As I walked against a biting east wind along Fremont Street in early February, I was following a group of three students from Beaumont Middle School who surprised me when they turned and entered the Red Fig– my own destination– ahead of me. After I received a friendly “Hi John” from co-owner Caitie Mears, I found out one of the boys was her nephew. He and his friends were hoping for a little warm cup of cocoa to break up the cold walk home, and I gladly accepted the same offer from Caitie.
Caitie and her husband, Adam, purchased the restaurant from their good friend Jason Bonfiglio back in July 2012. Jason and his initial partner, Matt Reddick had converted the single family home and opened the Red Fig back in 2000. With a little close examination you uncover the origin of the restaurant’s name.
Caitie had worked at the Red Fig while going to college between 2003-2007. Adam had spent some time at Jason’s other restaurant, Vista Springs Café, so both owe their restaurant experience to their mutual friend. Jason found that he wanted to focus his efforts on the Vista Springs Café and offered the Red Fig opportunity to Caitie and Adam. They jumped at the chance as they had grown to love the Fremont location.
Caitie and Adam, having known each other since they were 15 years old, are from the NE area; he growing up in the Alameda neighborhood and she in Dolph Park. They both graduated from Grant High School and headed to Eugene; she to OU and he to Lane CC. They had always had the dream of running a business together, and after a few years in different graphic/journalism positions and telecommunication companies, their dream materialized with Jason’s offer.
During the initial two week transition of ownership, they added the small bar area to support the “happy hour” idea along with the addition of an expanded appetizer menu. The small front patio area offers a cozy view of Fremont during the summer months and they are seriously considering adding a music night to the schedule.
Caitie and Adam “tag team” their efforts, Adam manning the kitchen during the first part of the day with Caitie coming in later to run the front end of the business while the head chef Wes takes over in the kitchen. They’ve always appreciated help from family and friends; even more so since the birth of their son Malcolm four months ago. While commuting from their Argay Terrace home and juggling family and business responsibilities can be taxing at times, Caitie and Adam maintain their passion and enthusiasm of living their dream— and it shows in their warm and inviting demeanor with customers.
Our Beaumont Wilshire Neighborhood should appreciate and enjoy this intimate and friendly location within easy walking distance; even if you’re not lucky enough, as I was, to score a free hot cocoa.