Well, that's that

It seems we've done all we can do and our latest location is not to be. We have been serious and courteous about the negotiations, but in the end I can't say it was reciprocated.
It's not clear why this deal has....er, disintegrated, but I guess every side has their reasons. We have spent time and money, but alas if it was easy everybody would be doing it.
We had already been looking at other locations (this thing started to smell some time back) and I am confident something even better will come along.
With winter coming and no project under way our spirits are a bit dampened, but the bright side is that when it's cold and gray, prices fall a little. So that's good.


With the camera on the fritz (read Rocha post), I will have to make do with archive photos.

This is a sort of food court in a Manhattan Marriott Hotel lobby. A lot of kitchen in a small space. Me like.


If you are waiting for a coffee place with just the right atmosphere here in Montevideo, please hang in there. It is coming.


Thanks for reading.

I Can't Say

Sorry, no posts on Coffee Shop for the following reason(s); I didn't know what I should and shouldn't say about an ongoing negotiation. Not that any of the principles are reading this, or any would-be competitor would gain something from it (well, maybe that a little), I just don't know when it's a 'jinx' or not. It seems like something has been happening or about to since that November post as we were taking our second look at the location.
We have been quite near signing for the place two times, as some readers may know. We are still in it (yeah I'm adding that queer joining part) to win it. I will post the particulars when it's a done deal.

 In the mean time........

............ we have been looking elsewhere while we enjoy the summer. This photo is from last year. As you can see the research that goes into this process is exhausting. The sandwich caliente is a staple in Uruguay, even Mickey D's has it. Their Cafes are a welcome addition to the city, evil mega corporation not withstanding.

This is a shot of an Argentinian franchise blossoming here. They do everything well from what I can see. They seem expensive and a bit fancy for us.

Oh, the research, it's killing me. Literally, it's probably killing me. Look at this set up! We know how to make this bomb and apparently people eat it. I had one by myself, but I'm told their often shared. God, I hope so.


The frappe thing is delicious, but more like a milkshake than a coffee drink.

Stay tuned, something good is cookin'. 
I promise.

Kitchen Nightmare

I love being Chef Ramsey in our little version of the show, but I bet he doesn't do the actual cleaning. Yuk.

The positives outweigh the negatives here by far, but as always, God is in the details.

Janine doing some considering

We are seriously considering this place, working the numbers-if you will, to asses what's being offered. 
Businesses selling their lease, with or without equipment/stock abound here and they're not so cheap. It's surprising considering most are selling a failing business. Our guy doesn't even own most of what you see (belongs to the landlord), but he does have the right to sell a chance to be the next chump to take a shot.

Down here? The next big thing performing tonight!

cool basement

A Brooklyn style coffee shop is sure to be a hit. 
We have in mind some changes to this place; in appearance and to infuse some much needed energy. It appears to be sleeping now.

It's got some style already

We are consulting anyone we think may be able to help; assembling plenty of facts and even some projections, but we can only guess at what it's actually worth. Plus, even if we find those who know enough to really guide or dissuade us, will they say?

In the end our talent, wits and perseverance will have to carry the day.

 

I see good things coming. 

I can even taste them.

I can see it

A new location has come up and we are looking into it.  It's a bit overgrown and dull outside.  The neighborhood isn't exactly posh. It could be why this restaurant with parilla can't make it. The color scheme can't be helping. We are scheduled to see the interior and make some judgment about what exactly we'd get for the sale price and the rent.
                                                                  

 

Cinema with your coffee?

As we gather facts toward deciding yeah or neigh on our latest find, we must grapple with a queer new question. Would our vision work in a setting that's joined with a movie cinema? Would any model work?
We have recently added places for rent and folks selling an existing business to our search. We've lost some of our funding and may have to abandon buying a place for now. Cecilia is a willing participant and has joined us in the search. Her contribution could play an important part in what we choose.
Marylin Cafe underwhelmed us when we visited as customers last year. We responded to the owner's ad and surprisingly he revealed the actual location straight away. Not usual here at all. We know this place.
It's a tidy little place with a corny theme and decorations. I guess it's named for Marylin Monroe, movie actress. Movie theater.....hello? Whatever. Not much space and an awkward layout we'd like to change.
The price seems reasonable, but God is in the details. 
We are doing all we can to decipher the arrangement between the landlord (the cinema) and the tenant. I'm not sure it's a fit, but definitely worth some further investigation.

Back in it

The end is near, I swear it.
Since it looks as though San Salvador will close at the end of this month, we are redoubling our efforts to find a spot. It hasn't gotten any easier; not much on the market to begin with and most for rent rather than for sale.

I can see it here

Here's a house for sale not far from where we live. The corner is busy, not a winding cobblestone street adjacent to a park, but there are attractions. There's a bill payment center - lots of foot traffic, some other small businesses and a bakery. Although the main cross street is a bit fast there is a bus stop.

cute courtyard

The price seems a bit high for this house.  It's cramped, run down and would need a complete overhaul. It has no garage or backyard, although a small patio and some roof space are a plus. As a residence, it has stiff competition at that price which could be good for us.
Onward and upward.

Janine contemplates the possibilities

could be quaint, right?

A Good Lead

We caught wind of a store available in a neighborhood we like. The owner's brother and co-owner, (they also own it along with a third brother), put a up the sign and hired a broker with out so much as a word to him. So we are led to believe. I'm not sure that's all true and I don't even think that's the worst of it.