Dear Raul Perez,

I want to send you a sincere thank you letter for the amazing memories you provided me with. I spend every birthday morning with you and I could not be happier that way. 

The smell of warm sizzling blueberry pancakes and extra chocolatey hot cocoa wafts through the air and I know it’s going to be a good day. For all my life it’s been you I see on my birthday. Besides family, you have been consistent throughout the years. A rush of nostalgia consumes me when I look back to the memories of my family circled around the big table, laughing between bites of our delicious morning feast. I smile all giddy with a plate stacked high with pancakes bigger than my head, each drowning in syrup. I never listened to my mom when she told me to stop pouring. 

“That’s too much sugar! You’ll be sick!” she warned me. You told me it was okay, it’s my birthday. By then, I’m already thinking about what flavor of Dum-dum I’m going to grab on the way out. Maybe cotton candy this time, or should I do blue raspberry? 

It’s not just my birthday I get to enjoy with you. You create the perfect atmosphere for big family breakfasts, brunch dates, or time with my girlfriends. Every time I go it seems to be packed with smiling faces, but your team always provides for each one of them. Each time I learn more about the buildings’ past life as a lumberyard. The black and white images of husky men hang for all to wonder at, giving a story to each face. You’ve kept this quaint tradition, only adding a few of your own touches from your own heritage. I love your tostadas by the way! A perfectly crispy tortilla holds juicy, mouthwatering meat and veggies. Of course I ask for a little extra salsa verde, your specialty. It’s the perfect lunch after a morning out. 

I wanted to also congratulate you on two full decades of operation! I know originally Lumber Inn opened in 1983, so this upcoming year will be 40 years of business, but 2022 was a big year for you, and I’m so proud of you for that! You took over Lumber Inn in 2002, before I was born, and I hope you’re still there so I can bring my future kids back to your spot on Wells Street. 

Again, thank you for making my days a little sweeter. Thank you for making the “happy birthdays” a little happier. I hope the Lumber Inn tradition is one you are the most proud of! 

My kindest regards, 

Your Best Customer