For those who care about such things, Trader Joe’s, fits into the Costco-Starbucks model of employee treatment. They pay their workers well above market and even union wages. Furthermore, for those employees who work over 20 hours, they provide a good health insurance package. This type of socially responsible treatment of employees should be welcomed and encouraged in Davis. This is contrasted by the Wal Mart and Target anti-union, low wages, model, where upon low prices are balances by cut-throat, union-busting activities that deny good wages and good benefits to most of their entry-level workers.
It was for these reasons that last fall, the Davis City Council bent over backwards to throw out the welcome mat to Trader Joe’s. They even went so far as to approve a zoning change at the University Mall to pave the way for their arrival. There was just one problem with this plan, the place designated for their arrival was already occupied with a business who had in 2002 signed a 14-year lease. The council at that time was assured that negotiations were underway and that they were occurring in good faith to bring about some sort of an amicable solution for all involved.
And here begins the problem. Even at that time, the move was threatening to doom local businesses in the Mall like Teriyaki Express and La Esperanza, who would have to move if RAS moved into the mall.
That problem has grown worse as last week, it was reported that the landlord of the University Mall is now suing that business, Radiological Associates of Sacramento (RAS). Apparently these negotiations have broken down. Based on reports in the Davis Enterprise last week, the suit caught RAS by surprised who believed they were in the middle of negotiations and that communication had been ongoing.
The Davis City Council has no authority over leases and thus little say in the private negotiations of these entities. However, one thing they did have control over was changing the zoning designation to allow the move. I would argue that perhaps the City Council jumped the gun by approving the zoning change. That they gave away whatever leverage they had over the negotiation process to ensure an amicable agreement between both parties and that RAS received the treatment that they deserved as a long-time and locally based business.
Mayor Sue Greenwald defended the council’s decision saying that their top priority was to ensure that Trader Joe’s, a business that everyone in Davis wants to come, would come to Davis rather than Dixon or Woodland. She said that the zoning change was unnecessary, rather they used it to signal to the company that they were committed to bring them to town. Moreover they did not foresee this type of situation occurring. Their concern was primary to demonstrate to Trader Joe’s that they were serious about bringing their business to Davis given that Davis has a reputation of not being business friendly.
There are concerns about the viability of the Mall in its current composition. Gottschalks is said to be in trouble at that location. The Mall is badly in need of another anchor. There is the belief that an office such as RAS is inappropriate for that location. Given the proximity of the Mall to a large student population, I do not understand how supermarkets at that location have failed. The belief is that a Trader Joe’s would be a perfect fit as a small store that is a tremendous draw to the local community.
The belief is that most people in Davis want a Trader Joe’s to come here, period. However, the actions of both the company and the landlords who are based in Santa Monica, have begun to give me pause.
First of all, Trader Joe’s has basically demanded access to the University Mall or they will not come. That location is a more centrally located location. However, it has some problems as well in addition to the fact that a business with a 14 year lease is already occupy their preferred site and that that business has already pumped in one million dollars worth of upgrades to the site. It would also cause disruption and hardship to a number of elderly clientèle.
Even without the problem facing the move with the lawsuit, there are questionable aspects of the University Mall. The Mall does not have a tremendous amount of parking to begin with and the expansion of the store without adding a facility, would seem to make that even more difficult. Overlap with events at the Graduate could produce catastrophic problems. In addition, the road capacity has to be in question. That is already one of the more congested portions of town from the Sycamore-Russell intersection to the Anderson-Russell intersection, where the mall lies, already has traffic congestion, now add in a major business that will draw traffic from all over town and perhaps from out of town, and you have a real mess at times.
That leads to the question why University Mall and not either Davis Manor or Westlake, both of which have room for a Trader Joe’s? Let’s face it, they could put their store in the middle of a field up in the Oeste Ranch and people would come. So why the need for a central location?
This gets me back to the Davis City Council approving the zoning changes prior to an agreement was reached. Again, I think the council erred in their decision–which was based on threats from Trader Joe’s to give them what they want or go to Dixon or Woodland. It is my opinion that the City should not be blackmailed into making poor land use decisions by threats from companies to take their business elsewhere. If Trader Joe’s believed that Davisites would drive to Dixon, why did they have such a problem with locating in West Davis?
The lawsuit has now threatens to undermine the chances of Trader Joe’s moving to Davis. Unless RAS bows under pressure of the suit, which many deem unlikely given their financial stake and current legal resources, this will drag out the fight for a couple of years, delaying or even preventing a Davis Trader Joe’s store. The council having already granted a zoning change, now has no power to act in this fight at all or to try to even broker an amicable agreement.
This entire episode is as unfortunate as it was unnecessary. I would have liked to have seen Trader Joe’s come to town, but these events are changing my view on such things. I think it was unreasonable for them to demand University Mall, I think it was a mistake for the City Council to encourage that move at the expense of a successful existing business. I think it was a bigger mistake for them to cede whatever formal power they had in this entire process–limited as it was.
I like small and progressive businesses like Trader Joe’s. I think that is the kind of retail that we need to encourage in Davis. What I do not like are the hardball tactics that they have displayed. There are many suitable locations in Davis, in my opinion, the issue of RAS aside, the University Mall is not. Davis Manor or Westlake are the places to go. Now we just need someone with the power and prestige who can make that happen.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
They want to make money – so they want to be very accessible to not only Davis shoppers but also shoppers from Dixon and Woodland. The University Mall site allows easy access (HWY 113)to all three markets. Additionally, the site allows a walk in market for many UCD students – student apartments and all of the student dorms. As the West Campus is developed there will be more customers.
They want to make money – so they want to be very accessible to not only Davis shoppers but also shoppers from Dixon and Woodland. The University Mall site allows easy access (HWY 113)to all three markets. Additionally, the site allows a walk in market for many UCD students – student apartments and all of the student dorms. As the West Campus is developed there will be more customers.
They want to make money – so they want to be very accessible to not only Davis shoppers but also shoppers from Dixon and Woodland. The University Mall site allows easy access (HWY 113)to all three markets. Additionally, the site allows a walk in market for many UCD students – student apartments and all of the student dorms. As the West Campus is developed there will be more customers.
They want to make money – so they want to be very accessible to not only Davis shoppers but also shoppers from Dixon and Woodland. The University Mall site allows easy access (HWY 113)to all three markets. Additionally, the site allows a walk in market for many UCD students – student apartments and all of the student dorms. As the West Campus is developed there will be more customers.
West Lake has pretty easy access as well up Pedrick or down road 99.
West Lake has pretty easy access as well up Pedrick or down road 99.
West Lake has pretty easy access as well up Pedrick or down road 99.
West Lake has pretty easy access as well up Pedrick or down road 99.
West Davis burned that bridge – there is no direct access to West Campus. Besides it is much more direct (by way of freeway)going to University Mall for those coming from Dixon or Woodland.
No question – there will be more traffic.
West Davis burned that bridge – there is no direct access to West Campus. Besides it is much more direct (by way of freeway)going to University Mall for those coming from Dixon or Woodland.
No question – there will be more traffic.
West Davis burned that bridge – there is no direct access to West Campus. Besides it is much more direct (by way of freeway)going to University Mall for those coming from Dixon or Woodland.
No question – there will be more traffic.
West Davis burned that bridge – there is no direct access to West Campus. Besides it is much more direct (by way of freeway)going to University Mall for those coming from Dixon or Woodland.
No question – there will be more traffic.
Trader Joe’s is hardly a walk-up business that needs to rely on people seeing it. People will flock to it in Davis wherever it is located. Why not put it in a place where it won’t cause congestion and parking problems (or exacerbate existing ones)?
Trader Joe’s is hardly a walk-up business that needs to rely on people seeing it. People will flock to it in Davis wherever it is located. Why not put it in a place where it won’t cause congestion and parking problems (or exacerbate existing ones)?
Trader Joe’s is hardly a walk-up business that needs to rely on people seeing it. People will flock to it in Davis wherever it is located. Why not put it in a place where it won’t cause congestion and parking problems (or exacerbate existing ones)?
Trader Joe’s is hardly a walk-up business that needs to rely on people seeing it. People will flock to it in Davis wherever it is located. Why not put it in a place where it won’t cause congestion and parking problems (or exacerbate existing ones)?
It’s futile to complain about why Trader Joe’s will not locate where *we* want them to, be it West Lake or Davis Manor. Those options were suggested and lobbied and Trader Joe’s said no for a variety of reason, particularly lack of arterial visibility. We can say all we want how they’re not a “walk up” retailer, but they know their business and what will maximize their success. They want major arterial frontage, period. That is why there were going to locate at Covell Village.
I have no problem with them locating at University Mall. It will replace a use that was already in existence so it is an appropriate location. It will help jumpstart the University Mall and make it a more desirable retail location.
Of course, there is always the red herring traffic issue. Amazing how a bicycling town complains so much about traffic. If you don’t like the expected traffic, don’t drive. Simple solution.
It’s futile to complain about why Trader Joe’s will not locate where *we* want them to, be it West Lake or Davis Manor. Those options were suggested and lobbied and Trader Joe’s said no for a variety of reason, particularly lack of arterial visibility. We can say all we want how they’re not a “walk up” retailer, but they know their business and what will maximize their success. They want major arterial frontage, period. That is why there were going to locate at Covell Village.
I have no problem with them locating at University Mall. It will replace a use that was already in existence so it is an appropriate location. It will help jumpstart the University Mall and make it a more desirable retail location.
Of course, there is always the red herring traffic issue. Amazing how a bicycling town complains so much about traffic. If you don’t like the expected traffic, don’t drive. Simple solution.
It’s futile to complain about why Trader Joe’s will not locate where *we* want them to, be it West Lake or Davis Manor. Those options were suggested and lobbied and Trader Joe’s said no for a variety of reason, particularly lack of arterial visibility. We can say all we want how they’re not a “walk up” retailer, but they know their business and what will maximize their success. They want major arterial frontage, period. That is why there were going to locate at Covell Village.
I have no problem with them locating at University Mall. It will replace a use that was already in existence so it is an appropriate location. It will help jumpstart the University Mall and make it a more desirable retail location.
Of course, there is always the red herring traffic issue. Amazing how a bicycling town complains so much about traffic. If you don’t like the expected traffic, don’t drive. Simple solution.
It’s futile to complain about why Trader Joe’s will not locate where *we* want them to, be it West Lake or Davis Manor. Those options were suggested and lobbied and Trader Joe’s said no for a variety of reason, particularly lack of arterial visibility. We can say all we want how they’re not a “walk up” retailer, but they know their business and what will maximize their success. They want major arterial frontage, period. That is why there were going to locate at Covell Village.
I have no problem with them locating at University Mall. It will replace a use that was already in existence so it is an appropriate location. It will help jumpstart the University Mall and make it a more desirable retail location.
Of course, there is always the red herring traffic issue. Amazing how a bicycling town complains so much about traffic. If you don’t like the expected traffic, don’t drive. Simple solution.
It’s hardly futile to complain about it, seeing that it has not yet happened and the law suit means that it may never happen.
It’s hardly futile to complain about it, seeing that it has not yet happened and the law suit means that it may never happen.
It’s hardly futile to complain about it, seeing that it has not yet happened and the law suit means that it may never happen.
It’s hardly futile to complain about it, seeing that it has not yet happened and the law suit means that it may never happen.
I will place my money on them going to Dixon or Woodland before West Lake or Davis Manor.
I will place my money on them going to Dixon or Woodland before West Lake or Davis Manor.
I will place my money on them going to Dixon or Woodland before West Lake or Davis Manor.
I will place my money on them going to Dixon or Woodland before West Lake or Davis Manor.
Agreed. It is disappointing that they won’t consider Davis Manor as it would really mean a lot to that neighborhood. Trader Joe’s did open a space at El Cerrito Plaza in El Cerrito, which was for years fairly run down and now has become much more upscale.
Still, it’s too bad for RAS that this is happening after they spent so much to renovate their space there. Is the City Council planning to help RAS find another site if they squeeze them out of the University Mall location?
Agreed. It is disappointing that they won’t consider Davis Manor as it would really mean a lot to that neighborhood. Trader Joe’s did open a space at El Cerrito Plaza in El Cerrito, which was for years fairly run down and now has become much more upscale.
Still, it’s too bad for RAS that this is happening after they spent so much to renovate their space there. Is the City Council planning to help RAS find another site if they squeeze them out of the University Mall location?
Agreed. It is disappointing that they won’t consider Davis Manor as it would really mean a lot to that neighborhood. Trader Joe’s did open a space at El Cerrito Plaza in El Cerrito, which was for years fairly run down and now has become much more upscale.
Still, it’s too bad for RAS that this is happening after they spent so much to renovate their space there. Is the City Council planning to help RAS find another site if they squeeze them out of the University Mall location?
Agreed. It is disappointing that they won’t consider Davis Manor as it would really mean a lot to that neighborhood. Trader Joe’s did open a space at El Cerrito Plaza in El Cerrito, which was for years fairly run down and now has become much more upscale.
Still, it’s too bad for RAS that this is happening after they spent so much to renovate their space there. Is the City Council planning to help RAS find another site if they squeeze them out of the University Mall location?
This is a standard scenerio of the Mall landlord and RAS(Radiology is a medical specialty that most resembles a business) attempting to extract the best deal from the other. RAS’ PR campaign concerning their clients is just that. Radiological services from other providers can be supplied during the move.There would be no medical harm and only some temporary client inconvienence. MONEY to recover RAS’ investment loss and cost of the move is probably the main contentious item of negotiation. The city is correct in staying out of it.
This is a standard scenerio of the Mall landlord and RAS(Radiology is a medical specialty that most resembles a business) attempting to extract the best deal from the other. RAS’ PR campaign concerning their clients is just that. Radiological services from other providers can be supplied during the move.There would be no medical harm and only some temporary client inconvienence. MONEY to recover RAS’ investment loss and cost of the move is probably the main contentious item of negotiation. The city is correct in staying out of it.
This is a standard scenerio of the Mall landlord and RAS(Radiology is a medical specialty that most resembles a business) attempting to extract the best deal from the other. RAS’ PR campaign concerning their clients is just that. Radiological services from other providers can be supplied during the move.There would be no medical harm and only some temporary client inconvienence. MONEY to recover RAS’ investment loss and cost of the move is probably the main contentious item of negotiation. The city is correct in staying out of it.
This is a standard scenerio of the Mall landlord and RAS(Radiology is a medical specialty that most resembles a business) attempting to extract the best deal from the other. RAS’ PR campaign concerning their clients is just that. Radiological services from other providers can be supplied during the move.There would be no medical harm and only some temporary client inconvienence. MONEY to recover RAS’ investment loss and cost of the move is probably the main contentious item of negotiation. The city is correct in staying out of it.
“….the law suit means that it may never happen.”
…more likely, one or both of them will decide that the mounting legal fees are not a “good investment” and they will move on to some sort of agreement.
“….the law suit means that it may never happen.”
…more likely, one or both of them will decide that the mounting legal fees are not a “good investment” and they will move on to some sort of agreement.
“….the law suit means that it may never happen.”
…more likely, one or both of them will decide that the mounting legal fees are not a “good investment” and they will move on to some sort of agreement.
“….the law suit means that it may never happen.”
…more likely, one or both of them will decide that the mounting legal fees are not a “good investment” and they will move on to some sort of agreement.
I think it’s too bad that RAS’s improvements particular to their services and their longterm lease option weren’t (apparently) sufficiently taken into consideration during the rush to get Trader Joe’s.
It is a good location for RAS from the standpoint of their customer/patients. All too many medical facilities in Davis and elsewhere are located well off public transit routes, making access a royal hassle; it can take hours and multiple transit system changes to get to the major medical facilities in Woodland and Sacramento, and also in Davis. RAS is now on all the major Davis public transit routes, easy to get to.
I’ve never been to a Trader Joe’s, but sounds to melike it doesn’t carry anything you can’t already get in Davis at the Food COOP and Farmer’s Markets.
I think it’s too bad that RAS’s improvements particular to their services and their longterm lease option weren’t (apparently) sufficiently taken into consideration during the rush to get Trader Joe’s.
It is a good location for RAS from the standpoint of their customer/patients. All too many medical facilities in Davis and elsewhere are located well off public transit routes, making access a royal hassle; it can take hours and multiple transit system changes to get to the major medical facilities in Woodland and Sacramento, and also in Davis. RAS is now on all the major Davis public transit routes, easy to get to.
I’ve never been to a Trader Joe’s, but sounds to melike it doesn’t carry anything you can’t already get in Davis at the Food COOP and Farmer’s Markets.
I think it’s too bad that RAS’s improvements particular to their services and their longterm lease option weren’t (apparently) sufficiently taken into consideration during the rush to get Trader Joe’s.
It is a good location for RAS from the standpoint of their customer/patients. All too many medical facilities in Davis and elsewhere are located well off public transit routes, making access a royal hassle; it can take hours and multiple transit system changes to get to the major medical facilities in Woodland and Sacramento, and also in Davis. RAS is now on all the major Davis public transit routes, easy to get to.
I’ve never been to a Trader Joe’s, but sounds to melike it doesn’t carry anything you can’t already get in Davis at the Food COOP and Farmer’s Markets.
I think it’s too bad that RAS’s improvements particular to their services and their longterm lease option weren’t (apparently) sufficiently taken into consideration during the rush to get Trader Joe’s.
It is a good location for RAS from the standpoint of their customer/patients. All too many medical facilities in Davis and elsewhere are located well off public transit routes, making access a royal hassle; it can take hours and multiple transit system changes to get to the major medical facilities in Woodland and Sacramento, and also in Davis. RAS is now on all the major Davis public transit routes, easy to get to.
I’ve never been to a Trader Joe’s, but sounds to melike it doesn’t carry anything you can’t already get in Davis at the Food COOP and Farmer’s Markets.
It is very hard to be sympathetic to Trader Joe’s here. They insist upon only one site, and then, instigate resentment against an existing business, RAS, that already has a lease! After all, their clients would only suffer “a temporary inconvenience” in the receipt of their medical care.
And, then, there’s the displacement, even not death, of La Esperanza and Teriyaki Express. La Esperanza has been in Davis for at least 20 years, I think, first downtown, then at the Mall. I ate there many, many times.
This looks like a small scale example of what happens to a much larger degree in downtown Sacramento. Small, family owned businesses, some with a long history in the community, are driven out so that larger corporate retail or franchises can replace them, and provide more sales tax to the city.
Leading, of course, to the increasing homogenization of the area.
Trader Joe’s may treat their workers really well, but, in this instance, they are displaying the same kind of arrogance that Wal-Mart and other large retailers display, our way or the highway.
And, helping them come to Davis in this way, well, it’s hard to describe it as any kind of progressive planning alternative.
–Richard Estes
It is very hard to be sympathetic to Trader Joe’s here. They insist upon only one site, and then, instigate resentment against an existing business, RAS, that already has a lease! After all, their clients would only suffer “a temporary inconvenience” in the receipt of their medical care.
And, then, there’s the displacement, even not death, of La Esperanza and Teriyaki Express. La Esperanza has been in Davis for at least 20 years, I think, first downtown, then at the Mall. I ate there many, many times.
This looks like a small scale example of what happens to a much larger degree in downtown Sacramento. Small, family owned businesses, some with a long history in the community, are driven out so that larger corporate retail or franchises can replace them, and provide more sales tax to the city.
Leading, of course, to the increasing homogenization of the area.
Trader Joe’s may treat their workers really well, but, in this instance, they are displaying the same kind of arrogance that Wal-Mart and other large retailers display, our way or the highway.
And, helping them come to Davis in this way, well, it’s hard to describe it as any kind of progressive planning alternative.
–Richard Estes
It is very hard to be sympathetic to Trader Joe’s here. They insist upon only one site, and then, instigate resentment against an existing business, RAS, that already has a lease! After all, their clients would only suffer “a temporary inconvenience” in the receipt of their medical care.
And, then, there’s the displacement, even not death, of La Esperanza and Teriyaki Express. La Esperanza has been in Davis for at least 20 years, I think, first downtown, then at the Mall. I ate there many, many times.
This looks like a small scale example of what happens to a much larger degree in downtown Sacramento. Small, family owned businesses, some with a long history in the community, are driven out so that larger corporate retail or franchises can replace them, and provide more sales tax to the city.
Leading, of course, to the increasing homogenization of the area.
Trader Joe’s may treat their workers really well, but, in this instance, they are displaying the same kind of arrogance that Wal-Mart and other large retailers display, our way or the highway.
And, helping them come to Davis in this way, well, it’s hard to describe it as any kind of progressive planning alternative.
–Richard Estes
It is very hard to be sympathetic to Trader Joe’s here. They insist upon only one site, and then, instigate resentment against an existing business, RAS, that already has a lease! After all, their clients would only suffer “a temporary inconvenience” in the receipt of their medical care.
And, then, there’s the displacement, even not death, of La Esperanza and Teriyaki Express. La Esperanza has been in Davis for at least 20 years, I think, first downtown, then at the Mall. I ate there many, many times.
This looks like a small scale example of what happens to a much larger degree in downtown Sacramento. Small, family owned businesses, some with a long history in the community, are driven out so that larger corporate retail or franchises can replace them, and provide more sales tax to the city.
Leading, of course, to the increasing homogenization of the area.
Trader Joe’s may treat their workers really well, but, in this instance, they are displaying the same kind of arrogance that Wal-Mart and other large retailers display, our way or the highway.
And, helping them come to Davis in this way, well, it’s hard to describe it as any kind of progressive planning alternative.
–Richard Estes
The city is correct in staying out of it.
But the city didn’t stay out of it, did they? They went to a lot of trouble to find a site that was acceptable to TJ’s. At least that’s my understanding – the city council was involved in the quest to bring TJ’s to Davis and helped find this location.
It seems to me that if they are going to do that and bump RAS, they also have the obligation to work toward a solution to the bumping.
The city is correct in staying out of it.
But the city didn’t stay out of it, did they? They went to a lot of trouble to find a site that was acceptable to TJ’s. At least that’s my understanding – the city council was involved in the quest to bring TJ’s to Davis and helped find this location.
It seems to me that if they are going to do that and bump RAS, they also have the obligation to work toward a solution to the bumping.
The city is correct in staying out of it.
But the city didn’t stay out of it, did they? They went to a lot of trouble to find a site that was acceptable to TJ’s. At least that’s my understanding – the city council was involved in the quest to bring TJ’s to Davis and helped find this location.
It seems to me that if they are going to do that and bump RAS, they also have the obligation to work toward a solution to the bumping.
The city is correct in staying out of it.
But the city didn’t stay out of it, did they? They went to a lot of trouble to find a site that was acceptable to TJ’s. At least that’s my understanding – the city council was involved in the quest to bring TJ’s to Davis and helped find this location.
It seems to me that if they are going to do that and bump RAS, they also have the obligation to work toward a solution to the bumping.
Trader Joes would be a perfect fit in either East or West Davis. If their over-bearing demands force RAS into a lawsuit so they can move into the least approrpriate location in Davis, I hope that their store is boycotted for years to come.
Trader Joes would be a perfect fit in either East or West Davis. If their over-bearing demands force RAS into a lawsuit so they can move into the least approrpriate location in Davis, I hope that their store is boycotted for years to come.
Trader Joes would be a perfect fit in either East or West Davis. If their over-bearing demands force RAS into a lawsuit so they can move into the least approrpriate location in Davis, I hope that their store is boycotted for years to come.
Trader Joes would be a perfect fit in either East or West Davis. If their over-bearing demands force RAS into a lawsuit so they can move into the least approrpriate location in Davis, I hope that their store is boycotted for years to come.
westlake is actually pretty accessible, and there is a ton of student apartments within walking-back-with-groceries distance, albeit less than university mall. 113 (and thus 80) is not so far away, county road 99 makes it easy from woodland, covell and russell are both close (hey, it’s what west davisites currently use to drive across town for groceries). and the D, P and Q unitrans lines stop right in front of westlake, so it’s accessible that way as well.
honestly, TJ’s doesn’t need visibility to get booming business. all they’d have to do is flyer stonegate and village homes that they’re moving in, and maybe take out an ad in the paper, and the word of mouth alone would keep that now-abandoned parking lot packed.
in retrospect, where the council really blew it was in changing the zoning and approving that kitch emporium at the old state market site in university mall, instead of spending some effort trying to get trader joe’s to move there from the get-go. we had those zoning laws about walkable neighborhood shopping centers for good reason.
westlake is actually pretty accessible, and there is a ton of student apartments within walking-back-with-groceries distance, albeit less than university mall. 113 (and thus 80) is not so far away, county road 99 makes it easy from woodland, covell and russell are both close (hey, it’s what west davisites currently use to drive across town for groceries). and the D, P and Q unitrans lines stop right in front of westlake, so it’s accessible that way as well.
honestly, TJ’s doesn’t need visibility to get booming business. all they’d have to do is flyer stonegate and village homes that they’re moving in, and maybe take out an ad in the paper, and the word of mouth alone would keep that now-abandoned parking lot packed.
in retrospect, where the council really blew it was in changing the zoning and approving that kitch emporium at the old state market site in university mall, instead of spending some effort trying to get trader joe’s to move there from the get-go. we had those zoning laws about walkable neighborhood shopping centers for good reason.
westlake is actually pretty accessible, and there is a ton of student apartments within walking-back-with-groceries distance, albeit less than university mall. 113 (and thus 80) is not so far away, county road 99 makes it easy from woodland, covell and russell are both close (hey, it’s what west davisites currently use to drive across town for groceries). and the D, P and Q unitrans lines stop right in front of westlake, so it’s accessible that way as well.
honestly, TJ’s doesn’t need visibility to get booming business. all they’d have to do is flyer stonegate and village homes that they’re moving in, and maybe take out an ad in the paper, and the word of mouth alone would keep that now-abandoned parking lot packed.
in retrospect, where the council really blew it was in changing the zoning and approving that kitch emporium at the old state market site in university mall, instead of spending some effort trying to get trader joe’s to move there from the get-go. we had those zoning laws about walkable neighborhood shopping centers for good reason.
westlake is actually pretty accessible, and there is a ton of student apartments within walking-back-with-groceries distance, albeit less than university mall. 113 (and thus 80) is not so far away, county road 99 makes it easy from woodland, covell and russell are both close (hey, it’s what west davisites currently use to drive across town for groceries). and the D, P and Q unitrans lines stop right in front of westlake, so it’s accessible that way as well.
honestly, TJ’s doesn’t need visibility to get booming business. all they’d have to do is flyer stonegate and village homes that they’re moving in, and maybe take out an ad in the paper, and the word of mouth alone would keep that now-abandoned parking lot packed.
in retrospect, where the council really blew it was in changing the zoning and approving that kitch emporium at the old state market site in university mall, instead of spending some effort trying to get trader joe’s to move there from the get-go. we had those zoning laws about walkable neighborhood shopping centers for good reason.
“Given the proximity of the Mall to a large student population, I do not understand how supermarkets at that location have failed.”
Really only one supermarket, State Market IGA, failed at University Mall. Safeway moved out when they opened their new West Davis store at The Marketplace on West Covell.
I’m not quite sure why State Market failed, there. I recall that it might have had something to do with the Gee family (the owners) wanting to retire from the grocery business. (I’m not sure if that was the case.)
However, one problem with a grocery store at University Mall was that the space was small, when compared with the new Safeway at the other end of Sycamore Lane and with the expanded Lucky’s/Albertsons a mile up Anderson Road. The same thing, scale, doomed Ralph’s on E. 8th Street and I suppose the series of failed markets on Lake Blvd. Davis grocery customers, when given the choice, prefer larger full sized supermarkets over smaller stores.
Also, there is another consideration with the University Mall site: many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries. The kids in the dorms on campus largely don’t. Most, if not all of the housing on Oxford Drive and some on Wake Forest Drive have meal plans for their residents. So they don’t need a grocery store, too much.
If a new grocery store were to open and make it in the U-mall — assuming that Davis really has enough customers on the west side of town to support 3 full-sized supermarkets — it would have to take over the entire Gottschalk’s and the entire Cost Plus locations, so that it would have the scale to build a full-service grocery store. (Personally, I’d love it if Raley’s would do just that.)
“Given the proximity of the Mall to a large student population, I do not understand how supermarkets at that location have failed.”
Really only one supermarket, State Market IGA, failed at University Mall. Safeway moved out when they opened their new West Davis store at The Marketplace on West Covell.
I’m not quite sure why State Market failed, there. I recall that it might have had something to do with the Gee family (the owners) wanting to retire from the grocery business. (I’m not sure if that was the case.)
However, one problem with a grocery store at University Mall was that the space was small, when compared with the new Safeway at the other end of Sycamore Lane and with the expanded Lucky’s/Albertsons a mile up Anderson Road. The same thing, scale, doomed Ralph’s on E. 8th Street and I suppose the series of failed markets on Lake Blvd. Davis grocery customers, when given the choice, prefer larger full sized supermarkets over smaller stores.
Also, there is another consideration with the University Mall site: many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries. The kids in the dorms on campus largely don’t. Most, if not all of the housing on Oxford Drive and some on Wake Forest Drive have meal plans for their residents. So they don’t need a grocery store, too much.
If a new grocery store were to open and make it in the U-mall — assuming that Davis really has enough customers on the west side of town to support 3 full-sized supermarkets — it would have to take over the entire Gottschalk’s and the entire Cost Plus locations, so that it would have the scale to build a full-service grocery store. (Personally, I’d love it if Raley’s would do just that.)
“Given the proximity of the Mall to a large student population, I do not understand how supermarkets at that location have failed.”
Really only one supermarket, State Market IGA, failed at University Mall. Safeway moved out when they opened their new West Davis store at The Marketplace on West Covell.
I’m not quite sure why State Market failed, there. I recall that it might have had something to do with the Gee family (the owners) wanting to retire from the grocery business. (I’m not sure if that was the case.)
However, one problem with a grocery store at University Mall was that the space was small, when compared with the new Safeway at the other end of Sycamore Lane and with the expanded Lucky’s/Albertsons a mile up Anderson Road. The same thing, scale, doomed Ralph’s on E. 8th Street and I suppose the series of failed markets on Lake Blvd. Davis grocery customers, when given the choice, prefer larger full sized supermarkets over smaller stores.
Also, there is another consideration with the University Mall site: many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries. The kids in the dorms on campus largely don’t. Most, if not all of the housing on Oxford Drive and some on Wake Forest Drive have meal plans for their residents. So they don’t need a grocery store, too much.
If a new grocery store were to open and make it in the U-mall — assuming that Davis really has enough customers on the west side of town to support 3 full-sized supermarkets — it would have to take over the entire Gottschalk’s and the entire Cost Plus locations, so that it would have the scale to build a full-service grocery store. (Personally, I’d love it if Raley’s would do just that.)
“Given the proximity of the Mall to a large student population, I do not understand how supermarkets at that location have failed.”
Really only one supermarket, State Market IGA, failed at University Mall. Safeway moved out when they opened their new West Davis store at The Marketplace on West Covell.
I’m not quite sure why State Market failed, there. I recall that it might have had something to do with the Gee family (the owners) wanting to retire from the grocery business. (I’m not sure if that was the case.)
However, one problem with a grocery store at University Mall was that the space was small, when compared with the new Safeway at the other end of Sycamore Lane and with the expanded Lucky’s/Albertsons a mile up Anderson Road. The same thing, scale, doomed Ralph’s on E. 8th Street and I suppose the series of failed markets on Lake Blvd. Davis grocery customers, when given the choice, prefer larger full sized supermarkets over smaller stores.
Also, there is another consideration with the University Mall site: many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries. The kids in the dorms on campus largely don’t. Most, if not all of the housing on Oxford Drive and some on Wake Forest Drive have meal plans for their residents. So they don’t need a grocery store, too much.
If a new grocery store were to open and make it in the U-mall — assuming that Davis really has enough customers on the west side of town to support 3 full-sized supermarkets — it would have to take over the entire Gottschalk’s and the entire Cost Plus locations, so that it would have the scale to build a full-service grocery store. (Personally, I’d love it if Raley’s would do just that.)
Speaking of State Market, I remember when I was a kid, we used to shop at the State Market at 2nd & D, downtown. It was a really small store — maybe 2,000 sq feet. The buildings on that block, of course, were domolished in the ’70s and replaced by the off-white two-story office/commercial building that houses Hunan Restaurant, among others.
Speaking of State Market, I remember when I was a kid, we used to shop at the State Market at 2nd & D, downtown. It was a really small store — maybe 2,000 sq feet. The buildings on that block, of course, were domolished in the ’70s and replaced by the off-white two-story office/commercial building that houses Hunan Restaurant, among others.
Speaking of State Market, I remember when I was a kid, we used to shop at the State Market at 2nd & D, downtown. It was a really small store — maybe 2,000 sq feet. The buildings on that block, of course, were domolished in the ’70s and replaced by the off-white two-story office/commercial building that houses Hunan Restaurant, among others.
Speaking of State Market, I remember when I was a kid, we used to shop at the State Market at 2nd & D, downtown. It was a really small store — maybe 2,000 sq feet. The buildings on that block, of course, were domolished in the ’70s and replaced by the off-white two-story office/commercial building that houses Hunan Restaurant, among others.
I wonder if TJ’s would be interested in space in the shopping center on 2nd Street to be anchored by Target? I don’t know if 2nd will become the busy arterial frontage TJ’s desires, but it would be visible from and have relatively easy access to/from I-80.
I wonder if TJ’s would be interested in space in the shopping center on 2nd Street to be anchored by Target? I don’t know if 2nd will become the busy arterial frontage TJ’s desires, but it would be visible from and have relatively easy access to/from I-80.
I wonder if TJ’s would be interested in space in the shopping center on 2nd Street to be anchored by Target? I don’t know if 2nd will become the busy arterial frontage TJ’s desires, but it would be visible from and have relatively easy access to/from I-80.
I wonder if TJ’s would be interested in space in the shopping center on 2nd Street to be anchored by Target? I don’t know if 2nd will become the busy arterial frontage TJ’s desires, but it would be visible from and have relatively easy access to/from I-80.
“I’m not quite sure why State Market failed, there. I recall that it might have had something to do with the Gee family (the owners) wanting to retire from the grocery business. (I’m not sure if that was the case.)”
That was what the younger members of the family told me at the time.
“I’m not quite sure why State Market failed, there. I recall that it might have had something to do with the Gee family (the owners) wanting to retire from the grocery business. (I’m not sure if that was the case.)”
That was what the younger members of the family told me at the time.
“I’m not quite sure why State Market failed, there. I recall that it might have had something to do with the Gee family (the owners) wanting to retire from the grocery business. (I’m not sure if that was the case.)”
That was what the younger members of the family told me at the time.
“I’m not quite sure why State Market failed, there. I recall that it might have had something to do with the Gee family (the owners) wanting to retire from the grocery business. (I’m not sure if that was the case.)”
That was what the younger members of the family told me at the time.
i heard the same as don, when i asked them back back when they were closing up shop. i grew up shopping at the state market where rite aid is now, i was really sad to see them go. as an aside, are they the same gee family that owned honorable gee’s?
as for the assertion that most of the students by university mall don’t shop for groceries, having several friends living by there i have to say that it is flat out false. russel and orchard park apartments all have kitchens, and the students there have to drive across town for groceries, which is a real difficulty for those students who don’t own cars (and yes, they do exist, especially among the foreign student population). and that’s not even getting into all the other apartment complexes and housing right adjacent to the shopping center.
university mall’s a good location, to be clear. but if they can’t go there, they should come out here to west davis. that’s my self-interested opinion, anyway.
i heard the same as don, when i asked them back back when they were closing up shop. i grew up shopping at the state market where rite aid is now, i was really sad to see them go. as an aside, are they the same gee family that owned honorable gee’s?
as for the assertion that most of the students by university mall don’t shop for groceries, having several friends living by there i have to say that it is flat out false. russel and orchard park apartments all have kitchens, and the students there have to drive across town for groceries, which is a real difficulty for those students who don’t own cars (and yes, they do exist, especially among the foreign student population). and that’s not even getting into all the other apartment complexes and housing right adjacent to the shopping center.
university mall’s a good location, to be clear. but if they can’t go there, they should come out here to west davis. that’s my self-interested opinion, anyway.
i heard the same as don, when i asked them back back when they were closing up shop. i grew up shopping at the state market where rite aid is now, i was really sad to see them go. as an aside, are they the same gee family that owned honorable gee’s?
as for the assertion that most of the students by university mall don’t shop for groceries, having several friends living by there i have to say that it is flat out false. russel and orchard park apartments all have kitchens, and the students there have to drive across town for groceries, which is a real difficulty for those students who don’t own cars (and yes, they do exist, especially among the foreign student population). and that’s not even getting into all the other apartment complexes and housing right adjacent to the shopping center.
university mall’s a good location, to be clear. but if they can’t go there, they should come out here to west davis. that’s my self-interested opinion, anyway.
i heard the same as don, when i asked them back back when they were closing up shop. i grew up shopping at the state market where rite aid is now, i was really sad to see them go. as an aside, are they the same gee family that owned honorable gee’s?
as for the assertion that most of the students by university mall don’t shop for groceries, having several friends living by there i have to say that it is flat out false. russel and orchard park apartments all have kitchens, and the students there have to drive across town for groceries, which is a real difficulty for those students who don’t own cars (and yes, they do exist, especially among the foreign student population). and that’s not even getting into all the other apartment complexes and housing right adjacent to the shopping center.
university mall’s a good location, to be clear. but if they can’t go there, they should come out here to west davis. that’s my self-interested opinion, anyway.
Looks like I have to take back my praise for the labor practices of Starbucks:
Article on Starbucks
Cecilia will be very disappointed to read this…
Looks like I have to take back my praise for the labor practices of Starbucks:
Article on Starbucks
Cecilia will be very disappointed to read this…
Looks like I have to take back my praise for the labor practices of Starbucks:
Article on Starbucks
Cecilia will be very disappointed to read this…
Looks like I have to take back my praise for the labor practices of Starbucks:
Article on Starbucks
Cecilia will be very disappointed to read this…
“Also, there is another consideration with the University Mall site: many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries. The kids in the dorms on campus largely don’t.”
Have you looked inside a dorm room recently? – they are full of food, both drinks and snacks. Trader Joe’s has tons of that stuff and will enjoy a robust student business.
The most important thing Trader Joes will bring is competition. They offer variety and low prices on many items.
“Also, there is another consideration with the University Mall site: many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries. The kids in the dorms on campus largely don’t.”
Have you looked inside a dorm room recently? – they are full of food, both drinks and snacks. Trader Joe’s has tons of that stuff and will enjoy a robust student business.
The most important thing Trader Joes will bring is competition. They offer variety and low prices on many items.
“Also, there is another consideration with the University Mall site: many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries. The kids in the dorms on campus largely don’t.”
Have you looked inside a dorm room recently? – they are full of food, both drinks and snacks. Trader Joe’s has tons of that stuff and will enjoy a robust student business.
The most important thing Trader Joes will bring is competition. They offer variety and low prices on many items.
“Also, there is another consideration with the University Mall site: many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries. The kids in the dorms on campus largely don’t.”
Have you looked inside a dorm room recently? – they are full of food, both drinks and snacks. Trader Joe’s has tons of that stuff and will enjoy a robust student business.
The most important thing Trader Joes will bring is competition. They offer variety and low prices on many items.
what can we do to encourage T-Joe’s to come to West Lake? Which obviously is a much more practical and logical location over the University Mall. Here is what I have found out so far… I called T-Joe’s and they said that they would need a real estate broker or property owner, who is handling the West Lake shopping center, to call them at 626-599-3700 x 3035. My guess is that T-Joe’s has talked w/ West Lake Shopping Center and didn’t like what West Lake had to say…does anyone know anything about that?
I also let T-Joe’s know my opinion on the matter in hopes of them listening, maybe if more people called they might hear us?
what can we do to encourage T-Joe’s to come to West Lake? Which obviously is a much more practical and logical location over the University Mall. Here is what I have found out so far… I called T-Joe’s and they said that they would need a real estate broker or property owner, who is handling the West Lake shopping center, to call them at 626-599-3700 x 3035. My guess is that T-Joe’s has talked w/ West Lake Shopping Center and didn’t like what West Lake had to say…does anyone know anything about that?
I also let T-Joe’s know my opinion on the matter in hopes of them listening, maybe if more people called they might hear us?
what can we do to encourage T-Joe’s to come to West Lake? Which obviously is a much more practical and logical location over the University Mall. Here is what I have found out so far… I called T-Joe’s and they said that they would need a real estate broker or property owner, who is handling the West Lake shopping center, to call them at 626-599-3700 x 3035. My guess is that T-Joe’s has talked w/ West Lake Shopping Center and didn’t like what West Lake had to say…does anyone know anything about that?
I also let T-Joe’s know my opinion on the matter in hopes of them listening, maybe if more people called they might hear us?
what can we do to encourage T-Joe’s to come to West Lake? Which obviously is a much more practical and logical location over the University Mall. Here is what I have found out so far… I called T-Joe’s and they said that they would need a real estate broker or property owner, who is handling the West Lake shopping center, to call them at 626-599-3700 x 3035. My guess is that T-Joe’s has talked w/ West Lake Shopping Center and didn’t like what West Lake had to say…does anyone know anything about that?
I also let T-Joe’s know my opinion on the matter in hopes of them listening, maybe if more people called they might hear us?
That was a time when the City Council followed the General Plan directive concerning anchor Supermarkets in its neighborhood centers. My recollection is that to let Safeway “abandon” its anchor supermarket store at University Mall and open its S. Davis store, Safeway agreed to pay a portion of State Market’s rent for a certain period of time. This Safeway subsidy was ending and this played a major role in State Market closing its doors.
That was a time when the City Council followed the General Plan directive concerning anchor Supermarkets in its neighborhood centers. My recollection is that to let Safeway “abandon” its anchor supermarket store at University Mall and open its S. Davis store, Safeway agreed to pay a portion of State Market’s rent for a certain period of time. This Safeway subsidy was ending and this played a major role in State Market closing its doors.
That was a time when the City Council followed the General Plan directive concerning anchor Supermarkets in its neighborhood centers. My recollection is that to let Safeway “abandon” its anchor supermarket store at University Mall and open its S. Davis store, Safeway agreed to pay a portion of State Market’s rent for a certain period of time. This Safeway subsidy was ending and this played a major role in State Market closing its doors.
That was a time when the City Council followed the General Plan directive concerning anchor Supermarkets in its neighborhood centers. My recollection is that to let Safeway “abandon” its anchor supermarket store at University Mall and open its S. Davis store, Safeway agreed to pay a portion of State Market’s rent for a certain period of time. This Safeway subsidy was ending and this played a major role in State Market closing its doors.
” Doug Paul Davis said…
Looks like I have to take back my praise for the labor practices of Starbucks:
Article on Starbucks
Cecilia will be very disappointed to read this… “
There some excellent locally owned coffee places in town: Common Grounds, Mishka’s, Chamonix…
” Doug Paul Davis said…
Looks like I have to take back my praise for the labor practices of Starbucks:
Article on Starbucks
Cecilia will be very disappointed to read this… “
There some excellent locally owned coffee places in town: Common Grounds, Mishka’s, Chamonix…
” Doug Paul Davis said…
Looks like I have to take back my praise for the labor practices of Starbucks:
Article on Starbucks
Cecilia will be very disappointed to read this… “
There some excellent locally owned coffee places in town: Common Grounds, Mishka’s, Chamonix…
” Doug Paul Davis said…
Looks like I have to take back my praise for the labor practices of Starbucks:
Article on Starbucks
Cecilia will be very disappointed to read this… “
There some excellent locally owned coffee places in town: Common Grounds, Mishka’s, Chamonix…
“as an aside, are they the same gee family that owned honorable gee’s?”
Yes. George Gee ran Mr. Gee’s, fortuitously located on G Street.
“as for the assertion that most of the students by university mall don’t shop for groceries, having several friends living by there i have to say that it is flat out false.”
You misread what I wrote. I never said most students don’t shop for groceries, I said, “many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries.” I was specifically referring to the kids who live in the on-campus dorms with meal plans, and those off-campus nearby who likewise have their meals cooked for them.
And to the anonymous who notes this: “Have you looked inside a dorm room recently? – they are full of food, both drinks and snacks. Trader Joe’s has tons of that stuff and will enjoy a robust student business.”
That is a good point for a Trader Joe’s. I think the Rite Aid benefits from this business, too. However, a full service grocery store needs to attract families and others who spend hundreds of dollars a month on groceries.
“as an aside, are they the same gee family that owned honorable gee’s?”
Yes. George Gee ran Mr. Gee’s, fortuitously located on G Street.
“as for the assertion that most of the students by university mall don’t shop for groceries, having several friends living by there i have to say that it is flat out false.”
You misread what I wrote. I never said most students don’t shop for groceries, I said, “many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries.” I was specifically referring to the kids who live in the on-campus dorms with meal plans, and those off-campus nearby who likewise have their meals cooked for them.
And to the anonymous who notes this: “Have you looked inside a dorm room recently? – they are full of food, both drinks and snacks. Trader Joe’s has tons of that stuff and will enjoy a robust student business.”
That is a good point for a Trader Joe’s. I think the Rite Aid benefits from this business, too. However, a full service grocery store needs to attract families and others who spend hundreds of dollars a month on groceries.
“as an aside, are they the same gee family that owned honorable gee’s?”
Yes. George Gee ran Mr. Gee’s, fortuitously located on G Street.
“as for the assertion that most of the students by university mall don’t shop for groceries, having several friends living by there i have to say that it is flat out false.”
You misread what I wrote. I never said most students don’t shop for groceries, I said, “many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries.” I was specifically referring to the kids who live in the on-campus dorms with meal plans, and those off-campus nearby who likewise have their meals cooked for them.
And to the anonymous who notes this: “Have you looked inside a dorm room recently? – they are full of food, both drinks and snacks. Trader Joe’s has tons of that stuff and will enjoy a robust student business.”
That is a good point for a Trader Joe’s. I think the Rite Aid benefits from this business, too. However, a full service grocery store needs to attract families and others who spend hundreds of dollars a month on groceries.
“as an aside, are they the same gee family that owned honorable gee’s?”
Yes. George Gee ran Mr. Gee’s, fortuitously located on G Street.
“as for the assertion that most of the students by university mall don’t shop for groceries, having several friends living by there i have to say that it is flat out false.”
You misread what I wrote. I never said most students don’t shop for groceries, I said, “many of the students who live close by don’t shop for groceries.” I was specifically referring to the kids who live in the on-campus dorms with meal plans, and those off-campus nearby who likewise have their meals cooked for them.
And to the anonymous who notes this: “Have you looked inside a dorm room recently? – they are full of food, both drinks and snacks. Trader Joe’s has tons of that stuff and will enjoy a robust student business.”
That is a good point for a Trader Joe’s. I think the Rite Aid benefits from this business, too. However, a full service grocery store needs to attract families and others who spend hundreds of dollars a month on groceries.
Don: Indeed. My wife has a particular affinity for Starbucks coffee, I have never shared nor quite understood. I was a patron of Roma next to campus for obvious reasons of location and was very sorry to see it go.
Don: Indeed. My wife has a particular affinity for Starbucks coffee, I have never shared nor quite understood. I was a patron of Roma next to campus for obvious reasons of location and was very sorry to see it go.
Don: Indeed. My wife has a particular affinity for Starbucks coffee, I have never shared nor quite understood. I was a patron of Roma next to campus for obvious reasons of location and was very sorry to see it go.
Don: Indeed. My wife has a particular affinity for Starbucks coffee, I have never shared nor quite understood. I was a patron of Roma next to campus for obvious reasons of location and was very sorry to see it go.
don – i have tried several times to go local WRT coffee shops, but except for the now-closed 3rd street roma near campus, i have been pretty unimpressed with the taste of their coffee. which is ironic, in that everyone else says that starbuck’s burns its coffee beans, but i have never found that to be true.
i do agree that mishka’s has fantastic ambiance, and i wish that it had either more space or several satellite cafes in town (which is one big reason why i lean towards letting the owner set up shop by the varsity). our city’s loitering infrastructure is sorely overloaded, we need more cafes, pubs and other such spots, IMO.
now that i reread your post, rich, i see that i read it more strongly than it was worded. the dorms are definitely more consumers of packaged goods and alcohol than full-on groceries (although that works in TJs favor); but the apartments and houses in the college streets are something different from what i’ve seen.
don – i have tried several times to go local WRT coffee shops, but except for the now-closed 3rd street roma near campus, i have been pretty unimpressed with the taste of their coffee. which is ironic, in that everyone else says that starbuck’s burns its coffee beans, but i have never found that to be true.
i do agree that mishka’s has fantastic ambiance, and i wish that it had either more space or several satellite cafes in town (which is one big reason why i lean towards letting the owner set up shop by the varsity). our city’s loitering infrastructure is sorely overloaded, we need more cafes, pubs and other such spots, IMO.
now that i reread your post, rich, i see that i read it more strongly than it was worded. the dorms are definitely more consumers of packaged goods and alcohol than full-on groceries (although that works in TJs favor); but the apartments and houses in the college streets are something different from what i’ve seen.
don – i have tried several times to go local WRT coffee shops, but except for the now-closed 3rd street roma near campus, i have been pretty unimpressed with the taste of their coffee. which is ironic, in that everyone else says that starbuck’s burns its coffee beans, but i have never found that to be true.
i do agree that mishka’s has fantastic ambiance, and i wish that it had either more space or several satellite cafes in town (which is one big reason why i lean towards letting the owner set up shop by the varsity). our city’s loitering infrastructure is sorely overloaded, we need more cafes, pubs and other such spots, IMO.
now that i reread your post, rich, i see that i read it more strongly than it was worded. the dorms are definitely more consumers of packaged goods and alcohol than full-on groceries (although that works in TJs favor); but the apartments and houses in the college streets are something different from what i’ve seen.
don – i have tried several times to go local WRT coffee shops, but except for the now-closed 3rd street roma near campus, i have been pretty unimpressed with the taste of their coffee. which is ironic, in that everyone else says that starbuck’s burns its coffee beans, but i have never found that to be true.
i do agree that mishka’s has fantastic ambiance, and i wish that it had either more space or several satellite cafes in town (which is one big reason why i lean towards letting the owner set up shop by the varsity). our city’s loitering infrastructure is sorely overloaded, we need more cafes, pubs and other such spots, IMO.
now that i reread your post, rich, i see that i read it more strongly than it was worded. the dorms are definitely more consumers of packaged goods and alcohol than full-on groceries (although that works in TJs favor); but the apartments and houses in the college streets are something different from what i’ve seen.
When the discussions about TJ’s and RAS came before the City Council I became more and more irritated at the gushing that most, if not all, the council members were doing in favor of displacing several established businesses. TJ’s may turn out to be great for Davis but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth knowing the bullying tactics displayed by the landlord, the City Council, and TJ’s.
If TJ’s wanted to move into the Anderson Bank Building those windows would be floor to ceiling before this weekend. Hypocrites!
When the discussions about TJ’s and RAS came before the City Council I became more and more irritated at the gushing that most, if not all, the council members were doing in favor of displacing several established businesses. TJ’s may turn out to be great for Davis but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth knowing the bullying tactics displayed by the landlord, the City Council, and TJ’s.
If TJ’s wanted to move into the Anderson Bank Building those windows would be floor to ceiling before this weekend. Hypocrites!
When the discussions about TJ’s and RAS came before the City Council I became more and more irritated at the gushing that most, if not all, the council members were doing in favor of displacing several established businesses. TJ’s may turn out to be great for Davis but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth knowing the bullying tactics displayed by the landlord, the City Council, and TJ’s.
If TJ’s wanted to move into the Anderson Bank Building those windows would be floor to ceiling before this weekend. Hypocrites!
When the discussions about TJ’s and RAS came before the City Council I became more and more irritated at the gushing that most, if not all, the council members were doing in favor of displacing several established businesses. TJ’s may turn out to be great for Davis but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth knowing the bullying tactics displayed by the landlord, the City Council, and TJ’s.
If TJ’s wanted to move into the Anderson Bank Building those windows would be floor to ceiling before this weekend. Hypocrites!
Along the lines of the unimpressed coffee houses, I was happy when I found out Peet’s would be replacing Romas because I have always been a huge fan of Peet’s (over Starbucks) for its quality coffee, its eco-friendly attitude.
Today when the store opened my husband was one of the first people in line. He bought his coffee and asked how he could hook into the internet so he could work while enjoying his coffee. The barista told him that there was no internet connection but that maybe if he sat by the window, he could tap into someone else’s connection. Nice.
We were extremely disappointed to discover that Peet’s moved in to our college and diverse working town with its corporate “get your coffee and get out” attitude. For us, there’s now not much difference between going to Peet’s or the Starbucks one street over.
It would have been nice if they would have built a community gathering place (such as the Café Roma was) where people could enjoy their coffee while working or studying. Apparently that’s doesn’t fall under Peet’s corporate image. What a disappointment.
Along the lines of Traitor Hoes, I too am sickened by their bullying tactics. Reminds me of another corporation who bullied their way into this town.
Along the lines of the unimpressed coffee houses, I was happy when I found out Peet’s would be replacing Romas because I have always been a huge fan of Peet’s (over Starbucks) for its quality coffee, its eco-friendly attitude.
Today when the store opened my husband was one of the first people in line. He bought his coffee and asked how he could hook into the internet so he could work while enjoying his coffee. The barista told him that there was no internet connection but that maybe if he sat by the window, he could tap into someone else’s connection. Nice.
We were extremely disappointed to discover that Peet’s moved in to our college and diverse working town with its corporate “get your coffee and get out” attitude. For us, there’s now not much difference between going to Peet’s or the Starbucks one street over.
It would have been nice if they would have built a community gathering place (such as the Café Roma was) where people could enjoy their coffee while working or studying. Apparently that’s doesn’t fall under Peet’s corporate image. What a disappointment.
Along the lines of Traitor Hoes, I too am sickened by their bullying tactics. Reminds me of another corporation who bullied their way into this town.
Along the lines of the unimpressed coffee houses, I was happy when I found out Peet’s would be replacing Romas because I have always been a huge fan of Peet’s (over Starbucks) for its quality coffee, its eco-friendly attitude.
Today when the store opened my husband was one of the first people in line. He bought his coffee and asked how he could hook into the internet so he could work while enjoying his coffee. The barista told him that there was no internet connection but that maybe if he sat by the window, he could tap into someone else’s connection. Nice.
We were extremely disappointed to discover that Peet’s moved in to our college and diverse working town with its corporate “get your coffee and get out” attitude. For us, there’s now not much difference between going to Peet’s or the Starbucks one street over.
It would have been nice if they would have built a community gathering place (such as the Café Roma was) where people could enjoy their coffee while working or studying. Apparently that’s doesn’t fall under Peet’s corporate image. What a disappointment.
Along the lines of Traitor Hoes, I too am sickened by their bullying tactics. Reminds me of another corporation who bullied their way into this town.
Along the lines of the unimpressed coffee houses, I was happy when I found out Peet’s would be replacing Romas because I have always been a huge fan of Peet’s (over Starbucks) for its quality coffee, its eco-friendly attitude.
Today when the store opened my husband was one of the first people in line. He bought his coffee and asked how he could hook into the internet so he could work while enjoying his coffee. The barista told him that there was no internet connection but that maybe if he sat by the window, he could tap into someone else’s connection. Nice.
We were extremely disappointed to discover that Peet’s moved in to our college and diverse working town with its corporate “get your coffee and get out” attitude. For us, there’s now not much difference between going to Peet’s or the Starbucks one street over.
It would have been nice if they would have built a community gathering place (such as the Café Roma was) where people could enjoy their coffee while working or studying. Apparently that’s doesn’t fall under Peet’s corporate image. What a disappointment.
Along the lines of Traitor Hoes, I too am sickened by their bullying tactics. Reminds me of another corporation who bullied their way into this town.
For what it’s worth, I find it interesting that there are 30 comments regarding the appropriate location for trader joes and only 5 regarding Malcolm X and his place in history.
Not sure what I just achieved by pointing that out…
Rich Peterson
For what it’s worth, I find it interesting that there are 30 comments regarding the appropriate location for trader joes and only 5 regarding Malcolm X and his place in history.
Not sure what I just achieved by pointing that out…
Rich Peterson
For what it’s worth, I find it interesting that there are 30 comments regarding the appropriate location for trader joes and only 5 regarding Malcolm X and his place in history.
Not sure what I just achieved by pointing that out…
Rich Peterson
For what it’s worth, I find it interesting that there are 30 comments regarding the appropriate location for trader joes and only 5 regarding Malcolm X and his place in history.
Not sure what I just achieved by pointing that out…
Rich Peterson
Thanks for drawing my attention to this interesting discussion, David.
I would just like to make a clarification. To my knowledge, Trader Joe’s never “threatened” to locate their store in another city.
I was concerned that Trader Joe’s might locate their store in another city merely because I know that there is a lot of competition to attract Trader. Joe’s.
Thanks for drawing my attention to this interesting discussion, David.
I would just like to make a clarification. To my knowledge, Trader Joe’s never “threatened” to locate their store in another city.
I was concerned that Trader Joe’s might locate their store in another city merely because I know that there is a lot of competition to attract Trader. Joe’s.
Thanks for drawing my attention to this interesting discussion, David.
I would just like to make a clarification. To my knowledge, Trader Joe’s never “threatened” to locate their store in another city.
I was concerned that Trader Joe’s might locate their store in another city merely because I know that there is a lot of competition to attract Trader. Joe’s.
Thanks for drawing my attention to this interesting discussion, David.
I would just like to make a clarification. To my knowledge, Trader Joe’s never “threatened” to locate their store in another city.
I was concerned that Trader Joe’s might locate their store in another city merely because I know that there is a lot of competition to attract Trader. Joe’s.
The landlord bringing a suit suggests that the automatic transfer of RAS’ longterm lease option to the new Mall owner may be legally “murky”. Law student’s Contracts class teaches them that no contract agreement is immune from challenges to its validity.
The landlord bringing a suit suggests that the automatic transfer of RAS’ longterm lease option to the new Mall owner may be legally “murky”. Law student’s Contracts class teaches them that no contract agreement is immune from challenges to its validity.
The landlord bringing a suit suggests that the automatic transfer of RAS’ longterm lease option to the new Mall owner may be legally “murky”. Law student’s Contracts class teaches them that no contract agreement is immune from challenges to its validity.
The landlord bringing a suit suggests that the automatic transfer of RAS’ longterm lease option to the new Mall owner may be legally “murky”. Law student’s Contracts class teaches them that no contract agreement is immune from challenges to its validity.