Carefree Truth
Issue #513, September 16, 2016
During Call to the Public, Councilman Glenn Miller called out, "Marty, you're up". Martin Holmes, owner of the Black Mountain Coffee Shop, said what he objects to about the festivals is food trucks that compete directly with the local restaurants, taking customers away from them due to unfair advantages. The food truck vendors only pay a 2 day permit fee of about $60, as opposed to the bricks and mortar establishments that pay rent and other ongoing expenses on a daily basis. If the festivals bring in food trucks, they shouldn't sell the same type of food served at the restaurants. Black Mountain Coffee Shop sells hamburgers and hot dogs, so there shouldn't be a food truck selling that fare. Bring in vendors selling different food, for example Greek food. There is not a Greek restaurant in Carefree. Marty and his wife bought, remodeled and reopened the iconic Black Mountain Coffee Shop and have had one of the best years it's had in 30 years, generating good sales tax revenue for the Town.
Mr. Holmes added that some of his customers have asked, "What is there to do up here?" He noted that a lot of shops are closed during the summer; Venues, the Tea Room and the Black Mountain Coffee Shop are open for lunch. He felt there was nothing to do up here. He said Gina was hired as the Marketing Director and has brought in Ray Villafane for $150,000 a year, but he thought local musicians who could be hired "dirt cheap" could occupy the stage in the amphitheater playing open mic sessions, rather than spending that kind of money. He saw a man playing guitar on a street corner recently who had 15 people gathered around listening. The man lived in one of the apartments across the street and knew about 15 others who would probably be glad to play their instruments in town during open mic sessions for nominal pay.
Mr. Holmes then said Glenn Miller was having an operation. Mr. Miller told him to, "Zip it." Mr. Holmes went on to say that Glenn Miller will be missed after he retires; that his will be tough shoes to fill. He hopes the Town will hire people to replace Glenn Miller to keep everything running, like he did for free. Mr. Miller and Mr. Holmes expressed their love for one another.
https://vimeo.com/182045845
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list. Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Issue #513, September 16, 2016
During Call to the Public, Councilman Glenn Miller called out, "Marty, you're up". Martin Holmes, owner of the Black Mountain Coffee Shop, said what he objects to about the festivals is food trucks that compete directly with the local restaurants, taking customers away from them due to unfair advantages. The food truck vendors only pay a 2 day permit fee of about $60, as opposed to the bricks and mortar establishments that pay rent and other ongoing expenses on a daily basis. If the festivals bring in food trucks, they shouldn't sell the same type of food served at the restaurants. Black Mountain Coffee Shop sells hamburgers and hot dogs, so there shouldn't be a food truck selling that fare. Bring in vendors selling different food, for example Greek food. There is not a Greek restaurant in Carefree. Marty and his wife bought, remodeled and reopened the iconic Black Mountain Coffee Shop and have had one of the best years it's had in 30 years, generating good sales tax revenue for the Town.
Mr. Holmes added that some of his customers have asked, "What is there to do up here?" He noted that a lot of shops are closed during the summer; Venues, the Tea Room and the Black Mountain Coffee Shop are open for lunch. He felt there was nothing to do up here. He said Gina was hired as the Marketing Director and has brought in Ray Villafane for $150,000 a year, but he thought local musicians who could be hired "dirt cheap" could occupy the stage in the amphitheater playing open mic sessions, rather than spending that kind of money. He saw a man playing guitar on a street corner recently who had 15 people gathered around listening. The man lived in one of the apartments across the street and knew about 15 others who would probably be glad to play their instruments in town during open mic sessions for nominal pay.
Mr. Holmes then said Glenn Miller was having an operation. Mr. Miller told him to, "Zip it." Mr. Holmes went on to say that Glenn Miller will be missed after he retires; that his will be tough shoes to fill. He hopes the Town will hire people to replace Glenn Miller to keep everything running, like he did for free. Mr. Miller and Mr. Holmes expressed their love for one another.
https://vimeo.com/182045845
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list. Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.