One alternative is to locate the restaurant OUTSIDE the building. We do not
have room for any sort of restaurant inside the building, but this summer we
tried an interesting experiment, in cooperation with a local caterer who
operates a very successful full-service restaurant.

We have erected tents to simulate a Korean War era mess tent and eating area
(shades of MASH!) on our courtyard. The OBSERVATION POST, as it is called,
offers full breakfasts (starting an hour before we or the tourist sites on
either side of us [National Gallery and Canadian Mint] open each day) and a
range of sandwiches, soups, pastries, snacks and beverages throughout the day.
The food is good and the costs much lower than those charged by the street
vendors parked on the sidewalk in front of the museum, gnashing their little
fangs, and glaring at the tent.

We get 15% of the gross (a very safe and profitable arrangement) and there is
no muss, no fuss, no bother and no cockroaches. What is of the greatest
interest is the number of visitors we see shooting photos of the tent!

Will we do it next! You bet!!

(While I like our idea and its success, I must admit that my favourite museum
restaurant is at the Walters in Baltimore, where delicious food at very
reasonable prices is combined with a most pleasant setting and a strolling
violinist playing something other than the usual children's music.)

Harry Needham
Canadian War Museum