We thank our Hostess Sandee at Comedy Plus
After 32 years of serving Raleigh, we said farewell to
all our friends at Seaboard Cafe.
Saturday September 28, 2024
I posted this on Awww Monday because it has been an absolute
Awwwesome privilege to dine there and know everyone.
We had 3 meals at Seaboard the last week
September 23, 2024
Me egg salad cold plate. Rafael makes the best chicken noodle soup. He surprised me with a cup.
Bryan's BLT
We both ordered Reubens with potato salad on 9/25
Saturday September 28, 2024 our last lunch
Bryan had a cheeseburger with fries
I had BBQ pork sandwich with red bliss potato salad and a dill pickle
There was complimentary cake too.
There was quite a celebration at Seaboard today 9/28/24. Packed at 10 am (they don't start serving til 11)...when Rick walked in the cafe he got a standing ovation...he was very overwhelmed....VERY. I don't think he truly understood until this last month what a difference has has made in Raleigh. Bryan ordered a cheese burger and fries. I had a BBQ sandwich. WE will not need supper. We said our goodbyes I made cards for all. I put monetary gifts in each one for the staff. I gave Rick a Retirement card. Hopefully I fully expressed how much he has meant to us. Some one had made a beautiful book with photos (much like an annual) for all to leave messages in too.
We sat on the Patio til time order and about 30 minutes after we ate. We would have stayed longer just to soak in the last day but we needed to give up our table. Walked around a bit to see other diners that we have known for years. One asked where I'd be going for lunch on Saturdays...I said we have decided we will no longer eat lunch on Saturday.
Rick (top pictured with us) retired. He was founder and Owner of the
Best Cafe in Raleigh
Rafael and Danielle have been working at Seaboard for as long as I can remember. Rafael's two nieces Argny and Ruby worked on weekends. Their Kitchen Staff Jossa, Maggie and Paul worked magic in the kitchen.
Rick designed commemorative T shirts
WE each bought one. The photo on the back was a painting a customer gave him many years ago. It is the cafe
May 1991- September 2024
We will miss Seaboard and Staff more than words can say. We are thankful to have had at least one meal there a week since we discovered them in 1992.
I made cards for everyone telling them how much their friendship meant to us.
My thoughts on Seaboard that I put in a retirement card to Rick
Would you believe here in Aberdeen I am feeling sad too!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
The end of an era indeed! That is a very long time that you have been visiting there, and I am sure they will be very missed.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Cecilia. Seaboard Cafe and all of its employees will be missed for a long time. I'm happy that you and Bryan got t-shirts!
ReplyDeleteIt is always so sad when great places decide it is time to go, but they had an amazing run and are ending while still on top. Now they can relax and enjoy the rest of their lives. How great they had shirts you could get.
ReplyDeleteNow there was one business that was really running for a very long number of years. And I am sure everyone who ate their fabulous food is going to miss the whole atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteLike Gail, as a long term reader, I will miss your reports from Seaboard! May Rock and crew enjoy the new phase in their lives. YAM xx
Tsk .. Rick...
DeleteHappy for him that he gets to retire but how sad to lose such a wonderful place to eat. All your lunches look delicious.
ReplyDeleteHow bittersweet. I hope Rick enjoys his retirement and that those who still work have found other jobs. It won't be the same, though! There seems to have been a real sense of "family" there.
ReplyDeleteAs for not going anywhere else for Saturday lunch...I don't know, it could be fun trying new places!
It's an end of an era for you. We always enjoyed your reports from the cafe. It sounds like Rick and the crew had a wonderful sendoff.
ReplyDeleteOh yea, it's terribly sad when a favorite place closes up shop. No doubt so many will miss that special place.
ReplyDeleteThat's so sad. Seaboard seemed like a really nice place.
ReplyDeleteWe can certainly see how they built a great business! This is a wonderful post, Cecilia. I am so happy you and Bryan were able to be there. Your photos are heartwarming with Rick and his staff. I am sorry... I know you will miss them and Rick's delicious food and the fun of having a lunch out. I am going to miss the Red Bliss potato salad and your egg salad cold plate! May Rick enjoy his retirement!
ReplyDeleteI would have loved having lunch with the two of you here. I've always enjoyed your post about your meals here. I wish all of them well. You made me smile and get teary eyed. I know you'll miss this place very much.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Awww Monday and week. Love and hugs. ♥
Sounds like a great place to eat and socialize ~ great post and photos ~ yummy food ^_^ ~ Change is never easy and losing a good place you like is sad ~ You will be missed and miss a great place ~
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and Angel Madi ~
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores ~
aka (A Creative Harbor)
How sad. Truly the end of an era. XO
ReplyDeleteGosh! What a special place! The Seaboard will be missed! Saying thank you and all the wonderful things that people did for them, certainly goes a long way at letting Rick and his staff know how much you appreciated him, his staff and his life's work! Rock on!
ReplyDeleteWe will miss the wonderful Seaboard Cafe pictures, you always had the most yummy looking dishes! Enjoy retirement Rick!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Beth
I am sjre it will be missed
ReplyDeleteThat was so sweet of you to give them cards and a gift enclosed in them. Oh my goodness, he will be missed by you and a lot of people. I hope you can find another place to enjoy getting meals from.
ReplyDeleteI can commiserate deeply with you and the rest of the customers. Just once I lost a similar place of business...a place I loved going to...looked forward to going to it..the food was good and the owners were gems. It's a hard thing to lose. You never forget them and all the great times and friends you had there.
ReplyDeleteThe Seaboard Cafe has been such a big part of your blog that we too are going to miss it. You were so kind in all that you did to make your last visit there a memorable one for Rick and his staff. Good luck to him from all of us.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Misty and Timber and Mom
Dearest Cecilia,
ReplyDeleteLovely for being able to enjoy that!
We're so happy for having our power back on after almost 5 days due to Hurricane Helene.
Tiggy–Tiger on my lap when I type on my Macbook...
Hugs,
Mariette + Kitties
PS the 3 kitties turned 17.5 today!