Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Ritcey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My parents owned a Ritcey’s Seafood Kitchen that was on Moody St. in Waltham. It was open for 4 generation, 95 years. Its closed in 2005 when I was 18 years old. My time was always spent at the restaurant. As a child, I would intentionally get on the wrong bus so I could end up at Ritceys. Restaurants to me always feel at home. I waitressed and worked in the kitchen growing up. As soon as I was 18 I got a bartending job. I worked as a bartender throughout College where I got my degree in Psychology.
When I graduated I landing my first managing job. From there I continued to grow and learn from many local companies. I became a bar manager than an Assistant General Manager and then spent my last few years as a General Manager before I opened Ritcey East. I have always been extremely passionate about food, wine and hospitality. Reading as much as possible, taking a class and observing from others has gotten me to this position today.
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?
It has its up’s and down’s. For the most part, it has been smooth because I have an extremely large support system. My family and friends have been a truly intricate and crucial part of the success here at Ritcey East. My dad at 74 years old is here three days a week helping prep. One struggle is staying true to your concept and what you envision.
A lot of people want a lot of different things. Another struggle at the start was staffing. Boston has become such a leader in the restaurant industry that there is a lot of competition for staff. It’s very easy for someone to find a new job in the restaurant industry. I have been very fortunate building a truly amazing and hard-working team.
We at this point almost a year in have had a very little turnover and we are more like a family.
Ritcey East – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Ritcey East in a restaurant located close to the Cambridge, Brighton, Waltham, Belmont and Newton line. We focus on comfort food and hospitality. We really want people to feel at home when they enter the restaurant. We have created a wonderful local customer base of regulars. Our menu has something for everyone. We are small in what we do but we do it intentionally to be able to curate the best experience possible. We have an excellent craft beer list and fun and funky cocktails. We are different than a lot of the restaurant and bars in this area.
I am most proud of the staff that we have that kills it every day for the vision I have. I also proud that we have developed such an amazing clientele. Truly dedicated regulars who spread the word about us and support us in every way possible. Our hospitality sets us apart from other restaurants. We really want to elevate the dining experience while still having it casual. I don’t think you should have to spend $60 on a steak to get proper services. We are here to make sure you have a good time. We are your guides to fun. You could choose anywhere to go out to eat or get take out somewhere. We are all truly happy you picked us and it shows.
We are known for our house made onion rings that were an original Ritcey’s Seafood Kitchen original and also we do a play on a Big Mac. The burger is called Return of the Mac and I have heard countless people say that it immediately takes them back to their childhood. As far as popularity through what the guest orders is our Fish Taco, every night, no fail it is our top seller.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far was a Friday night in April. We had our best night on record. We had a bar full of friends and regulars. We did not know it was going to happen that night but it did. At 11 PM I checked the numbers and saw we broke our sales goal. We announced it to the bar and thanked everyone for being there and making my dream a reality. It was one of those moments I will never forget that night. It truly brought tears to my eyes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 208 Waverley Ave Watertown Ma 02472
- Website: www.ritceyeast.com
- Phone: 6177440122
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ritceyeast
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ritceyeast
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/ritceyeast
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