7-ELEVEN IS RETURNING TO JACKSONVILLE!
Mayor Alvin Brown and 7-Eleven, Inc. President and CEO Jo DePinto invite you to join Toney Sleiman, President of Sleiman Enterprises, state and other local leaders to announce the return of 7-Eleven to Jacksonville!
This means that new jobs, new franchise opportunities and new growth opportunities are coming to Jacksonville.
The event will be held at the Jacksonville Landing, Wednesday, March 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Free Slurpee drinks and refreshments will be served.
To RSVP, call (904) 353-1188, ext. 1010.
You had me at free Slurpees!
This is the best thing to happen to downtown since I moved here a few years ago.
Mmm. Slurpee.
"Oh thank heavens..."
Because we've solved the budget, police pension, zoning, demolition, and every other major problem plaguing our city.........
Quote from: RiversideLoki on March 16, 2012, 10:36:14 PM
Because we've solved the budget, police pension, zoning, demolition, and every other major problem plaguing our city.........
For I say, it is only then, once our manifold problems are solved, that we may slurp in unity. May our brains freeze in peace, on that day. But 'till that day come, may we be ever diligent to refrain from the advances of the Slurpee, the most intoxicating of all frozen, carbonated and sweet refreshments. It's icy delights must continue to spin within the confines of that cooling machine while our hopeful eyes look long fully at what will be ours one day... 'till that day comes we must refuse our rewards. Our trials have yet to end. To slurp is to complete. My friends, we are not yet complete.
May I remind you of our crisis. May I remind you of our "budget, police pension, zoning, demolition, and every other major problem plaguing our city." I have seen the ill fruit of early rewards. Of false high-fives and sugary-highs. The least of our worries are rotting teeth and red lips. My very own eyes have seen entire nations fall as they clenched, with terrifying fear, the recyclable plastic container of a seven-eleven Slurpee. They laughed at stern warnings. Mocked teachers of wisdom. Now, the trouble is theirs. Their drinks have melted in their mouths into a luke warm cesspool of bacteria. What was once filled with bubbles in now flat and, regrettably, stale. Their fathers mourn with regret. Their mothers weep in despair. The young ones, grow angry, as the sickly veils of caffeine are finally lifted and the filth of their surroundings are fully noted.
Quote from: RiversideLoki on March 16, 2012, 10:36:14 PM
Because we've solved the budget, police pension, zoning, demolition, and every other major problem plaguing our city.........
Oh chill out and take a sip. Its not that serious :P
7-Eleven, may you live long and prosper.
For some reason I doubt we would be celebrating this if Peyton were still mayor. Just a hunch.
Quote from: copperfiend on March 17, 2012, 04:02:35 PM
For some reason I doubt we would be celebrating this if Peyton were still mayor. Just a hunch.
not sure I agree...the deal with Gate was for 7-Eleven to leave the market for 20 years....and now they're back
Any idea on when the 7-Eleven downtown is expected to open?
^ interior renovations are underway...should be by beginning of summer
Thanks. I'm coming to visit in May and was hoping it would be open. Doesn't sound likely.
Nice to know that the Mayor considers this newsworthy!
Quote from: mtraininjax on March 18, 2012, 10:25:04 PM
Nice to know that the Mayor considers this newsworthy!
It is if 7-Eleven has decided to expand in this market we will likely see double digit stores. Also a major chain saying our downtown is safe to invest in may carry weight with others looking to invest.
Quote from: JeffreyS on March 18, 2012, 10:35:52 PM
Quote from: mtraininjax on March 18, 2012, 10:25:04 PM
Nice to know that the Mayor considers this newsworthy!
It is if 7-Eleven has decided to expand in this market we will likely see double digit stores. Also a major chain saying our downtown is safe to invest in may carry weight with others looking to invest.
+100
Quote from: mtraininjax on March 18, 2012, 10:25:04 PM
Nice to know that the Mayor considers this newsworthy!
well considering the company's CEO will be here, they must think its pretty important too!
Nothing wrong with a little celebration. At least they are investing in our Downtown. Where's that Gate Station downtown again??? oh yeah thats right.
Has anyone heard about a 7-Eleven going in at Magnificat's location, where Benoit has been for years. I realize that one is going in somewhere around Julia or the next block west.
I thought that potential deal died months ago?
Quote from: JeffreyS on March 18, 2012, 10:35:52 PM
Quote from: mtraininjax on March 18, 2012, 10:25:04 PM
Nice to know that the Mayor considers this newsworthy!
It is if 7-Eleven has decided to expand in this market we will likely see double digit stores. Also a major chain saying our downtown is safe to invest in may carry weight with others looking to invest.
I am also sure that the soon-to-be created jobs of opening new 7-Eleven locations and the soon-to-be created jobs of employees could reasonably be considered newsworthy...
As for a previous posting about solving all of our city's ills first, I can only assume that local leaders can walk and chew gum at the same time - thus engaging in matters and issues on all levels without somehow being 'neglectful.'
Talked with Benoit of Magnificat this evening. He says that last Thursday the building owner's rep at his location informed him that 7-Eleven is planning to take his location at about $6,000 / month, over twice what he is paying. Benoit does only lunch now, and cannot afford to approach the $6,000. He says that eviction is coming, as he has no lease. I suggested that he might consider opening for early breakfast, and perhaps some evenings so that he could approach the $6K / month figure. Initially I thought that the owner, in order to gain a higher rent from Benoit, might be bluffing about 7 Eleven wanting to come into that building. I doubt if it is a bluff.
In any case, when I think of any kind of 7-Eleven type of store located on that special corner overlooking the park, I cringe. In my view, a 7-Eleven on the corner would be degrading the whole area. Imagine sitting in the park, and looking over at a 7-Eleven. Then imagine looking at people sitting at Magnificat’s outside tables, which he plans to install.
I think there is reason or cause for opposing the 7-Eleven there, based on the fact that one would degrade the area. Surely the 7-Eleven could prosper a block away so that it doesn’t degrade the park environment.
In my view, we, the business owners adjacent, and anybody concerned about the images offered by certain types of businesses, should be able to oppose an incoming business if there is validity in the reasons for opposing.
Benoit, if he is to stay there, might be forced to open more hours and offer more options, such as breakfast and dinner, so that he can afford to compete with the $6K offer by 7-Eleven. After all, if is understandable that the owner of the building is attempting to make as much money from the property as possible. That’s the name of the game.
Ultimately, being open for only lunch at any location is not a very efficient or full use of the building or space asset. Seems to me that if he wants to stay there, he will have to open more hours and increase his gross so that he can pay at least $5K / month. I think he utilizes about 1,400 sq. ft. on the main floor, although there is storage on the second floor, and a small basement.
This is a tough situation. I've seen 7-Eleven develop some pretty nice urban stores so a nice location can be developed, although COJ would have to drive the process.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1395926303_QtdXW6k-600x10000.jpg)
However, I wouldn't want to see Magnificat forced out if it were avoidable. If push comes to shove, I wonder if it would be possible for Magnificat to move to the former Shelby's Coffee spot across the street in the main library? Right now that space is completely underutilized like most of COJ properties downtown.
Having two places on that corner, opening up to the street and park with outdoor seating would be a huge plus for the area, imo.
Absolutely Lake. The two places on the corner having outside seating would be great. From the looks of the photo, that 7-Eleven must get into lunch, coffee, donuts, exotic drinks etc. They’ve come a long way from the first location I remember about 1957 or so, on the corner of Wheat and Firestone.
Regarding Shelby’s, there were some problems with operating in the library. For example, Shelby’s was prevented from placing outdoor signs. And does the library have a full hood system, which Benoit needs for his operation? Also, their operating hours could not extend past those of the library.
Beniot talked yesterday about the idea of moving to the old Chew location on Adams, a move which would be expensive, but feasible. I still hope he can expand his hours to make up the difference in rent.
If he is doing about $1,000 per day now, not Sat/Sun of course, that places his gross at about $26,000 per month. If his rent is calculated on 1,400 sq. ft at $20 / sq. ft., he is paying about $2,300 per month. If he opened for breakfast, coffee, espresso etc, he would probably gross an additional $400 per day, or an additional $10,400 per month, giving him the extra for the increased rent of $6,000 per month. Of course, his labor and product costs would increase too, so it would be tight.
Then he has the option to open on Saturdays for breakfast and lunch. The bottom line might be that his space is underutilized. Notice how a CVS will max out the use of a space by opening 24 hours per day, which only illustrates the idea of maximum use of any owned or purchased property.
In other words, if anyone is going to rent a space and use it only for lunch, it might be a luxury they really can’t afford. Why not use the space for breakfast and dinner? That of course requires extra staff, and a lot more work from the manager/owner. Even though Beniot opens only for lunch, I see him often working from morning to late afternoon, working product, cleaning etc. So if he opened for breakfast, he would have to start his day at 6 a. m. or so.
Of course 7-Eleven has the option to open 24 hours, which would be good for the core if somebody at the Carling needed an aspirin at 3:00 a.m. Of course, this has little to do with the idea of a 7-Eleven being right on one of the most attractive corners of the city core. On the positive side for 7-Eleven however, I will have to admit that it is somewhat of a waste to see Beniot’s place closed so much during the mornings, late afternoons, and Saturdays and Sundays. At least the 7-Eleven would be open all day and most of the night, every day of the year.
If 7-Eleven did open there on the corner, it would be a case of a fundamentally inappropriate business being able to make an entry into an area only because of the area’s current weakness or depressed condition. Therefore, although the 7-Eleven at that prime and beautiful location on one of the best blocks in our city core might be tolerated by many during the current depressed conditions, those same people who favored its entry now might later see the fallacy of it, and wish it had never happened.
This brings up the question of the length of the lease which 7-Eleven might wish to engage. It also brings up the probability that Blanch Pavlese’s (sp?) sons, the current owners, who live somewhere up north, are completely isolated from any concern about the aesthetics of our city core, and are only interested in the bottom line of the rent due each month. So much for distant owners.
Still……….. surely the 7-Eleven people can find “any other†location other than that of the beautiful corner facing the park. What of a place north of city hall, nearer to the FBC, closer to Springfield? Or east, on Main Street? Or on Adams between Main and Hogan? Or in the Elk’s building? One problem is that there are not many suitable places of right size, places which open to the street. Downtown desperately needs to increase the small to moderate sized spaces having street access so that various businesses can have good options for leasing.
Ron, do you know what's going on with the Worman's location? I think Magnificat would do fantastic there, if and only if, they wanted to expand their operations to cover a 6 a.m. breakfast. From what I understand, as I used to be close with the family, most of the Wormans are dead, and the ones still living have no interest in resurrecting the business. From another source, maybe on MetroJax, I hear the only impediment to putting something in that space is the Wormans don't want someone moving "in their own likeness," i.e. no delis. A little confused though, as I haven't seen a For Sale sign in the space?
Don't know what's going on at Worman's, but I agree that the potential for a good breakfast / lunch place seems in the picture. I will convey the idea to Benoit when I see him. I used to eat breakfast there once or twice per week. Being there would cause him to lose some of the core area "walking" patrons, but he will gain the courthouse workers. Overall, it seems feasible.
Quote from: ronchamblin on March 20, 2012, 02:13:13 AM
Regarding Shelby’s, there were some problems with operating in the library. For example, Shelby’s was prevented from placing outdoor signs. And does the library have a full hood system, which Benoit needs for his operation? Also, their operating hours could not extend past those of the library.
I'm not sure if they have a full hood system but allowing outdoor signage and retail oriented operating hours are simple policy changes. It should be just as easy to address these policies than removing or purchasing new amenities for Hemming Plaza. This is an example of where the city simply restricts natural market rate growth in downtown from happening.
QuoteOf course 7-Eleven has the option to open 24 hours, which would be good for the core if somebody at the Carling needed an aspirin at 3:00 a.m. Of course, this has little to do with the idea of a 7-Eleven being right on one of the most attractive corners of the city core. On the positive side for 7-Eleven however, I will have to admit that it is somewhat of a waste to see Beniot’s place closed so much during the mornings, late afternoons, and Saturdays and Sundays. At least the 7-Eleven would be open all day and most of the night, every day of the year.
If 7-Eleven did open there on the corner, it would be a case of a fundamentally inappropriate business being able to make an entry into an area only because of the area’s current weakness or depressed condition. Therefore, although the 7-Eleven at that prime and beautiful location on one of the best blocks in our city core might be tolerated by many during the current depressed conditions, those same people who favored its entry now might later see the fallacy of it, and wish it had never happened.
This brings up the question of the length of the lease which 7-Eleven might wish to engage. It also brings up the probability that Blanch Pavlese’s (sp?) sons, the current owners, who live somewhere up north, are completely isolated from any concern about the aesthetics of our city core, and are only interested in the bottom line of the rent due each month. So much for distant owners.
Still……….. surely the 7-Eleven people can find “any other†location other than that of the beautiful corner facing the park. What of a place north of city hall, nearer to the FBC, closer to Springfield? Or east, on Main Street? Or on Adams between Main and Hogan? Or in the Elk’s building? One problem is that there are not many suitable places of right size, places which open to the street. Downtown desperately needs to increase the small to moderate sized spaces having street access so that various businesses can have good options for leasing.
I'm totally fine with 7-Eleven being on major corners. They've proven time and time again in markets way more vibrant than downtown Jax will ever be in our lifetimes, that they can fit in and add to the pedestrian scale atmosphere. They'd also be open 7-days a week and cater to downtown's residential population like they do in urban cities all across the country. So 7-Eleven, short or long term would be the least of my concerns in this situation.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1429679201_HdZ4xWM-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1429704241_rTphvrg-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1429745708_RB5PNdC-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1429763069_mhxL4nx-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1430029808_4n2gDm4-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1430028370_vngSXBC-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1423003454_dsBbR74-M.jpg)
Personally, I'd be more concerned with finding a new financially viable location for Magnificat if they are forced to move and immediately addressing restrictive public policies that limit market rate growth from naturally happening (Library/Shelbys location). In addition, the city needs to address how City Hall, the old YMCA building, and Snyder Memorial Church integrate with the park. All three of these buildings form permanent dead zones around the park's perimeter. All should include some use at the street corners that open up to the park and encourage pedestrian scale activity.
Not to hijack too much, but what's going on with the old Library?!
The trick to having a great setup for a 7-eleven in that space will be the city making sure the design is appropriate.
I think I've posted this before, but the 7-Eleven in Tarrytown, NY. has a great design. On a street with a lot of boutiques, very Avondale-ish. Didn't even know it was a 7-Eleven at first.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7+eleven+tarrytown&ll=41.076262,-73.858294&spn=0.00461,0.026157&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&fb=1&gl=us&hq=7+eleven&hnear=0x89c2eac92b29513d:0x5f42558efd66726f,Tarrytown,+NY&cid=0,0,10454077500883803203&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=41.076254,-73.858303&panoid=4EISpLNUIYqyCnHlClKjqA&cbp=12,263.79,,0,-5.23 (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7+eleven+tarrytown&ll=41.076262,-73.858294&spn=0.00461,0.026157&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&fb=1&gl=us&hq=7+eleven&hnear=0x89c2eac92b29513d:0x5f42558efd66726f,Tarrytown,+NY&cid=0,0,10454077500883803203&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=41.076254,-73.858303&panoid=4EISpLNUIYqyCnHlClKjqA&cbp=12,263.79,,0,-5.23)
Quote from: Bridges on March 20, 2012, 09:07:52 AM
I think I've posted this before, but the 7-Eleven in Tarrytown, NY. has a great design. On a street with a lot of boutiques, very Avondale-ish. Didn't even know it was a 7-Eleven at first.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7+eleven+tarrytown&ll=41.076262,-73.858294&spn=0.00461,0.026157&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&fb=1&gl=us&hq=7+eleven&hnear=0x89c2eac92b29513d:0x5f42558efd66726f,Tarrytown,+NY&cid=0,0,10454077500883803203&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=41.076254,-73.858303&panoid=4EISpLNUIYqyCnHlClKjqA&cbp=12,263.79,,0,-5.23 (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7+eleven+tarrytown&ll=41.076262,-73.858294&spn=0.00461,0.026157&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&fb=1&gl=us&hq=7+eleven&hnear=0x89c2eac92b29513d:0x5f42558efd66726f,Tarrytown,+NY&cid=0,0,10454077500883803203&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=41.076254,-73.858303&panoid=4EISpLNUIYqyCnHlClKjqA&cbp=12,263.79,,0,-5.23)
The face of a 7-11 is definitely not what it used to be. I think that's a common misconception with the business. I think they are polar opposites from what they were 20-30 years ago. People have visions of a glorified Citgo/Shell, when in actually, they are higher "class" convenient store.
That being said, I'll take Magnificat (with more hours/more services) > 7-11 in that space any day of the week.
My ideal situation, though, would be to have Magnificat in the old Worman's space.
IMO having a business risk their (or their investors) money in our struggling DT is way, way more important than whether or not they create something that I or others might deem inappropriate. Suggestions and encouragement to do things in a pedestrian friendly way are fine but the more welcoming and the less restrictive we are with DT development, the more we will get.
Quote from: ben says on March 20, 2012, 09:28:33 AMThat being said, I'll take Magnificat (with more hours/more services) > 7-11 in that space any day of the week.
What you have here is the natural market in the works. It's tough for Magnificat but it's not out of line to understand that most aren't investing their own money in real estate to not make a profit on their specific investments. If Magnificat can come up with a business plan and is willing to risk paying double in rent, then so be it. However, if the numbers don't work, relocation should probably be considered. In a situation like this, it's best to have a downtown public entity who can help the small business owner relocate to another fiscally viable location as seamless as possible.
I think a 7-Eleven at that corner can only help the area. Especially if they are open late. Too bad the trio hasn't been redone yet, 7-Eleven would go really well on the corner of Laura and Adams with the Carling, Barnett, and trio in full swing.
I think it's a great location for a 7-11, heck they already have that large billboard on the roof which needs to be signed and lit up. Magnificat has done nothing with it.
People who havent been to a 7-11 since they left Jacksonville will be very surprised when they open back up here. I visit my parents often in South Florida and all the 7-11's near their house sell all sorts of freshly made food options; anything from standard gas station food such as hot dogs and taquitos to pizza and wings to fresh cuban subs and all sorts of other subs, fresh fruit and fruit cups and of course slurpees and fresh coffee. And surprisingly, it all taste good! One of them even makes the subs for you, like a subway.
Quote from: fsujax on March 20, 2012, 09:54:51 AM
I think it's a great location for a 7-11, heck they already have that large billboard on the roof which needs to be signed and lit up. Magnificat has done nothing with it.
I think that's my biggest complaint with Magnificat. I love their food. I love their style. The location is to die for. BUT, they do nothing with that location! They're open, what, 20 hours a week? The billboard needs help, and the business in that spot needs to be open at least 8 hours a day, 7 days a week.
QuoteWhat you have here is the natural market in the works. It's tough for Magnificat but it's not out of line to understand that most aren't investing their own money in real estate to not make a profit on their specific investments. If Magnificat can come up with a business plan and is willing to risk paying double in rent, then so be it. However, if the numbers don't work, relocation should probably be considered. In a situation like this, it's best to have a downtown public entity who can help the small business owner relocate to another fiscally viable location as seamless as possible.
100% agree.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1395926303_QtdXW6k-600x10000.jpg)
Downtown signage regulations wouldn't allow that particular signage, but there's nothing stopping an urban walk up 7-11 in that location to have some type of outdoor cafe space with planter boxers similar to what you see all over Chicago (assuming they fill in the space in that god-awful iron-fence guarded seating area)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1435386626_5DrzHXw-M.jpg)
Quote from: fieldafm on March 20, 2012, 10:17:37 AM
Downtown signage regulations wouldn't allow that particular signage...
...Sigh...
I take it we dont know what 7-11 is going to do with the Facade or signage?
thats the problem, the signage ordinance is ridiculos and needs to be changed.
Quote from: fsujax on March 20, 2012, 02:37:06 PM
thats the problem, the signage ordinance is ridiculos and needs to be changed.
They might as well. Because they are always making "signage exceptions". That should be a "sign" that the ordinance is outdated.
Really? We celebrate the return of 7-eleven? At the landing?? Is 7-eleven that big a deal in Jacksonville??? No wonder we're always getting laughed at by everyone else.
Quote from: tufsu1 on March 19, 2012, 08:48:47 AM
Quote from: mtraininjax on March 18, 2012, 10:25:04 PM
Nice to know that the Mayor considers this newsworthy!
well considering the company's CEO will be here, they must think its pretty important too!
(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/319879_411343575557851_100000466360369_1560889_617610606_n.jpg)
Clearly they are planning a big move into the market. Better get your franchise now.
QuoteIs 7-eleven that big a deal in Jacksonville???
When the CEO of a company that has 45,000 worldwide employees and $17 billion in revenue comes to your city to make a major investment in your market... YES, that is cause to celebrate.
For comparisons sake, that is more than the revenue of two of our F500 companies (CSX and Winn Dixie) COMBINED.
I would also like to add... the rollout of 7-11 was something in the pipeline WAY before the Mobility Fee moratorium(along with multiple other developments currently breaking ground).
Some have suggested that the free market and profit is king, and therefore one cannot blame any building owner from a decision to gain $6K per month as compared to $3K. I’ve been persuaded that 7-Eleven now is not like the stores I remember in the fifties and sixties. Thanks to the photos posted, it is clear that 7-Eleven can be an upscale image. And I can imagine, with over fifty years of experience in store design and overall product offerings, that the chain can only be a positive to the environment at any corner they land upon.
Fundamentally the building asset is underused and developed by Benoit, being opened only four hours per day. Given the competition for space on the corner, and the offer for $6K, Benoit has two options; to either open all day, or at least for breakfast, so that he can pay the $6K, or to move to a location he can afford by his opening only four or five hours per day. The old Shelby’s location in the library would accommodate Benoit’s desire to open only for lunch, whereas the Worman location would better fit a breakfast through lunch plan.
The entry of a 7-Eleven on the various corners will have the effect of offering competition to the neighbor businesses because they will have the funds to install to the max the best equipment so that whatever they offer will be of high quality. In this economy they will have a pick of the best workers available to train via their experienced program. Therefore, the overall impact will be positive, as it will improve quality of product offered, and will insure the demise of existing mediocrities in the area. Look for improvements or failures in surrounding businesses such as Scotties on Adams.
Whereas Magnificat is a draw for only four hours per day, the 7-Eleven will be a draw all day long. Increased activity in the area over longer periods, increased downtown workers, increased funding to the building owner, and therefore increased funding for building improvements and property taxes.
The 7-Eleven corporate fellows have probably been watching the area for a good while, watching the rather unimpressive utilization of spaces, the mediocre business plans, and the poor product and service mixes being offered. They have sixty years of experience at engaging the marketplace. In many ways, we all will learn from them as they set up the area stores, and for those who are flexible, the pressure of competition will improve their own profits as a result.
Once again, freedom reigns supreme in the wild marketplace. Competition is king. The survival of the fittest dynamic improves whatever survives, whether in life or in business. Do it right, or do it to the max, or get out.
Magnificat I presume still has a chance to exercise his option to pay more at the location. I would rather see 7-Eleven enter into a non-occupied building in the area, and not one that is already occupied. The disruption of his business during a move is going to be quite costly. The positive side of any move however is that one can plan a perfect layout at the new location. Unfortunately for Beniot, his corner is highly desirable, as it is one of “the†prime corners for our soon-to-be….. well…. hopefully….. downtown recovery.
Channel 4 just said 80 new stores in the metro area (duval, clay, St johns)
Many of these 7-Elevens are gonna be in suburban areas, and everyone 'knows' that's definitely not good for Jax; Therefore I'm gonna say the mandatory "Great, more suburban sprawl!" post, now I spared MJ posters from saying that facsimile post, and everything here is back to normal. :D
Hmm....lots of potential mobility fee money lost....
Now Lake you know it's because the city suspended the mobility fee that 7-Eleven is now going to build all these new stores!
^Lol, yes, I'm sure the CEO of a company with +40,000 stores in 16 countries that has been opening stores at an average of every two hours worldwide, has been losing sleep because Jacksonville having a transportation impact fee. Only a fool would believe such a thing.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1429763069_mhxL4nx-M.jpg)
Anyway, since they want as many as 80 stores in the metro area, I'd love to see them put in a walkable store somewhere between 6th and 9th on Main Street in Springfield.
^ San Diego?
Quote from: thelakelander on March 22, 2012, 09:08:15 AM
^Lol, yes, I'm sure the CEO of a company with +40,000 stores in 16 countries that has been opening stores at an average of every two hours worldwide, has been losing sleep because Jacksonville having a transportation impact fee. Only a fool would believe such a thing.
Particularly when the first two stores they are opening would have been in the low fee area. No I don't think anyone who looks at the mobility fee moratorium for more than a second thinks the City Council's intent was to do anything good for their constituents. They have made very clear it is a members only GOB insider sellout.
Quote from: tufsu1 on March 22, 2012, 09:14:51 AM
^ San Diego?
Yes. Across the street from PETCO Park.
Quote from: JeffreyS on March 22, 2012, 09:28:25 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on March 22, 2012, 09:08:15 AM
^Lol, yes, I'm sure the CEO of a company with +40,000 stores in 16 countries that has been opening stores at an average of every two hours worldwide, has been losing sleep because Jacksonville having a transportation impact fee. Only a fool would believe such a thing.
Particularly when the first two stores they are opening would have been in the low fee area. No I don't think anyone who looks at the mobility fee moratorium for more than a second thinks the City Council's intent was to do anything good for their constituents. They have made very clear it is a members only GOB insider sellout.
Yeah, the store at Forsyth & Julia would pay nothing since its an existing storefront in an area (downtown) that is exempt from the mobility fee. The State & Main site would be considered a redevelopment site so it would be close to nil if it were not also in downtown (exempt). I believe they are also converting an existing gas station to a 7-Eleven near the airport. In that case, that fee would have been close to nothing also. The majority of the other initial locations aren't even in Jax.
It's interesting that nothing was said in the TU about the Magnificate location. I'm now wondering if the owners of the Magnificat building are bluffing in order to get Benoit to open more hours so that he can pay more rent. IMO he probably should open more hours, at least for breakfast, so that he can obtain a lease, and remain there. The place is closed most of the day. But........ maybe its just the way he wants to do it.
Benoit was a head chef at some major restaurants and hotels for years. At age 42 he met Kathy and decided he wanted a life and family; something not possible when you are working from 10AM til Midnight, seven days a week. His decision to open only four hours a day was a lifestyle choice.
He actually works more hours than that since all of his food is prepared from scratch. If you haven't tried one of his quiche, you are missing a treat. The carrot and ginger soup is simply fantastic and unique. We can't duplicate it, but not for lack of trying.
Businesses must adapt sometimes.
A solution could be either the old Shelbys location in the library(whose operating hours segway nicely with Magnificant's current hours-and could further activate the public space that is Hemming Plaza by adding more active uses in the area) OR something that would fit one's lifestyle even better- a food truck (which could also serve to activate the Hemming Plaza area assuming an urban walk up 7-11 moves in).
Quote from: Dog Walker on March 22, 2012, 11:44:00 AM
Benoit was a head chef at some major restaurants and hotels for years. At age 42 he met Kathy and decided he wanted a life and family; something not possible when you are working from 10AM til Midnight, seven days a week. His decision to open only four hours a day was a lifestyle choice.
He actually works more hours than that since all of his food is prepared from scratch. If you haven't tried one of his quiche, you are missing a treat. The carrot and ginger soup is simply fantastic and unique. We can't duplicate it, but not for lack of trying.
His food is good, no doubt. I don't think anyone, including Ron, is really trying to undercut Benoit personally. Clearly he's a great chef and deserves to run a restaurant however he wants and wherever he wants. That being said, I think it's natural for others, like us, to "wish he was open more hours" or "which he was in another location." As I've said numerous times, I think he would do a good business at the old Wormans location (but, like his current location, that would require him opening more hours). I also wish there was a Magnificat (and a Chamblin's, for that matter) in 5 Points (old Fuel space, or the place next to Cozy Tea?). Wishing he was open more hours is flattery (in addition to our thoughts on his business model)--"Hey, Benoit, we like your food, stay open more!" From the public standpoint, he's blatantly underusing that spot.
http://jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2012-03-22
Does anyone know how Sleiman comes into the picture here? Is he going to be building the new stores in suburbia?
Here's your answer:
QuoteSpokeswoman Margaret Chabris with 7-Eleven said the company is working on five properties with Sleiman, who develops sites around the area.
DePinto thanked the City for waiving the mobility fee on development. City Ordinance 2011-617-E waives mobility fees, which were created to help manage development in Jacksonville, for 12 months to help stimulate business and building activity in the area. It was enacted Oct. 10.
“We waived the fees for developers for one year so that it will allow us to focus on jumpstarting our economy and helping builders by attracting industry here. I want to compete with other counties, and so having a moratorium for one year is a good thing for our city,†said Brown.
Give me a break. Come on Mayor Brown, I know you're smarter than this. Don't hang your constituents (somebody has to pay eventually) out to dry like that. 7-Eleven slapping up 80 stores by 2015 in Jacksonville had nothing to do with the moratorium. They have +40,000 stores in 16 countries and are opening new locations up worldwide at a rate of a store every two hours. If they're popping them up on every street corner in cities like San Francisco, LA, NYC, London, etc., don't believe for one minute that a cheap impact fee (assuming they would even have to pay one) would keep them from expanding in a second tier city like Jacksonville. Looking at the participants (Rick Scott, Mike Weinstein, and Toney Sleiman) and knowing their views on impact fees my guess is the guy was fed a whole bunch of BS during his short visit.
Read your own local media. The mobility plan/fee wasn't approved until September 2011 and the moratorium vote happened in October 2011. We've been talking about 7-Eleven coming back to Jax months before that on this site. Anyone with a little knowledge of development knows investments like this don't go from start to finish in less than six months.
July 2011http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,12721.0.html
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-jul-is-avondale-ready-for-a-7-eleven
http://jacksonville.com/business/2011-07-25/story/7-eleven-considers-development-avondale
September 2011http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-sep-7-eleven-can-convenience-and-aesthetics-co-exist
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-sep-2030-mobility-plan-the-cutting-edge-of-planning
October 2011http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-oct-city-council-prepares-to-halt-mobility-fee
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/print-edition/2011/10/21/mobility-fee-moratorium-may-jumpstart.html?page=all
http://www.facebook.com/events/283560434998544/
Quote from: thelakelander on March 22, 2012, 01:09:18 PM
Here's your answer:
QuoteSpokeswoman Margaret Chabris with 7-Eleven said the company is working on five properties with Sleiman, who develops sites around the area.
DePinto thanked the City for waiving the mobility fee on development. City Ordinance 2011-617-E waives mobility fees, which were created to help manage development in Jacksonville, for 12 months to help stimulate business and building activity in the area. It was enacted Oct. 10.
“We waived the fees for developers for one year so that it will allow us to focus on jumpstarting our economy and helping builders by attracting industry here. I want to compete with other counties, and so having a moratorium for one year is a good thing for our city,†said Brown.
Give me a break. Come on Mayor Brown, I know you're smarter than this. Don't hang your constituents (somebody has to pay eventually) out to dry like that. 7-Eleven slapping up 80 stores by 2015 in Jacksonville had nothing to do with the moratorium. They have +40,000 stores in 16 countries and are opening new locations up worldwide at a rate of a store every two hours. If they're popping them up on every street corner is cities like San Francisco, LA, NYC, London, etc., don't believe for one minute that a cheap impact fee (assuming they would even half to pay one) would keep them from expanding in a second tier city like Jacksonville. Looking at the participants (Rick Scott, Mike Weinstein, and Toney Sleiman) and knowing their views on impact fees my guess is the guy was fed a whole bunch of BS during his short visit.
Read your own local media. The mobility plan/fee wasn't approved until September 2011 and the moratorium vote happened in October 2011. We've been talking about 7-Eleven coming back to Jax months before that on this site. Anyone with a little knowledge of development knows investments like this don't go from start to finish in less than six months.
July 2011
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,12721.0.html
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-jul-is-avondale-ready-for-a-7-eleven
http://jacksonville.com/business/2011-07-25/story/7-eleven-considers-development-avondale
September 2011
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-sep-7-eleven-can-convenience-and-aesthetics-co-exist
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-sep-2030-mobility-plan-the-cutting-edge-of-planning
October 2011
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-oct-city-council-prepares-to-halt-mobility-fee
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/print-edition/2011/10/21/mobility-fee-moratorium-may-jumpstart.html?page=all
http://www.facebook.com/events/283560434998544/
Sad. A total bullshit line. You're right. That was totally fed to her by one of those guys. Unfortunately, now the Council will point to this as a reason to never bring the fee back. Not that it was every coming back anyways. Sickening really.
Something will be eventually coming since remaining status quo doesn't pay for itself. Either the public will have to pony up the cash to sustain the ponzi scheme land development pattern, more QOL budget cuts will come, or COJ will go bankrupt. In any event, the John Q. Public is left without a chair when the music stops.
QuoteAnyone with a little knowledge of development knows investments like this don't go from start to finish in less than six months.
I said it at the time, and will continue to say it till I'm blue in the face:
All of the major projects breaking ground now were in the pipeline way before the moratorium was even discussed.
Interestingly enough, several projects that have or will about to break ground were already grandfathered in under seperate concurrency/redevelopment agreements.
When all of the construction permits have been issued, I'll post about what was in development before the moratorium(that were going to built regardless) and how much money you, the taxpaying public will now have to place on your back b/c of the scheme to waive this USER FEE.
If you really read b/w the lines, you'll see most of the first rollouts of 7-11 storefronts wouldn't have even been charged a Mobility fee to begin with.
I wanted to puke when I read that in the Daily Record today. He is so hell bent on this no tax, no fee crap he will say anything to make it seem that by relaxing these fees it is creating all this new development. Sad. Sleiman is feeding him this mess and the people he surrounds himself with will not fact check I guess.
QuoteGive me a break. Come on Mayor Brown, I know you're smarter than this. Don't hang your constituents (somebody has to pay eventually) out to dry like that.
Who's with me....all together now....I'm With AlvinAnything for a photo-op. Mr. Mayor, how about fixing the warped boards on the Southbank River Walk? How about fixing downtown instead of promoting 7-11 as your new JOBS program.
I have two thoughts. 1. Replacing a good cafe with a 7-11 convenience store isnt going to help Hemming park at all. 2. Instead of throwing money at a 100 million dollar plan like the Laura street trio why not throw a few million to the Library project and few to other smaller projects that arent as hard to do. I think the mayor wants his grand prize.
1. If it does happen, 7-Eleven will help in that it will be open 7 days a week. That park needs all the adjacent land uses being open 7 days a week for extended hours. Plus, this particular issue is a private sector market driven one as opposed to others where the city sticks its hands in the cookie jar.
2. I don't think the city will be throwing anything close to $100 million into the Trio. Most of that project will be privately financed. Plus, from a preservation standpoint, the Trio is easily the most significant site in downtown.
Quote from: mtraininjax on March 22, 2012, 03:49:00 PM
QuoteGive me a break. Come on Mayor Brown, I know you're smarter than this. Don't hang your constituents (somebody has to pay eventually) out to dry like that.
Who's with me....all together now....I'm With Alvin
Anything for a photo-op. Mr. Mayor, how about fixing the warped boards on the Southbank River Walk? How about fixing downtown instead of promoting 7-11 as your new JOBS program.
I do not see anything inherently wrong with 7-Eleven and its potential to create jobs in Jacksonville. It is a internationally-known business with global reach. Your comment seems to somehow belittle this impact simply because of the nature of 7-Eleven and its business. Yes, it makes for a cheap laugh whenever we think of an Apu-like person hawking beef jerky and slushies at the public, but 7-Eleven is a serious enterprise that goes way beyond the snide comments about how it deserves to be taken less seriously.
Maybe off topic a bit, but does anyone have any idea if the 7-Eleven downtown will be open 24 hours? I mean, aren't most 7-11's open 24 hours? I know downtown plays by a different set of rules though.
7-Eleven policy requires stores to be open 24 hours a day. Franchises are allowed to be closed for a short period of time, I believe 24 hours on xmas day (from midnight to midnight).
That said, a store could have restricted hours if required by local laws.
I noticed this morning construction fencing is up and a porta potty out at the new site located at State and Main St. They arent wasting anytime.
QuoteI do not see anything inherently wrong with 7-Eleven and its potential to create jobs in Jacksonville. It is a internationally-known business with global reach. Your comment seems to somehow belittle this impact simply because of the nature of 7-Eleven and its business. Yes, it makes for a cheap laugh whenever we think of an Apu-like person hawking beef jerky and slushies at the public, but 7-Eleven is a serious enterprise that goes way beyond the snide comments about how it deserves to be taken less seriously.
You are so right! I can see the masses coming to Jacksonville to become employed at the local 7/11 just so they can ask the customer on the other side of bullet proof glass, would you like to buy a lottery ticket today?
If they were to move the Corporate HQ here, that would be different, but what a great opportunity for the under educated who don't graduate from High School to know that they have a job waiting as a cashier at 7/11. Maybe we can add a few more pawn shops and payday loan shops while we're at it, or better yet, another dozen of the Sleiman strips to go with the other Sleiman strips around town.
Two 24 hour stores in Downtown is something to take seriously. Think how much more livable it makes the area to be able to quickly get pepto for an upset stomach or Tylenol for fever that hits in the night.
Quote
You are so right! I can see the masses coming to Jacksonville to become employed at the local 7/11 just so they can ask the customer on the other side of bullet proof glass, would you like to buy a lottery ticket today?
I know I'm being pedantic, but 7-Eleven doesn't have bulletproof glass-enclosed checkouts.
Quote from: fsujax on March 30, 2012, 08:13:32 AM
I noticed this morning construction fencing is up and a porta potty out at the new site located at State and Main St. They arent wasting anytime.
Partially down now, do to some skulduggery! Pitiful! Can't tell what happened but it occurred today just day one after installation. May as well just demo it or at least fine em!