Restaurant Owners Wanted

sweet pea · #1 02-04-2007, 07:58 PM

Hello all. Just wanted to drop by and introduce myself. My name is Joanna, and I own a lovely restaurant in Central Virginia. My youngest child is graduating, and we are relocating to Florida. We are also giving our restaurant to the winner of a National Essay Contest. If you have always wanted to own your own business and have what it takes - drop by my website for details on how to enter. I look forward to chatting with you all on this forum, and perhaps one of you may soon be the new owner of your own restaurant.

Skimmer · #2 02-06-2007, 03:37 PM

Hey! Sounds like a great way to begin your retirement!
Congratulations and good luck!

chrose · #3 02-06-2007, 06:14 PM

I have seen companies that do the regulating for these types of contests. No small amount of work for the owner either. You can either be successful or it doesn't work and you're back to square one. You don't have to give details, but it would be interesting to know how it goes as you progress. Good luck.

sweet pea · #4 03-01-2007, 09:29 AM

Thanks for the good wishes, I'll attempt to keep you up to date on the progress. Its been a busy few weeks handling the press at this point. We have had lots of interested folks stopping by for a peek, and today we officially start taking entries. It should be an interesting ride, and I sincerely hope that at the end of the road, we have found the right person to take the helm. I know my staff is anxious to see what happens. Well thats all for now. For all of you working towards owning your own someday - don't miss an opportunity thats knocking on your door. At least visit the website and take a peek. Sweet Peas Neighborhood Bistro & Pour House needs a great captain.

Joanna

Stewey · #5 03-08-2007, 12:08 AM

Hey there,

I tried visiting the site but it didn't work. Am I missing something? (www .sweetpeabistro.net?)

Salliem · #6 03-08-2007, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewey

Hey there,

I tried visiting the site but it didn't work. Am I missing something? (www .sweetpea.net?)

It's working now.

Stewey · #7 03-08-2007, 10:08 AM

Aha! I forgot the "s" in "sweetpeas"

sweet pea · #8 03-08-2007, 08:43 PM

Good - you had me a little worried there!

Hopefully you found plenty of information there, if you have questions, I would be happy to answer them.

Joanna

sweet pea · #9 03-24-2007, 12:05 PM

Well the contest has opened, and we are starting to receive essays. I'm glad to report that most of them are not a "sad story" but rather a blue print of dreams, ideas, skills and plans - should they win the restaurant. The staff is excited to have an assortment of chefs, managers and business people who are interested. After all, they hope to be working for the new owners. Just wanted to give you a quick update, and to remind any of you who are interested that the contest runs through May, and we are looking for someone wonderful to take over and make the place their own. I'll keep you all posted.

Joanna

AprilB · #10 03-25-2007, 02:41 AM

it sounds more like a raffle to me combined with one of those e-bay auctions with a 'reserve'. (only in those you don't have to pay anything to bid)

A different way to sell a business without "selling it".

April

It sounds more like a lottery to me

sweet pea · #11 03-25-2007, 07:45 PM

April,

It is indeed a different way to SELL a restaurant. Lottery's are not legal in most states, so it has to be a "Skills Contest", therefor the essay. It also gives us a better chance to take a peek into who will be taking over our business and our customers. Different from a lottery, there is no element of chance involved. We are reading and scoring each essay we receive based on specific judging criteria. No pulling a name out of a hat here, but your odds of winning are certainly much better than with the lottery. Heck if you have talent, are passionate about the business and can effectively share your dream - who knows what you can accomplish with $199! My sister spends more on a pair of shoes.

On the flip side, it certainly offers a unique way to BUY a restaurant as well. It may open the door to someone who would never be able to afford to do it under any other circumstances. Winning it Free and Clear is a wonderfulway to go. By involving our staff, we assure buy-in from them, and hope to smooth the transition for the new owner should they choose to keep the staff on. Even if the winner hates our concept and wants to start from scratch they have a fully equipped building and a great step up due to lack of a financial monkey on their back.

Love it or hate it, you gotta appreciate the creative spirit. In the end, we hope to find a wonderful person and help them start their own business.

Joanna