First Times
Today we’ve been thinking a lot about first times, because as you may already know, we celebrated Chez Rosa’s fifth anniversary in a brand new space. A bigger space, better equipped to welcome all our friends, and the new ones still to come.
We, Yaz and Kyle, wanted to take a moment to reflect on how we felt the first time we opened our doors, the first time we had a full house, and the first time we thought we might not be able to keep this dream alive. But thanks to the people we now call our community, we made it, despite opening in the middle of a pandemic!
We’re starting this new adventure, and it feels like we’re back to being the same Yaz and Kyle from five years ago, full of excitement and nerves, but a little wiser. We’ve learned so much over the years, and the lesson we’re most thankful for is recognizing that we have a wonderful community that has been with us and will continue to be through it all.
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Words can’t quite capture how much your support means to us.
We want to thank our first home and honor all the beautiful memories we created with all of you. That’s why we decided to put together a short list of everything we’ve learned from you along the way.
What We’ve Learned From You
We’ve learned that food tastes better when it’s shared with people who care. That a kind word on a hard day can carry more weight than you’ll ever know. That regulars become friends, and friends become family.
You’ve shown us that traditions matter, but so does trying something new. That laughter over oysters, long conversations over rosé, and birthdays celebrated over crème brûlée are what truly make our restaurant feel alive.
You’ve taught us to slow down, to savor the moment, and to remember that hospitality isn’t just about plates and service, it’s about making people feel seen.
We’ve learned to embrace the truth that it won’t ever be perfect, but it can be better than the day before, every single day. That growth is rarely linear, and learning curves are part of the beauty. That it’s okay to ask for a little patience while we find our rhythm again, and how generous you’ve been in offering it.
We’ve also learned that while you may have a plan, life might have a different one for you and sometimes, that unexpected turn is the one that leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.
And through it all, we’ve learned the importance of staying humble. This work keeps you grounded, and we’re reminded every day that there’s always more to learn, about food, about service, about people, and about what it means to create a space where people feel welcome.
Most of all, we’ve learned that when you build something with heart, people feel it.
