Now open: Table 65 is a true ‘team effort’

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Photo by Julia Ybarra-Young Ann Hall, co-owner of Table 65, stands with Chef Jeff Gillstrom behind Table 65’s gelato case. Table 65, located at 729 N. Knowles Ave. in New Richmond, opened earlier this month.

Talk about it

It is not necessarily where she thought she would end up.

Ann and Patrick Hall are the owners of Table 65, a new restaurant located at 729 N. Knowles Ave. (the former Savoy Pizza location) in New Richmond.

“My dad was a foodie,” said Ann, sitting at one of the wooden black tables scattered among the red and black booths, side chairs, bar stools and even Adirondack patio furniture.

“My mom was a wonderful cook and they would host beautiful parties in the backyard at home. So I guess I get a lot of this from my parents.”

She said that the idea for the restaurant came about last fall, at the suggestion of several of their friends.

“My husband always wanted to sell gelato,” she said, referring to the Italian treat that has less fat and more density than ice cream. “That wasn’t my cup of tea though. I wanted a more social gathering place.”

The Halls were no strangers to starting their own business. They had been involved with two different production companies years ago making commercials. Then Ann studied economics and business while their children were young and became a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Hudson for five years.

“I’m a coordinator – that’s what I am,” she said.

Located in the former Savoy Pizza building, Hall is quick to credit the success they’ve enjoyed since opening Thursday, July 7, to her entire team.

“The Skoglunds have been very accommodating (in renting the building), and Jeff (Gillstrom) has executed the menu beautifully,” said Hall. “It’s so strange how it unfolded so neatly.”

She said that in planning the opening, it was almost flawless.

“We had tables that I didn’t like, so Pat (husband) found these great tables on Craigslist,” she explained. “I wanted a wine supplier, and the next night a couple gave me the name of a vineyard. We needed a meat slicer, and I found one locally the next day.”

The menu features healthy fare such as paninis, wraps, salads and gelato, of course. The iced treat is sent by friends in Michigan and the flavors vary from raspberry to maple bacon.

Despite the opening running “without a hitch,” Hall said she hopes to improve the efficiency of the lunch rush. All her serving staff members are high school students who have never waited tables before. She said the more experienced kitchen staff members are helping them learn the ropes.

Jared Gorka, kitchen assistant, is one of those experienced members.

He recently worked for the Texas Brothers Barbeque Pit in New Richmond before it closed. He also helps with the deliveries.

“Other than the gelato, I think the main draw is the paninis,” said Gorka. “I don’t consider this fast food; everything is healthy.”

Gillstrom, one of the chefs, has also worked at several former New Richmond restaurants, such as Suzanna’s, Brother’s Texas BBQ and Pizza Luna. He also thinks the key to Table 65’s longevity is the food.

“There are a lot of healthier choices on the menu – ingredients that are not normally around like the pesto and humus,” he said.

“This building has had a lot of businesses in it over the last few years,” said Gorka. “I would love to see this one succeed.”

Hall said they are going to have open mic nights starting July 29, but she really wants to focus on getting the lunch routine – their busiest time of the day – down first.

“We are working to achieve a high level of service, and ultimately it comes down to the people here,” she said, gesturing to herself and the kitchen and wait staff. “I’m walking this little path but I have this menagerie of people who are helping me along.”

Tags: new richmond, business, food