The question of the day concerning Kaffe Blue!
This has been a great year for us and I have enjoyed meeting "you", our customers, very much. When the opportunity came to buy Kaffe Blue I was astounded. For us to be able to take an existing concept and make plans for its next steps was a wonderful opportunity that I did not want to miss.
THE PLAN:
1. To buy on February 2nd 2009 and Open February 3rd 2009.
2. Open the private rooms for meetings and private events.
3. Introduce Lunch Box catering in our stamped "green" packaging.
4. To stay open later with a select menu and open on Saturdays with a hot breakfast.
5. To open with a limited pasta based dinner menu on Thursday and Friday Nights.
6. Offer LIVE JAZZ in the evenings to compliment the concert series happening outside.
7. Get our beer, wine and liquor licence.
8. Upgrade the power supply currently (300amps; need 800amps for a restaurant)
9. Install an exhaust hood so that we could operate as a full service restaurant.
10. Purchase kitchen equipment to prepare meals for large seating capacity.
11. Redesign the egress and install a sprinkle system so that more than 92 people could utilize the large dining room space.
Excitingly most of the plan has come to pass. I have enjoyed our jazz most of all and am thankful to have hosted such wonderful musicians.
However, sadly the crucial elements have not come to pass.
The cost of upgrades for the building to create the volume needed to sustain the fixed cost (lease, utilities) was too great for us or the owners of the building.
We, as well as the Allens have worked very hard to find a way to stay in the building. However, the current economic environment has put some restraints on the upgrades which make this impossible.
We understand that Kaffe Blue is a perfect restaurant for downtown Kingsport and we are working hard every day to create a solution that will move us towards future success.
THE SOLUTION:
1. Find and purchase our own building so that upgrade investments go toward the equity of the restaurant.
2. Purchase kitchen equipment to operate a full service restaurant.
3. Re open as soon as possible so that the great city of Kingsport and surrounding areas can enjoy our famous chicken salad and greek pasta salad!
4. Develop an evening concept that features a Wine and Tapas Bar
GOOD NEWS:
So far we have located a building: 133 Broad Street, beside of Stir Fry. The beautiful 3 storey building, with its balcony doors will be a great location for Kaffe Blue and its future.
We are currently in the process of negotiating for that space and look to own it in January 2010 if everything goes as planned.
Kitchen equipment has been purchased and is ready to be installed in our new home.
Build out estimated to take 4 months with our re-open date being near April 2010.
Evening Concept is a vision in my mind, it will be a great addition to the night dining for downtown Kingsport with sweet sounds of jazz as you enjoy a light dinner in a social environment.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR NOW:
Kaffe Blue will host our Christmas Yuletide Jazz event on Friday Night December 18th. This will officially be the last day Kaffe Blue serves full meals in its curent location.
However, we will be open till December 29th with our Fresh Roasted Coffee and Select Menu.
Thank you for your support and in making us a successful restaurant. We hope to serve you again soon and exceed the expectations that we have placed on our future!
Monday, December 14, 2009
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