Rosy’s at the Beach has always been happy to donate to wonderful nonprofit events.

Hundreds of residents and fans of Rosy’s at the Beach turned out for a surprise retirement party at the restaurant Aug. 7. 
Photo by Dan Creighton

 

Rosy Bergin at Rosy’s at the Beach.
Photo by Marty Cheek

By Rosy Bergin

Rosy Bergin

If you want to know, I couldn’t be happier!

When Rich and I bought Ida’s Restaurant 25 years ago, we had a vision for what we wanted to offer Morgan Hill. We saw the town as a growing community of young professionals with families. We also saw an opportunity to offer fresh and fabulous dining in an atmosphere that was comfortable for parents to bring their children. During the next 25 years, we captured it!

Parents would enjoy a much deserved cocktail. Children had no trouble behaving while creating crayon table art. Both would be nourished from a selection of creamy chowders, spicy seven seas soup and our famous salmon tacos — and so much more.

An extensive wine menu kept groups of girlfriends happy as they caught up on each other’s weekend plans or book club reviews while nibbling on fried calamari or ahi wontons.

Soon various nonprofit organizations would gather at Rosy’s to plan themes and strategies for upcoming fundraisers.

Rosy’s at the Beach has always been happy to donate to these wonderful events.

The seasoned generation of bridge players met regularly in the back dining room in friendly competition and fellowship. The ladies enjoyed the break from home by hosting the card playing tradition.

Through the many showers and funerals that members of the community celebrated at Rosy’s at the Beach, we have experienced the joys and sorrows of our communities’ additions and losses.

When the economy soured, Rosy’s at the Beach’s daily specials offered even the tightest budget an affordable option while visiting with friends. The recession years were tight, but Rosy’s customers could always find something on the menu that would take their mind off the crazy economy.

Rosy Bergin cracks a smile before cutting a cake. Photo by Marty Cheek

I will always have special appreciation for the examples of leadership I experienced in Morgan Hill.

The Morgan Hill Downtown Association was the first I encountered. An amazing group of small business owners relentlessly worked at bringing more attention to our wonderful downtown.

The by-products of more downtown businesses, downtown residences and relevant events are a direct result of the early efforts of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association. Many of the early contributors are gone now, but their vision has been realized and the group continues that vision.

The city of Morgan Hill has nurtured much of the success our downtown enjoys. The open communication and support shown to many downtown businesses has made our district an evolving success story.

So, why sell, you may ask.

We feel confident turning over the reins to Vanessa and Pamela as Rich and I slow down a bit.

The staff at Rosy’s at the Beach is amazing and will continue to give stellar service as they offer our familiar menu.

I am sure Vanessa and Pamela will introduce some new surprises as they develop their sea legs.

As for Rich and me, we will keep busy with Little Uvas Vineyards, our winery we started a couple of years ago.

Please come and visit us at LUV Winery in San Martin located at 255 Fitzgerald Ave. It’s right near LJB Farms. We hope to see you there!

Rosy Bergin opened Rosy’s at the Beach with her husband, Rich, in December 1998. She wrote this column for Morgan Hill Life to thank the community for its strong support of the popular restaurant.