Back in the fall of 1999, Rich Hoffmann noticed a transformation taking place in the vacant spot on the corner of Lafayette and Orange Avenues in Suffern, NY. As a member of the Suffern Chamber of Commerce and resident artist in the Rockland County town, Hoffmann made it his concern to get involved in that which affected the local business community.

Work was progressing at a rapid pace at the location that up until then had earned a less than stellar reputation as the "bad luck corner." Six failed establishments in eight years was a legacy that only the bravest would dare attempt to overcome.

But now where once had been a vacant, disheveled mess was a brightened and cleaned area. Most intriguing were the boldly colored walls that had sprung up, bringing new life to the space. They beckoned Hoffmann to enter and find out more about the soon-to-open restaurant that was in its early stages of infancy.

Two goals gel together

"I went in to talk to the guys working on the place," recalls Hoffmann. One of them was Eric Canto, the owner. I introduced myself and we talked for a bit about what he was doing and his vision for the place."

Hoffmann soon found out that Canto had more than ten years experience in the food industry.

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