LETTERS TO THE EDITOR No sugar in reception for new coffeehouse in Schenectady
I am a new business owner who just opened shop earlier this month. I’ve previously lived in Schenectady (the Stockade) and thought I would love to open a self-financed coffeehouse (Starbucks-type), called No Beans About It, in an old repair station on the corner of Van Vranken Avenue and Nott Street. I had heard so much how Schenectady was trying to give new businesses a boost and expected to be welcomed with open arms. Well, I found that to be quite the contrary. My initial contact with Metroplex was quite curt and cold. I was told that no loans were available and wasn’t even offered a “good luck on your new business.” Ironically, I didn’t even want a loan, I just had hoped for a simple welcome to the business community. Well, I figured what the heck, I didn’t need their backing or support. As I was nearing the opening date, I contracted with a company that would supply my coffee beans and apparatus. The firm I chose also services the new Muddy Cup located in Proctors. As I was buying the same coffee (on a smaller scale), I decided to visit Muddy Cup. While there, I made a coffee purchase and spoke with the counter staff. I introduced myself and complimented them on their very decorative surroundings. I also said I didn’t in any way feel that I was in competition with them and, in fact, wished them good luck. The next day, I received a call from my intended coffee supplier stating that the owner of Muddy Cup threatened to pull all their accounts if they sold to my business. I was quite chagrined, to say the least, but just attributed this unfortunate incident to greed and general insecurity on the part of Muddy Cup and the coffee supplier. I was still not discouraged, and found it ironic that every coffeehouse owner I previously met with in the Capital Region (and I met with many) were gracious and offered me a wealth of information and advice. So perhaps the Schenectady business community needs to re-evaluate the cohesiveness that is necessary to really forge ahead in developing Schenectady as an inviting place for not only large business but small business establishments like mine. Small businesses are the bricks and mortar that secure any business community foundation. I must add, several small business owners in Schenectady have visited my shop and wished me well, as have many local residents, hospital staff, and college faculty, staff and students from Union and SCCC. To them, I thank you so very much for welcoming me to the community. DANIEL DITONNO Schenectady
That just goes to show that anyone who wants help from Metroplex had better be opening a business in the "million Dollar Mile" or there's no money available for you.
I agree! You would think that they would have tried to support 'no beans about it' since it is a new business in the city in a location that is in desperate need of updating! Well, obviously this is one business that the METROPLEX can't control. I hope to God that the college kids go there instead of the stupid Muddy Cup.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
On Dec. 18, The Daily Gazette ran a letter from Mr. Daniel DiTonno concerning his new coffee establishment in the city. We welcome him and wish him well with this new venture. However, we must correct two items in his letter. First, Mr. DiTonno says that he contacted Metroplex and basically received no response. We get lots of calls and e-mails from companies interested in investing in Schenectady County, and we are very careful to try and answer each communication in a timely manner. We have no records indicating a contact from Mr. DiTonno. If we did not respond we apologize, but we do not have a record of his communication with us. Second, the letter indicates that Mr. DiTonno contacted the Muddy Cup and shortly thereafter, experienced problems with his planned coffee supplier. We contacted the owner of the Muddy Cup. They offered the following as a response. The coffee supplier referred to in the letter is actually owned by the Muddy Cup. Like any other company, Muddy Cup has worked hard to develop its brand. The Muddy Cup is not going to give up the right to its brand and all the work put into developing that brand for another retailer. So, the company put Mr. DiTonno in touch with another coffee distributor so he could obtain coffee and other supplies. They thought they were being quite helpful to do this, and they wish him good luck with his new venture. In no way did the Muddy Cup interfere with or impair Mr. DiTonno’s effort. In fact, they tried to be helpful. To suggest otherwise is simply incorrect. RAY GILLEN Schenectady The writer is chairman of the Metroplex Development Authority.
Please join No Beans About It and the Chamber of Schenectady County for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, February 14th at 4 p.m.
Owner Michael Di Tonno invites you to stop by to check out his new digs! No Beans About It features specialty hot beverages, eclectic lunches and homemade baked goods.
No Beans About It, 1502 Van Vranken Avenue (corner of Nott Street), Schenectady 518.370.2233
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