Three weeks ago we tried an experiment on a Friday. It went kind of rough, but it wasn't very busy that night and we made it through. The next Friday, we stayed the course and things went a little smoother. The following Friday, even better, starting to find our places and make things work. This week, things should improve even more. If you've come in on the last few Fridays, you probably know what I'm talking about- kids under the legal age to work serving your drinks, a boy one third my age threading the projector and running it (without problems), and the biggest surprise- getting carded for ID by a ten year old at the ticket counter! The experiment was to run the family business with JUST family- and it seems to be working. I've joked for years that with seven children, instead of hiring staff, we're raising them- and indeed that has come to pass. This week on Friday no one is spending the night or camping or playing football, so we'll have our full staff of 9 on hand to serve you.  The benefits are big, with fairly small drawbacks. Children see what 'family business' means, where Dad goes to work, where the true story of money is told, versus the fable of money growing on trees. They see lots of friends and friendly faces, although they have witnessed some unhappy people being handled as fairly as possible. In all, we think it's worth the effort to make this work and hope that our customers realize the value as well. I've heard many, many positive comments, so I would deduce that the experiment is working. I have also caught a few eyes rolling... If you have another perspective, I'd like to hear it. But until them, Kelly will pick them up right after school on Friday to hurry the 'staff' to work, and get the theater ready for our customers.

Last week, my father helped out as well, and a customer jumped behind the counter to assist with serving drinks (we were down 2 older children that had schedule conflicts).... But it was a very comfortable, fun atmosphere to serve a helping of entertainment to great customers, alongside friends and family.

The next Friday you come in, be patient with our future world leaders; we're trying to get them started off right.... and if you've ever wanted to get behind the counter and see the movie world from the other side? Friday might be just the right time for that- we can trade out some movie tickets and popcorn for your hard work- it works for the kids.