Failing to build the better mousetrap
While most of the economic news is all about the stock market and the US credit rating, I'm most concerned with small town economics right now.
I'm always saddened when I see some small mom & pop shop come and go before you barely even noticed that they were there. I always picture it like someone's dream coming to fruition of owning their own business, but then having that dream come crashing down since they had to close.
Case in point, Jake's Frozen Custard, this frozen custard place that popped up not too far from where I work a few months ago. They offered burgers, dogs, fries and such as well as their frozen desserts and seemed like a pretty cool place. Tried the custard a few times and it was very tasty (if a bit pricey.)
Went there with the intention of getting lunch there, but I was surprised to find all the windows covered up. Even the website merely says "Thanks For Your Support."
I can pretty much surmise that the location is what did them in. Being right on The Mainline (and right next to Paoli station) meant their rent was probably sky high, plus they had a plaza full of eateries right behind them as well as other frozen treat places not too far from them. The high rent meant they had to charge more than most people would be willing to pay for ice cream (even if it was high quality), so they just couldn't get that vital repeat customer base.
Another eatery on The Mainline came and went recently as well, but this one wasn't as surprising. Rocco's Steaks popped up last year, but after trying one of their cheesesteaks, which was highly average at best, I never thought they were going to last long. Especially since you could get a cheesesteak just as good, or better from one of the many pizzerias in the area, and cheaper.
Didn't feel as bad for them since they weren't offering a quality product. Jake's DID offer a quality product, though.
There are some good stories about places like this though. Jack Frost, a little shack near where I live, offers ice cream and greasy foods is thriving, despite opening during the height of the recession a couple years ago. Their food is made to order, delicious and priced right, and their frozen treats are really good too.
Think I might hit them up tonight for a treat.
I'm always saddened when I see some small mom & pop shop come and go before you barely even noticed that they were there. I always picture it like someone's dream coming to fruition of owning their own business, but then having that dream come crashing down since they had to close.
Case in point, Jake's Frozen Custard, this frozen custard place that popped up not too far from where I work a few months ago. They offered burgers, dogs, fries and such as well as their frozen desserts and seemed like a pretty cool place. Tried the custard a few times and it was very tasty (if a bit pricey.)
Went there with the intention of getting lunch there, but I was surprised to find all the windows covered up. Even the website merely says "Thanks For Your Support."
I can pretty much surmise that the location is what did them in. Being right on The Mainline (and right next to Paoli station) meant their rent was probably sky high, plus they had a plaza full of eateries right behind them as well as other frozen treat places not too far from them. The high rent meant they had to charge more than most people would be willing to pay for ice cream (even if it was high quality), so they just couldn't get that vital repeat customer base.
Another eatery on The Mainline came and went recently as well, but this one wasn't as surprising. Rocco's Steaks popped up last year, but after trying one of their cheesesteaks, which was highly average at best, I never thought they were going to last long. Especially since you could get a cheesesteak just as good, or better from one of the many pizzerias in the area, and cheaper.
Didn't feel as bad for them since they weren't offering a quality product. Jake's DID offer a quality product, though.
There are some good stories about places like this though. Jack Frost, a little shack near where I live, offers ice cream and greasy foods is thriving, despite opening during the height of the recession a couple years ago. Their food is made to order, delicious and priced right, and their frozen treats are really good too.
Think I might hit them up tonight for a treat.