Everybody’s kitchen

“Downtown was much different in those days,” said Rebecca Shadd. She was speaking about 1982, the year she opened Perché No!, an Italian ice cream and espresso shop located on Second Street, where Chronic Taco is today. “It seems like every other door was empty, and there was always a lot of parking.

“Things were hard economically at the time, but we went in not thinking about that, and not thinking about things like paying back our loans. We just thought it would do very well and things like that would just happen.”

Despite Shadd’s lack of business acumen, the eatery stayed open for 20 years, and the experience helped form the successful foundation of Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery, which Shadd has co-owned with Lori Powers since 1993. Powers explained she and Shadd bought the business from a previous owner, and Upper Crust had existed for several years, but with a “smaller vision.”

“I had no restaurant background career-wise,” Powers said of the partnership, “but I always had a strong interest in food, and the interest led the way. Becky was the one who came in with true in-the-trenches work experience.”

Shadd said Perché No! expanded its menu over the years, adding things like waffles and sandwiches to “round out the day,” a strategy that has continued with the bakery.

“Over the years we’ve realized we love the bakery and everything baked, but we know there’s a balance and sought to meet that balance,” Powers said. “So we layered the business with more hearty foods, things so people realize they can get a meaningful meal. We keep listening to people and try to make subtle shifts to meet their needs. You’re always in evolution.”

After 30 years, Shadd seems secure in the choices she’s made and happy to be part of the downtown community. “There’s always a lot of camaraderie downtown,” she said. “When you’re in business for yourself it’s not a job but a lifestyle. You basically live there, and your friends are other business owners around you and your customers. It’s really a way of life, and I like it a lot.”

“I hope the maturity of our downtown takes us to a place where those types of businesses that aren’t here now see the possibility, see a future for themselves, and maybe swing back,” Powers said.

“It’s always sad to see empty storefronts,” she continued. “I think there are young minds out there right now with great ideas, and I think they’ll find new possibilities that maybe we haven’t thought of yet.”