From the Daily News:Fresh Direct’s government-subsidized move to the Bronx could spell the end to one Queens businessman’s American dream.
Gus Kaloudis, 36, poured his life savings into the New York Deli in Long Island City when he bought it three years ago. The busy eatery seemed like it would be a dependable cash cow since it was the only nearby lunch joint for Fresh Direct and other workers in the industrial area.
But when news hit that the online grocer would pack up and move to the Bronx in 2015, Kaloudis, a father of three, knew his livelihood was in jeopardy.
“How would you feel if 50% of your customer base disappeared,” he said in between ringing up customers at his Borden Ave. deli.
“I haven’t been able to catch my breath.”
He doesn’t know how he will stay afloat without Fresh Direct drivers, corporate staffers and vendors stopping by his store every day for their morning newspaper or a pack of cigarettes.
10 comments:
way to put those eggs in one basket
A gamble and now to adapt or move or die are the options. Stop crying.
Don't you worry - payback Fresh Direct will die off in the future - it does not make money under it's current model, rest assured.
What, the clowns from the Salvation Army mens shelter aren't buying enough loosies there?
It would be too bad if Fresh Direct "died off" as it can be a good way to purchase groceries for those who live in neighborhoods with less-than-excellent supermarkets (inc. much of Western Queens with its crappy little Key Foods with expired products, moldy bread, and overpriced produce).
It's also useful for those who cannot get around very well.
Wishing them out of business isn't the answer. As a resident of Queens I wish they'd stayed, and that it didn't take such immense breaks from the gov't to keep them in the city.
As for the deli, the guy took a gamble. It IS too bad for him, but he can either get out now or hope that another business will come along (I know--good luck with that).
Let me get this right...he expected that the employees of one of the city's largest WHOLE FOOD distributors would be the major bulk of his deli's customer base? Sounds like he failed the day he opened his doors.
Fresh Direct is moving in 2015. stop the whining. you could be dead by then.
Really, "clowns from the salvation army "
Sound like some one who never served they're country in any way. Maybe you should volunteer there to get to know how and why they're there.
What's your next move? Are you going to kick a veteran next.
Your a loser.
Really, "clowns from the salvation army "
Sound like some one who never served they're country in any way. Maybe you should volunteer there to get to know how and why they're there.
What's your next move? Are you going to kick a veteran next.
Your a loser.
--------------------------------
Well, I AM a veteran, and I have had more dealings with the "clientele" from thast shelter than I care to remember. While I give due credit to every man and woman who served their country, I am not ready to automatically deify them and put them on a pedestal. Not every veteran is a saint, and these guys demonstrate that in the most disgraceful ways possible, on a daily basis.
Well, anyone can say they're a veteran . I'll take your word for it. But I still don't believe you.I have worked at a VA hospital, and no ones a saint weather your a vet or not.
But you should then know that substance abuse is a major issues with these vet's , and no one should be quick to judge.
Well, anyone can say they're a veteran . I'll take your word for it. But I still don't believe you.
--------------------------------
Ditto, pal.
Post a Comment