Winghaven Grocer to Reopen!
A week ago I reported that Dave’s, a small grocer located in the suburban area known as Winghaven, had closed. Here is a portion of Dave’s letter to the community he served:
After many weeks of indecision it is with a great deal of regret that Kathy and I have to share with you that we will be closing our store for the last time Sunday, October 16, 2005.
The two and one half years we have been open have made us a success in everything we tried to do with the exception of one, and that is the financial portion of the business.
Today I learned the community has rallied to save Dave’s. Now the website read’s differently:
Thanks to this AWESOME community,
Dave will be back!
Apparently part of the problem had to do with debt associated with startup costs. I’m told about 500 people rallied to help Dave and raised an undisclosed sum of money to offset debts. Day to day operations are profitable.
Couple of things to consider….
Sometimes it takes incubating new retail in places where you are trying to change shopping patterns from auto-oriented to the corner store. This is where I think New Town at St. Charles is doing a good job getting businesses located in their central core.
A large parcel across the street from Winghaven’s Boardwalk is a large parcel of land that Pyramid has proposed new condos. Locals are hoping the City of O’Fallon approves the project quickly so new residents will be nearby to support Dave’s and other retailers.
– Steve
No doubt the community design contributed to the fact people know Dave and therefore cared about his efforts.
Do you think anyone would rally to save a business on Manchester?