What originally was a quiet coffee shop has become a fully-involved restaurant for Cyndi and Bruce Fields.
Now the Auburn couple couldn’t be more upbeat about the prospects of their convenient spot near the rails of the Auburn Transit Station.
Fields & Co. – a privately-financed project that took considerable patience and persistence – officially opened to customers May 6.
“This (idea) has come from nothing … not a lot of money, but a lot of faith,” Cyndi Fields said. “We wanted it. We are dreamers.”
The 2,900-square-foot, 65-seat full-service restaurant sits openly at the corner of A Street and First Street Southwest, within easy reach of commuters and downtown shoppers.
From inside, patrons have a good view of the Transit Center’s courtyard, where the plaza soon will embrace the Auburn International Farmers Market for Sunday afternoon business in the summer.
“We intend to have tables outside,” Cyndi said. “We want people to meet us. We want them to come meet us at the station for lunch or dinner.”
The Fields, who have lived in Auburn for 14 years, entertained the idea of opening a coffee shop. They didn’t intend for that idea to evolve into a restaurant. But here they are.
The project proved to be daunting and financially difficult, but through tireless efforts it came to fruition.
Partners pitched in. Harold Gambini, the landlord, and city officials were extremely supportive in making the restaurant possible, the Fields say.
“It was our conscious decision to be persistent,” Bruce said of the project. “We realized we had to be all in … to see it through.”
Bruce, who worked for Fred Meyer for 25 years, wanted to make the switch from big corporation to small business. Cyndi shared in her husband’s motivation to open a classy restaurant that sells good food and company.
While launching a restaurant might be difficult in a down economy, the Fields are optimistic about the potential. They hope their restaurant will emerge as a dining destination, just off the commuter rails.
“We want to bring life to downtown now,” Cyndi said. “There’s not a shortage of people who want to come downtown, but they need a reason to come downtown.”
As with any restaurant, location is the key. Fields & Co. intends to pull in Sound Transit and Metro bus or vanpool commuters for a morning breakfast, afternoon bite or evening dinner or drink.
Slow-smoked prime rib will be the signature dish. The kitchen, under head chef Darryl Coker, also will offer fish and pasta dishes.
Fields & Co. serves breakfast and lunch now, but soon will add dinner.
The Fields also want to support and promote fine local arts. Cyndi, who has a background in music and theater, welcomes such acts.
“This is our dream. We want to treat our people well, but it isn’t just for us,” Cyndi said.
“Naturally, we want to make a living, but we want to be part of the community.”
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We’re open
• Business:
• Location: Corner of A Street and
First Street Southwest, Auburn
• Hours: 5 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Sunday. Hours soon will be expanded to offer dinner.
• Phone: 253-735-2715
