Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Okuyama.
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I own and run the bed and breakfast called The Burnt Toast Inn. Like many things that I have been involved in I did not start out with a so called “Business Plan” but instead the Bed and Breakfast just evolved or I just fell into the role. I bought the house at 415 West William as a fixer upper. I was a realtor at the time and even though my fellow realtors tried to discourage me I thought the house had great bones with high ceilings, good flow and though the neighborhood was not yuppified at all I felt it had potential. The house was uninhabitable so I had my work cut out for me. I did remove 11 doors and took out two major walls to open the house up, It took 9 months for the house to be ready for my move in. I still had no thoughts about doing a bed and breakfast. The idea formed when it came time to put the house on the market and I realized I had fallen in love with the house so instead of selling “my fixer upper” I sold my house I had on Henry Street in Burns Park. However, it then dawned on me that the house I decided to keep was way too large for a single person like myself so I then asked myself what should I do? Not quite sure where the idea came from but I decided to make the house a Bed and Breakfast….. I had my first guest in April of 2004.. 22 years ago. Time does fly.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say in many ways it has been an easy road . When I first opened in 2004 the hospitalty world looked very different than it does now . All one needed was a website and potential guests would google Bed and Breakfast in Ann Arbor and I would pop up. They would simply book directly online through my website. Now, there is Booking.com and others( whom will remain nameless) causing a disconnect between me and my guests. I not only lose some of my profit margin but I also lose some of the close relationship with my guests. Other challenges I have faced was the market crash in 2008 and of course Covid which really destroyed my business. I am now facing another challenge since so many new hotels are being built in our downtown. Once city council eliminated the height restrictions on downtown buildings there have been a slew of new hotels and apartments. When I first opened there were only two hotels in the downtown area so when they were booked fully I would get the overflow, I believe there are six hotels in the downtown and many many more on the outskirts of town so things are certainly tighter. But, I am still competative in pricing and also there are those who simply love bed and breakfasts and will seek me out but I feel the pinch. But, the Bed and Breakfast industry will carry on since we are unique, personal and community inspired so we will survive. We must have something going for us since we are being copied by hotels . Hotels are actually adding “Bed and Breakfast” to their names!!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The name of my inn does set it apart from others. Burnt Toast Inn, Guests love it and it is easy to remember. My daughter suggested the name since I do like my toast..a bit on the dark, burnt side.. I provide a full, hot breakfast with a variety of foods so guests with different needs and preferences can always find something to eat. I have a friend and wonderful companion in my black lab and you won’t find a dog at your typical hotel. Gus, my dog is a major draw for many of my guests. Many guests include taking him for a walk during their stay. Having lived in Ann Arbor for 41 years I can provide advice and information for my guests as to where to eat and play. It will be a bit different than simply being handed a map from the head desk at your typical hotel in town.
Even though I feel that my life has been one without much planning or goals or direction there does appear to be a natural occuring theme in my life’s progression. At university I chose theatre as my major and in looking back I believe it has served me well. While in Japan, I taught English and teaching does require a bit of theatrical behavior to convey meaning. Another job I held was as a realtor and that certainly takes some serious chops to set “the stage” to close a deal! Running a Bed and Breakfast is all about setting the stage. Making the guests feel comfortable, establishing a comfort zone… I have a lot of art on my walls and I love color so the Bed and Breakfast is set for enjoyment and comfort. One will not find any lace or potpourri in my inn. My reviews will often mention that the inn is more like an art gallery or museum. Should be a space that gives comfort, feels safe and most important natural. Simple clean food, ironed 100% cotton linens and a good place to get away from it all! Now and then I will have Ann Arbor “natives” who will do a staycation! I love it!
One thing that sets the Inn apart from all those other hotels is that my guests can feel, experience and get to know the Ann Arbor community. I am in a residential area but just on the edge of downtown so my guests get to experience both worlds. The Inn and I act as ambassadores for the city of Ann Arbor. The city has so much to offer my guests. Wonderful restaurants (we are a foodie destination), sports of all sorts and music and theatre. We have it all…..
Any big plans?
Well, I am getting a bit “long in the tooth” so I guess a retirement of some sorts…Not sure at this point…. Time to sell???
Pricing:
- My pricing has a range of $200 to $400 But, my rooms vary in style and amenities . And of course, during special events pricing can be higher by a bit. Such events as graduations, art fair and football.. Pricing does go up for special events but still quite reasonable.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.Burnttoastinn.com
