Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Schauffler.
Peggy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Country Life has been in Keene, NH for 30 years. It started as a vitamin store, then a bulk food store and finally into a restaurant. It has always been a ministry for helping people learn about health.
In 2013, they decided to close the store for the lack of profit and interest. I felt spiritually moved that this should not happen. After much mental deliberation, I decided to buy it. They had offered it to me because I was already working there. My sister called and ask what I was doing about getting the money to buy the place. I said absolutely nothing. I am so in over my head I don’t know which direction I am going. She encouraged me to share my vision with others. I did and people began to donate. I had the $8000 to buy the place in three weeks and money continued to come in to help me maintain the place until it started to increase in customers.
I am all about health. If it is not healthy I don’t serve it. My goal is to educate my customers on their health. We are the sickest nation in the world today because of our diet. There are so many hidden toxins in our food, simply put, it is killing us. Education is power. I want people to make educated decisions on their health. We can no longer assume our food is healthy. If people don’t have their health they really have nothing because even our closest relationships cannot be enjoyed if we are too sick to enjoy these relationship and other meaningful endeavors.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing about this journey has been smooth. I bought a business that was in the hole and going deeper everyday. It was $10,000 in debt on top of no money. When I bought the restaurant, it was bringing in $100 day and I was spending about $200. I had no help. I was working 6 days a week, sixteen hours a day and still not making enough to pay the bills, let alone hire help. The first year I went $17,000 dollars in the hole. The next year $12,000. I am in the fourth year and we are just barely starting to be able to pay bills from the income and last week my refrigerator quit and can’t be fixed. A new commercial refrigerator is $4000.
One of the greatest potential for disaster was the day I had a cater job for 50 and somehow, we intercommunicated and I did not know they were coming until 4:00 p.m. They were to arrive at 6:00. I called everyone I knew and between us we served them 6:00 p.m. sharp. It was nothing short of a miracle.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Country Life Vegetarian Restaurant & Health Food Store – what should we know?
We specialize in nutrition. We are known for our flavorful food without chemicals, our fruit square, tasty nutritious gluten free options and buy locally.
We are most proud of our award “Best Vegan/Vegetarian restaurant in NH.” We are set apart from others because of the love and knowledge with which we prepare our food. If it heals and is nutritious, we carry it on our shelves or cook it to serve.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Caring about people. Knowledge about nutrition. Combining flavors. Willingness to share our stories and success.
Pricing:
- Hot vegetarian buffet/bar is $7.99/pound
- Soup $4.50 /bowl
- Salad $4.50/bowl or $6.50/plate
Contact Info:
- Address: County Life Restaurant
15 Roxbury St.
Keene, NH 03431 - Website: https://www.countryliferestaurant.com/
- Phone: 603-357-3975
- Email: peggy@countryliferestaurant.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Country-Life-Restaurant-453297018072312
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/country-life-vegetarian-restaurant-keene
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
