Rene Rescues Restaurateur

Each day this week, one of the anchors on The Early Show has been coming to the aid of a lucky viewer as part of a series called "Anchor To The Rescue." On Thursday, it was Rene Syler's turn.

She received an email from a busy mom and entrepreneur who needed a day off from her latest venture - her 200-seat restaurant. The following is Syler's story.

Chopping vegetables, Funn elaborates: "I cook in the kitchen with my staff. I greet my customers. I work the bar. I bus the tables. I'm managing a house, raising two children, taking care of my dog, having 15 employees, and also keeping my customers happy."

And then she adds, "Maybe I could get somebody to give me a break. Just, can I have a break, can I go have a massage, can I just do something other than work and chase after the kids?"

Jennifer's SOS is what brought me, to Galesville, Md., and to The Top Side Inn.

I'm here to rescue you, I tell her as soon as I meet her.

"Girl you don't know what you are getting yourself into," she says. "Guess what? My chef hasn't shown up today."

My first challenge: What do you do when there's no head chef on duty? Jennifer's plan was to have the kitchen staff prepare a limited dinner buffet. First, we needed to shop for fish, very fresh fish.

Then, I had my hands full in the kitchen.

But if I was truly to take over, I'd need to send Jennifer on her way.

I tell her we can't conduct our business with her hovering around, and that we're sending her off to a spa.

With Jennifer off to the Morgan Gerard Salon and Spa, it was up to me to serve as boss.

"Rachel's not here yet? I ask the staff, "We're going to dock her pay."

And I was babysitter to 6-year-old Taylor, who was happy to eat the waffle I prepared for him.

Every good leader knows how to motivate her staff.

"Break!" I exclaimed clapping, but still didn't know what to do.

With the tables set and the food steaming, we opened our doors for business.

"You're here with the Thomas Taylor party?" I mistakenly asked a woman. When she said she wasn't, I asked frankly, "Can you tell this is the first time I've ever done this?"

This reminds me of my days as a waitress, and I got to tell you, I'm a little rusty. This isn't my place, Jennifer's entrusted this to me. I mean I'm nervous, I'm nervous for her. I can't imagine she's relaxing.

I decided to sit down for a minute, but the wait staff was whatching me. What are they gonna do, fire me?

Luckily, the real boss returned to a well-run restaurant, full of appreciative patrons - another rescue mission accomplished.

"I had a good time," Jennifer tells me. And I had to confess: I am exhausted. I loved it, but I can't do it every day.

"Welcome to my life," she says laughing.