Adjusting to a new life

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dbryce@journalnet.com

POCATELLO -- It's been an exciting year for Karen Xu.

During 2008, she got married, bought a local restaurant and found out she is expecting her first child, a daughter, in March.

Xu and her husband, Jerry, both originally from China, took over operations at Red Hot Roasters two weeks ago and are learning the business as they go.

Karen came to the United States five years ago and lived in San Francisco for one month before coming to Pocatello to study health care administration at Idaho State University.

While she learned some English at school, she said language was her biggest obstacle when she arrived in the Gate City.

"Ninety percent I learned here," Karen said.

Monday afternoon, she was the restaurant's barista.

Karen said learning to make the wide variety of coffee drinks served at Red Hot Roaster's has been a challenge. Because she's pregnant, she's never tested her brews, but the customers aren't complaining.

"(The coffee) smells good anyway," Karen said.

The eatery roasts its own coffee beans, which provides a warm, inviting and aromatic atmosphere for diners.

Red Hot Roasters offers more than 30 different combinations of coffee drinks.

Karen took the semester off from college to adjust to the recent changes in her life.

"We have a lot to learn," she said.

Karen and Jerry recited their vows at the courthouse, but hope to have a big family wedding next year.

She plans to wear a traditional red Chinese wedding dress.

The newlyweds employ only one other worker, but are in the process of hiring more help.

"Right now I run the front and Jerry runs the back," Karen said.

No major changes are planned at Red Hot Roasters, but eventually, the couple plans to expand the menu and serve dinner as well.

Pocatello is home now, but Karen said she still misses shopping in her hometown.

"Here, when you shop, you go and get what you want," she said. "In the open street markets in China, you go on foot and spend all day shopping."

By Debbie Bryce

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