My Letter to the Editor of The Flint Journal

Sent to: letters@flintjournal.com, jforen@flintjournal.com, store245@biggby.com, eastvillagemagazine@excite.com, publisher@theuncommonsense.com, lisa@thinklocalfirst.net

December 6, 2007

RE: The Flint Journal article: “Coffee chain to open shop in downtown Flint” http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/newsnow/2007/12/coffee_chain_to_open_shop_in_d.html

Dear Letters to the Editor,

I am very disappointed to read your Dec. 5th Blogs - Breaking News article, “Coffee chain to open shop in downtown Flint,” regarding the plans for a Biggby (formerly Beaner’s) coffee shop to open this February. As a former UofM-Flint student and frequent small business patron, what I’ve always loved about Downtown was the fact that a large majority of the businesses are locally-owned – no chains and no corporations (banks aside). Just the fact that Ms. Jordan is fully aware that we already have 2 wonderful, locally-owned cafes, Brown Sugar Café and the Lunch Studio (as well as Steady Eddy’s at the Farmers’ Market) catering to the same customers she is hoping to catch, is really upsetting. I know, competition is healthy but she’s looking to expand in an already over-saturated Genesee County coffee-market, in an area that is historically known for its locally-owned businesses.

Which leads to this point –supporting locally-owned businesses keep our dollars in our community, no franchise fees or Board of Directors. This is homegrown blood, sweat and tears. To support local businesses within our community is such an important step in sustaining and growing the City of Flint, both as a community and for a stronger economy; isn’t that what this whole “Downtown Revitalization” focus is on? They are more than commercial merchants, they’re part of a community, a community that they’ve invested a lot of money, time and heart into. For a Chain-store/Corporation/Franchise to see an opportunity to take advantage of other’s hard work and commitment is not and should not be welcomed.

The owners of the Brown Sugar Café, the Lunch Studio, as well as many others, have done our community a great service by providing a comfortable retreat and unique atmosphere for those looking to grab a quick bite or sit with a hot cappuccino amongst friends. Many of the owners of Flint’s small businesses (as well as our surrounding communities) are taking a large part in trying to revive a once vibrant community; just this past Saturday, the Lunch Studio housed the “Flint City Handmade Holiday Craft Market.” While both of these establishments are opened during limited hours (both closed Sundays), I know that if the business demanded it, they would be there to open their doors.

When you know of locally-owned, small businesses, you should be taking part of building a strong economy for our city and purchase goods and services from them – this includes Downtown and all around. Anyone who knows a small business owner, knows the stresses, long hours and other investments put in to make their business thrive but there’s a lot of love and commitment that goes along with it. We should be supporting these brave efforts and strong values because that is what America stands for and what Flint, Michigan was built on.

“Keep Flint Local!”

Sincerely,
Sarah A. Razak