MENU Update
It feels like we’re changing up how we do things weekly - constant bobbing & weaving, trying to avoid the punches that COVID keeps sending. This week is no different, but we’re still stoked on our next move.
We launched a pretty extensive lunch menu shortly after the pandemic began. Ultimately, we had the intention of being able to serve these items “for here” once we were allowed to reopen. We spent a ton of time developing this menu and were stoooked on every item on it. We ultimately decided that 3 months was enough, and scrapped it just a couple weeks ago to yet again, rethink what were doing and why.
When it came to the outset of the pandemic, our mentality was not only survival, but taking advantage of an opportunity. We saw this pandemic as a space to be creative, to challenge ourselves, branch out and do some things we’ve wanted to do, but haven’t had the ability given the constrictions of our daily operational requirements. But now, all expectations were out the window, and we suddenly had freedom we don’t normally get.
When we launched the menu, we knew people would be into it. And they certainly were. However, this menu only had big ticket things. We’re talking $12-15 for a sandwich or bowl. They were worth every penny, don’t get us wrong. Throw a drink and tip on there, and you’re really paying restaurant prices. But after a few months, and some serious reflection, we started thinking about how inaccessible, and maybe even a bit tone deaf it was. In all honesty, our sweet spot is the $6-8 range of small, delicious & satisfying food & drink, and for now, in the midst of a recession, social meltdown & revolution, a global pandemic, we need to stay in that lane. We want to look out for ya’ll, the people who have looked out for us over the last 3 years. We don’t want to alienate or exclude because we’re growing up a bit. We still want to provide the best products we can to our people, and have everyone be stoked on it.
We jumped at the opportunity to get creative, to really try and blur the line of “coffee shop food”. We dug into some ideas we’ve had for a long time, dreams of taking coffee shop food to a whole other level, so much so that our guests feel like their getting away with somethin’ when ordering food from us, instead of a full on restuarant. And while intentions were good, perhaps it wasn’t the right move. Every cafe, bar, restaurant, is vying over your dollars, for the sake of survival. However if those dollars are even more limited than ever, it is not our place to demand more of them if you want to eat lunch. Just does not feel right. We’ve gotta be sensitive and have our ear to the ground when it comes to how people are feeling. So, we’ve pivoted yet again. This doesn’t mean this menu is gone forever. In fact we have big plans for an elevated, and even more sophisticated food program once we’re all out of this shit and feeling better about life in general. But until then, we’ll keep working behind the scenes on our dreams.
After plenty of thought and conversation, we decided to simplify big time, only offering a couple of new sandwiches. These sandwiches will change weekly, be made fresh to order per usual, and be at a friendly, daily lunch kind of price point. In classic Scrim fashion, they will be simple & delicious. Again, we’re going to keep it ultra simple. Literally only adding 2 sandwiches, one meat, one veg. We’re excited about this switch up, still going to get creative with flavors, ingredients, etc.
A bunch more news is comin’ soon. Hang tight!
“ SIT DOWN - BE HUMBLE” - Kendrick Lamar