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For Cryin Out Loud!
- April 25, 2008
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By Amy
Just checking in to tell you that we are STILL WAITING on this negotiation stuff to work itself out. I thought having babies took forever; guess we have an idea what an elephant feels like now.
So beyond playing the “we’ll give you this if you give us that” game we’ve been working diligently on design concepts with our architect and on our menu. As soon as we sign on the dotted line we’ll put up images of the space blank and show progress pictures once construction begins.
We’re shooting for an October 1 opening date (again, people telling me I’m crazy). Realistic or not, it has to happen because we have no business opening during holiday season (oh my!) nor after since statistically most retailers/food service establishments make 30-40% of their entire annual income during those 40-some days. It wouldn’t be wise to open too soon and blow the service element by not knowing what we’re doing, yet missing out on what’s essentially a free marketing time wouldn’t start us off with the bang we need. I figure it all works out and “worrying is a waste of the imagination” – so they say (ever wonder who “they” is?).
I’ve found it incredibly warming that many of our dear friends that visit the shoppe downtown have offered to work at our new spot once it opens. That is the BEST feeling to know that we’ve developed the rapport we intended to when we opened up four years ago. Good people who believe in what we stand for and have a great affinity for the concepts we feature. If you are a person who candidly enjoys people, wants to work in a fun environment where creativity and empowerment are really encouraged, AND opportunities to sample and learn about artisan wine, foods, and chocolates on a regular basis – KEEP US IN MIND! We’ll be searching for folks such as yourself in the very near future. Some part-time, some full-time with great flexibility. I’ll be certain to put it out on the blog/in E-mail when we begin to recruit our team of friends.
In reference to the shoppe we have downtown, make certain to stop in and see all of the new products rolling in for spring/summer. People always ask how we don’t weigh a ton from sampling all of the indulgences since you know we HAVE to make certain the quality is there for you, our guest. Well, normally I don’t have a problem with chocolates – until now!!! I’m serious – this is your warning; Bissinger chocolates out of St. Louis (originally from France) are RIDICULOUS!!! Especially the dark chocolate covered pumpkin seed clusters. I’m out of control with these things.
What else – oh, yeah, Farmer’s Market season is rolling back around the way. May 17th is the kick -off (Tour de Metro that day as well – we’re selling tickets, FYI) and they’ve changed the hours for your sleepy heads (don’t blame you one bit!) to 7:30-noon this year. We open at 8:00 all through the market season and if you want to sample wine at 8:01, feel free. We always say “it’s noon somewhere” – why not? And remember the rule of thumb, “Life’s too short to drink bad wine”, not cheap.
Cost effective wines are plentiful and we’ve been finding some gems in the $10-$13 retail mark that can compete with your mid-tiers any day. Warm weather wine season is here and we have some fun Spanish Albarino, Austrian Gruner Veltleiner (Grooner Felt-leener), and New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs rolling in. Stop by on Saturdays for complimentary samples (10-5 until May 17th, 8-5 after that).
Guess I’ve referenced all that’s on the plate for right now. Hope you and yours are enjoying this beautiful weather we’ve been blessed with recently. Perfect for sitting outside sipping on some “bottled poetry” – wouldn’t you say?
Cheers
Amy
Tags: Farmer's Market • Journey • Progress • What's New
Topics:
New Products • Progress |
1 Comment »
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April 26th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Amy-
Thank you so much for your amazing atmosphere. Your shop and Kim are so non-intimidating and inviting to those of us who are ignorant about “bottled poetry.”
Also, I just found out that you were moving and I am so excited for you. As you know, Ray and myself from WYZZ have been canvasing the downtown businesses and yours is by far one of our favorites. [W]e are all excited for you. Anything you need – please never hesitate let me or Ray know.
Thank you again Amy!!!
“Dee”
Deleah Beisel
WMBD/WYZZ Account Executive