For nine years, my mother told every guest I was j…

The first thing I did as owner was renovate the second floor into a private event space. Hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, seating for 80, $8,000 a booking. The second thing I did was expand the wine cellar.

200 bottles temperature controlled. The third thing I did was install a new security system at the front entrance. Camera and intercom.

A small screen in my office showed whoever was standing at the door. A button let me talk to them without opening it. Rosa Gutierrez, my front of house manager, 58 years old, been at Bellamy since before I started, was the only staff member who knew I was the owner.

I told her on closing day. She stared at me for a full 5 seconds. You bought the whole building.

She shook her head. Girl, and you still bus tables on busy nights. I shrugged.

Someone has to. The deed was filed. The LLC was registered.