Just a few weeks ago, my son and I sat down at the bar inside EJ's Restaurant. There were a few patrons nibbling and sipping away. Nothing to write home about. The bartender provided us with menus and water. I remember Kam asking for lemon in his water, inside the glass floated a green slice of lime.

We scoured the menu. The selections have changed. I figured it's a seasonal thing. My debate: chicken pot pie or chicken wings?

Ok, I'm ready to order. Where's the bar-keep? He's in the main dining room chatting with folks at a table, friends, I sarcastically muttered. A customer sitting at the bar chimes the chicken pot pie is really good here. That's what customers tell her when she's the bartender. Sounds good. Why aren't you working now? I'm starving and ready to order, I quietly thought.

A manager walks by and refills our water glasses and give my son a beer. Minutes later a flustered bartender returns to the bar area. He quips sorry for the delay. I'm also the server tonight. Not only was this adult kid the bartender and server, he played host and prepared part of our meal--which took some time to prepare. Four people working the restaurant this evening, one manager, one dishwasher, one cook and one bartender, server, host.

My son inquires how many servers work here? The bartender replies just four. Four servers for a seven day a week restaurant. Not good. Kam and I long thought this joint would be shuttered. How long can this continue?

Oh yeah, my chicken pot pie, not good. The savory sauce tasted like Ranch dressing. I love Ranch, but not as pot pie sauce.

So, when I walked by the EJ's sign early this morning, I chuckled restructuring? Let the new owners build to suit. The writings on the wall for EJ's. I knew for sure, back when the bar-keep told my son there's only four servers. Too bad, just two years ago EJ's Restaurant was a bangin' place for wings, salads, chowder and sports TV. Now, it's former meat locker is a banquet room for hire.

Anyone interested in the former Huttleston House property?

Editor’s Note:   Brian Thomas is the host of Brian’s Beat on 1420 WBSM New Bedford.  He can be heard weekdays from 10am-Noon and Saturdays from 6am-9am.  The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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