The conflict over North End outdoor dining (Boston, Hanover: house, salaries)

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by Boston Shudra

We do have the anecdotes from msRB311 up thread about her one acquaintance who owns a restaurant in the North End and is rolling in cash. So, it appears to be lucrative enough for some.

The added insurance and equipment for restaurants in low income neighborhoods is another story.

I don't deny there are anecdotes. But nobody really knows someone's true financial position. People tend to exaggerate and those that do would never admit to being in a financial pickle if it ever happened. The insurance and equipment AND the astronomical rents - which are getting higher.

[bostongymjunkie]

Would also add that those who actually "rolling in cash" are probably getting much of their wealth via other business ventures, as opposed to the person who has the one food establishment.

[msRB311]

Originally Posted by Boston Shudra

We do have the anecdotes from msRB311 up thread about her one acquaintance who owns a restaurant in the North End and is rolling in cash. So, it appears to be lucrative enough for some.

The added insurance and equipment for restaurants in low income neighborhoods is another story.

I actually met someone else who owns a restaurant in the north end and also another on the south shore. He’s also doing very well. I don’t know why anyone would think that a restaurant owner in the north end would be struggling.

[bostongymjunkie]

Do you apply that sentiment to all other areas of downtown, or just North End?

[msRB311]

I would think any restaurant owner in downtown Boston is doing quite well. Feel free to show me a financially struggling person who owns a restaurant in downtown Boston.

[bostongymjunkie]

Yeah well it's not the personal finances of the person that matters, it's whether the business can remain viable. Fact is many small businesses have closed. They didn't close because the business was just raking cash. Yeah in some cases those owners have gone on with their other business ventures. So what?

[msRB311]

I'm not sure what your point it? A North end restaurant is not a small business. $7500 should be doable for any North End restaurant owner who wants to do outdoor dining. If they dont want to pay, dont! People will still go to their restaurant if it means sitting inside. I would.

[bostongymjunkie]

Ah, so North End restaurants are big corporate businesses? Okay, you keep believing that. Yes there are Frank DePasquale's who are loaded, but even he won't keep a business open that's not holding its own. The ones who own the real estate have less of a burden.

[msRB311]

I didn't say big corporate businesses.

[bostongymjunkie]

Oh okay, well then I'm not sure you know what you're talking about because a restaurant is a business not a lemonade stand, and food has a very moderate profit margin.