like we are closed more than usual the last month or so it’s because we have been. Both Nate and Jessie have 2 jobs and life things happening outside of the CiderHouse that make it difficult to be here all the time. Nate works mornings 5/6 days a week at his other job then works the CiderHouse most weekends in addition to doing owner stuff whenever he can throughout the week. Jessie is a mom and has a family to take care of. Taking some time off to step away and get a mental reset is something that is difficult for us to do but needs to be done. It’s probably going to happen a little more in the next month or so too as we try and figure some business things.
Opening the CiderHouse during covid and then keeping it going during this inflation time has been the hardest thing we (Nate) has attempted in life. It’s somehow made it this far and to be 100% honest it’s the closest to failing than it ever has before. It’s taken every penny we have to get here the pennies are quickly running out. Last year Nate sold his house during the “good market” just to keep this place afloat while waiting for sales to turn up and get better. Now a year and few months later business seems slower than our first year and now those funds are basically depleted. The inflation is taking its toll on everyone and we definitely feel it.
All is not lost as the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Benton County have a grant program that we have applied for and are waiting to hear back on. We are fairly confident we will get chosen this round and should know next week sometime. If awarded, those funds will keep us going until the end of the year. But that’s about it. Who knew running a business was as expensive as it is….
So that’s where we are, just kinda coasting along while we hear what our fate is. Our landlords are really understanding and will help do what they can but ultimately we just need more people to know about us and come get pints, flights, growler fills, mixed packs, gift cards, merchandise, etc. Our goal for sales is $400ish a day which doesn’t seem to far fetched. A good combo of the aforementioned items would get us were we need on the daily and a handful of peeps coming down consistently can definitely make this happen. No joke we have had recent Fridays and Saturdays where we barely broke $200 for the night. Some weekdays have $20-40 in sales and those are the most demoralizing days for us.
And that’s where all of you still reading come into play. While we want all of you to come down and get some delicious craft cider from us, we more importantly want you all to share this post and tell all your friends about us and have them follow this page so that can start coming down and enjoying some craft cider. Our first/old FB page had something like 3200 peeps following us and we would love for this one to get back to that status. You can also follow us on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok . We would love for those socials to grow some too. If you’re reading this on our IG then head over to FB and follow us
If you’re have made it this far into this post thank you. If you’re reading this and wondering why we will start closing some days when we say we need the sales it’s because Nate’s at his mental end. Working all the time and stressing about everything we just told you is kinda taking a toll on him. The fact he refers to himself in the 3rd person when I’m the one writing it seems self evident to that. So he is going to take the time he needs as he needs it. It’s the most responsible thing to do for himself and the CiderHouse at this point.
So yea…. We will be closed tomorrow to take the day off and attempt to destress just a tad. We hope to see you all Monday night for some Trivia!! Have a great rest of the weekend.
Cheers 🍏🍎🍻
