Originally uploaded by russ.

For some of us, our favorite restaurant or tavern is a place to eat, imbibe or both.
But for some restaurants, some bars, the regulars who frequent these establishments, and the servers who wait on them, call these establishments a second home. And sometimes, they feel part of a second family.
When a restaurant or bar goes before their time, it is only natural that those folks who worked there or stopped by regularly, will feel hurt. They will feel hurt not just by missing their favorite menu items and cocktail mixed just right, but they will feel a palpable sense of loss.
Shaun O’Malley is one of these people. Let me tell you how, and why.

For 4 1/2 years, she worked at the Sweet Oregon Grill on Cornelius Pass Road where it intersects Union. Earlier this month, the Hillsboro eatery was destroyed by fire.
Shaun is hurt. She sent me this email which she would like her former “regulars” to circulate.
I am trying to get in contact with any of my regular customers that I have been serving for years.
Had I only known that it was going to be my last night I would have said goodbye and maybe given a phone # or email address. I feel a huge sense of loss. I feel like unless they rebuild I will never see these people again. I constantly look when I’m out. Just to run into any of them and say goodbye.
The customers become a part of your life. I was told many time that is was because of me that they continued to come back. I am going to miss each and every one of my regulars.
I am trying to get in contact with any of my regular customers that I have been serving for years. Had I only known that it was going to be my last night I would have said goodbye and maybe given a phone # or email address.
I feel a huge sense of loss. I feel like unless they rebuild I will never see these people again. I constantly look when I’m out. Just to run into any of them and say goodbye.
The customers become a part of your life. I was told many times that is was because of me that they continued to come back. I am going to miss each and every one of my regulars.”