It is kind of ironic, when I think about it, writing a column for Urban Home Magazine. I write that because when I moved to Charlotte 16 years ago, I was basically homeless.
Let me back up a bit; two months prior I was the executive chef in a small restaurant in Boston. I was beginning to gain recognition and had a promising career in that city. That all changed when I came to Charlotte to see my son, who was born here, and a close friend from college. During that quick visit, I already began to picture myself living here. It seemed easy here. Charlotte was so clean and affordable. On a whim, I stepped into a small restaurant to apply for a job. She didn’t just offer a job; she offered to sell me the restaurant. Talk about a bombshell.
I went back to Boston with my head swimming. Could I actually do this? How would I be able to navigate starting a new business and a new life, at the same time? Ultimately, I decided to roll the dice. I headed south with very little money, no car and no place to live.
When I arrived on a hot summer day in 2000, I crashed on my friend’s couch, purchased an old, beat-up Honda and searched for a place to live. Imagine the looks I got as the leasing agent read my application.
As I was working through the cumbersome restaurant permitting process, I realized I was going to need help. I needed to quickly make myself a part of this community. I reached out to the few people that I knew, who connected me to people they knew. They freely shared their local knowledge and gave me the confidence that this might actually work.
Three months later, I opened the doors to Barrington’s. Panic time. I never thought a new restaurant could be that slow. I would go out to the courtyard and pace. Peggy, the manager and rudder of my business, would talk me off the edge. Gradually, the neighborhood found us. A few really good reviews in local newspapers helped, too. Every night, I walked out into the dining room to introduce myself to my customers and learn something about each of them. Everyone was so welcoming.
It is with this in mind that I am excited to contribute to this magazine. Everyone in this city has been a part of my journey to find a home in Charlotte. Now, I look forward to being a part of your home.
Bruce Moffett is the owner and head chef of Barrington’s Restaurant in Charlotte. He’s been in the restaurant business for 35 years and has been cooking for even longer.
Visit Barrington’s at 7822 Fairview Road, or check out their menu online at www.barringtonsrestaurant.com. To make reservations at Barrington’s, call 704-364-5755.