Village Kitchen 2022

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by TomC

I was talking to a Real Estate agent yesterday (5/13) and she said in passing that VK is for sale She is a residential agent and didn't indicate whether it was the property or the business or both.

perhaps Samiam can confirm or dispel this rumor....

Yes,it's true.Hate to leave the business but way past retirement time for us.

[tis]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Yes,it's true.Hate to leave the business but way past retirement time for us.

😢 I am sorry to hear this, Sam, (happy for you) and good luck with a sale and retirement. It's bittersweet.

[Susie Cougar]

I’m sorry to hear this too, Sam, but wish you and your family the very best in your future.

If there’s one bright side, the real estate market is red hot.

[phoenix]

Bob are you keeping the red hill dairy

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by phoenix

Bob are you keeping the red hill dairy

Yes....it's only seasonal so it's pretty problem free....except finding staff.
Can't believe we're not getting kids for summer jobs

[phoenix]

seems like a modification of the peter paul and mary song " where have all the children gone"

[Susie Cougar]

How much has school enrollment gone down in recent years, or has it?

[SailinAway]

Re working teenagers, when I was a high school teacher (I left 20 years ago), teenagers overworking outside school was a severe problem. They exceeded the legal number of hours for their age and prioritized work over school. The reason for working was sometimes an expensive vehicle they had to have.

I've tried to hire quite a few teenagers to work on my property. It has been a consistent failure. 50% don't show up on the first day. Half of those who do, don't show up on the second day. Every time I look out the window, they're on their cell phones. I end up working alongside them to keep them moving and doing most of the work myself.

[Loventhelake]

Has the VK stepped into the 21st century yet and started accepting plastic?
I’d like to try it sometime but me no carry the cash….

[camp guy]

The last time I was in the Village Kitchen I believe there was an ATM in the vestibule area, so cash isn't a problem if you have an ATM card. If you don't have an ATM card you can always go to the bank the morning of the day you want to visit VK and withdraw some cash. The fact that VK doesn't accept plastic is not a total barrier to being able to go there.

[Loventhelake]

Originally Posted by camp guy

The last time I was in the Village Kitchen I believe there was an ATM in the vestibule area, so cash isn't a problem if you have an ATM card. If you don't have an ATM card you can always go to the bank the morning of the day you want to visit VK and withdraw some cash. The fact that VK doesn't accept plastic is not a total barrier to being able to go there.

Of which a fee is charged…

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by Loventhelake

Of which a fee is charged…

It is not necessary to continue beating a dead horse.
Nothing is going to change.SAMIAM has been running a very successful business for many years. His customers are happy and his waitstaff is happy. He has explained his philosophy multiple times.
And he has stated that he will also take a personal check. That’s too hard for you to do too?

Maybe you’ve lost your chance to try his delicious food, because I’ve heard that he may be selling the restaurant. Maybe the new owners will raise their prices and then accept credit cards and then you can go.

[Billy Bob]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

It is not necessary to continue beating a dead horse.
Nothing is going to change.SAMIAM has been running a very successful business for many years. His customers are happy and his waitstaff is happy. He has explained his philosophy multiple times.
And he has stated that he will also take a personal check. That’s too hard for you to do too?

Maybe you’ve lost your chance to try his delicious food, because I’ve heard that he may be selling the restaurant. Maybe the new owners will raise their prices and then accept credit cards and then you can go.

Perhaps you missed something because everything is going to change.
In a previous message the owner announced the place is for sale.
He has also stated he is unable to find the help needed to continue the hours needed for dinner. What’s that do to the cash flow.
Also previously stated his past success was helped by his lack of debt. The new owner will have debt from the purchase . What’s that do to ROI
Also stated a potential inability to increase prices as that would have a negative impact on his gross. New owner see that comment and buys this ?
New issue , cost of food has in many cases doubled , can’t afford to hire and costs have doubled and can’t increase prices.
This might have been a VERY successful business in the past but it seems right now this is a business that needs a total overhaul and new business plan

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

Perhaps you missed something because everything is going to change.
In a previous message the owner announced the place is for sale.
He has also stated he is unable to find the help needed to continue the hours needed for dinner. What’s that do to the cash flow.
Also previously stated his past success was helped by his lack of debt. The new owner will have debt from the purchase . What’s that do to ROI
Also stated a potential inability to increase prices as that would have a negative impact on his gross. New owner see that comment and buys this ?
New issue , cost of food has in many cases doubled , can’t afford to hire and costs have doubled and can’t increase prices.
This might have been a VERY successful business in the past but it seems right now this is a business that needs a total overhaul and new business plan

In another thread, you'll learn that people trying to compete in the Lakes Region are competing with folks who paid cash for the business and run it as a hobby. You're not in the old times now.

[tis]

I truly fear small businesses will become a thing of the past. Maybe a one or two man trade business will continue but businesses with say 5-30 employees just won't be able to sustain.

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by tis

I truly fear small businesses will become a thing of the past. Maybe a one or two man trade business will continue but businesses with say 5-30 employees just won't be able to sustain.

Then again, I understand that a new tavern / eating establishment is about to open in Alton Bay.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Loventhelake

Of which a fee is charged…

Maybe you use the wrong bank.

My bank refunds all the ATM fees wherever I use my ATM card. 100%, refunded to my checking account no matter how much the fee is or how many times each month I use the card.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

With everything we all have to fret about these days, having a hissy fit over not being able to use a credit card takes the cake! You clearly have too much free time. Get a hobby…..or better still, buy the V.K. and run it the way YOU want.

[Loventhelake]

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

With everything we all have to fret about these days, having a hissy fit over not being able to use a credit card takes the cake! You clearly have too much free time. Get a hobby…..or better still, buy the V.K. and run it the way YOU want.

The only restaurant around the lake worth going out of my way to get cash for is Pop’s Clam shell!

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Loventhelake

The only restaurant around the lake worth going out of my way to get cash for is Pop’s Clam shell!

Loves Pops went there yesterday. I do have say the portion were definitely smaller this season 65.00 for 2 large strips medium shrimp and fried.


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Loventhelake

The only restaurant around the lake worth going out of my way to get cash for is Pop’s Clam shell!

You don't have to go out of your way, there is an ATM in their dining room beside the restaurant.

You don't tip in cash? Waitstaff? Marina gas attendants? People who go above and beyond making deliveries to your home?

Maybe it is just me, but if I don't have cash in my pocket it feels like something is wrong.

[TheTimeTraveler]

I went to the Village Kitchen for breakfast a few days ago and heard that they are now officially under new ownership.

I knew it was for sale, but found it surprising that it had actually transferred as the meal I had was as good as I've always had there. Hats off to the new owner(s) for keeping up with the quality, staying with the great prices, and providing the good service! The hours until 2 pm remain unchanged.

I did notice that each table prominently displayed a new sign (in a clear plastic stand) that credit cards are not accepted for purchases.

I have no idea if the new owner has also purchased the building or not. One of the issues of that particular building is the current shifting (or sinking) of the floor in the middle of the dining area (don't place marbles on the tables). You can bet that solving that building issue will be time consuming and expensive.

Owning a Restaurant in todays environment is difficult and I want to wish the new owner much success!

[FlyingScot]

Sam--

Congratulations on a great run! Our family can only hope the new guys will do as well. Thanks for many a terrific meal

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Loventhelake

Has the VK stepped into the 21st century yet and started accepting plastic?
I’d like to try it sometime but me no carry the cash….

Maybe it is just me, but I don't understand carrying no cash. I never leave the house without cash in my pocket. I have had credit cards skimmed twice when using them in gas stations.

I took an Uber to the airport today and tipped in cash. When I eat in a restaurant, even if I pay with a credit card, I always leave a cash tip. I am sure the help appreciates it. If I have work done at the house I always ask for a cash price and it usually results in a lower price and saves money. As most people do, I tip the gas dock attendant in cash when gassing the boat.

Many people in business would rather have their money right away and it saves them the 2,3,4% that the credit card companies charge.

[rsmlp]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Maybe it is just me, but I don't understand carrying no cash. I never leave the house without cash in my pocket. I have had credit cards skimmed twice when using them in gas stations.

I took an Uber to the airport today and tipped in cash. When I eat in a restaurant, even if I pay with a credit card, I always leave a cash tip. I am sure the help appreciates it. If I have work done at the house I always ask for a cash price and it usually results in a lower price and saves money. As most people do, I tip the gas dock attendant in cash when gassing the boat.

Many people in business would rather have their money right away and it saves them the 2,3,4% that the credit card companies charge.

Hardly ever have it. Atavistic. Won't even be thing twenty years from now. I agree, it would be convenient if VK would accept cc but it WON'T prevent me from going!

[phoenix]

Will miss you sam but lots of luck and keep red hill dairy going

[phoenix]

i Should say Bob you have been at this for 50 years and what a success

[pondguy]

I remember when the first Village Kitchen was in an old building where Magic Foods is now. That had to be 40 years ago.

[Nagigator]

Same here. My recollection is that it was an old gas station before it became the VK

[tis]

Congratulations!!

[ishoot308]

Congrats to Samiam for a well deserved retirement!!

Dan

[tis]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

How much has school enrollment gone down in recent years, or has it?

Somebody mentioned this in another thread saying it has gone down in, I believe, Moultonboro. I believe the Gov. Wentworth student enrollment is down also. Haven't seen anything about Meredith/Laconia area.