One of my absolute favorite places to hang out has announced that they are closing. The owners are great people, and it is a wonderful place to hang out. I'm not sure if it's too late, but if you can send any business their way maybe we can help. I hate that all of the cool locally owned places have to suffer, and the big soulless chain stores can just take over everything. Sad News from the Flipside We never anticipiated having to compose a message such as this, and to be honest, we're not sure how to even communicate what is happening. But, the bottom line is, well....the bottom line. In every business you are going to have good days and bad days. And our good days have always been able to offset the bad. But, over the last few months the bad days have been out numbering the good. The economy is impacting everyone of us, and the result has been our food vendors, alcohlol suppliers, ulitities bills, and our landlord have been raising their prices. We have tried to keep our costs down and trim our labor costs as most as possible, but it is just not enough. And, it sure doesn't look like the 700 billion dollar "rescue package" is going to send us a check. We had the vision of providing a somewhat unique environment in downtown Clayton, that provded great food, beveages, music not usually available in Clayton, all in a comfortable, smoke free setting. We have strived to bring art and music to downtown through our Millstock Music and Art Celebration for the last eight years. We have tried to provide a space for local artists to get their artwork in front of people. And we've loved every minute of it! But, all good things come to an end, they say. And, while we've not set an actual date for closing yet, we wanted to give everyone a heads up, so it isn't a total shock. We'll let everyone know as soon as we've worked something out with our landlord. It's been a wonderful ride. We didn't do this to get rich, by any means at all. But, it is illogical to attempt to continue as it becomes more difficult to pay our bills. We do, REALLY, apperciate every one of your support. The musicians that have aggreed to play here for just tips, food and beveages have been great! All of you that have lent us a hand in getting various projects/events off the ground, and you folks that attempt to come in on a regular basis. WE'RE NOT CLOSED YET We'll keep you posted. Thanks again! Jodi & Cliff
As Don Knotts as Ralph Furley once said, "BIG GUY, LITTLE GUY...BAM, BAM, BAM!" That's the way business is. I'm familar with the same concept.
Darn shame cuz they certainly do provide, "great food, beverages, music not usually available in Clayton, all in a comfortable, smoke free setting."
Dear Jodi, It's a shame. A great place, a great ambience, great stuff. I can totally understand the passion undermined by financial dismay. It's not easy and you can only do so much. I have recently heard a few businesses in the 40-42 area that may face the same demise and I hate to see it, it absolutely breaks my heart and it's really stressful. Most small business owners like anyone else live day to day or week to week and sometimes month to month, a scenario fueled mostly by passion and faith. I am sure we all wish that we could spend just a little more in our own community to help keep our friends and neighbors open but te economic distress we are all in makes it vitually impossible. I wish you guys the best and maybe, just maybe a miracle may happen and you won't have to say goodbye. I do believe in miracles still. Your neighborhood friend and fellow small business owner, Em
OPEN MIC A hearty THANK YOU to Jodi, Maggie and Tracy for allowing my family and I to experience Open Mic night. "The Sacred Code" will be a better band after having played at The Flip Side! We are sorry to hear the news, but know what you are going through. God Bless!!!!
I am so sad! I love getting the SF Mocha Blended Ice with SF Caramel Sauce! My sis opened the store for the former owner, Tyson, when it first started as a coffee shop. She managed it for him for a few years. I've always loved that place! Went there on Monday.
Sad news! We really enjoy that place. My youngest loves to go there and get a 'coffee' with us, (she has juice not coffee!). She likes that she can grab a book off the shelf to look at while we are there. We'll miss it!
My wife is the coffee drinker and she'd pass a Starbucks on every corner on the way to Dunkin Donuts. I'd agree. Starbucks is overrated. I think she has bought from the Coffee Mill before, but her favorite remains DD. She even buys it from Wal-Mart since they've started selling it.
DD has the best coffee! BJ's sells 2.5lb bags of original ground beans for $15.99. I had a cup this morning.
Please forgive my ignorance....but what does the price of coffee and where to get it have to with the great establishment closing. This thread is to get the word to Jodi and the gang how much we love them and will miss them. IF you want to discuss where to go and what to buy....even before The Coffee Mill is closed, please start a separate thread. Thank you.
I've only been in there a few times - I live at McGee's Crossroads, so it's not exactly in the neighborhood - but I have enjoyed the good food and friendly service each time I have visited.
So, basically what we want to do is sort of make this topic a petition. I have no problem with that but I don't think they are going to take me seriously. From what my wife said, their coffee was good and when downtown you can't beat the convenience nor the atmosphere. West Johnston unite...patronize your local coffee shop!! All 4042 members should go buy something Saturday for a show of support.
Oh my gosh! I'm so upset! I love this place, their food and live music. It's a sad day. I pray things will change.
aw man, my daughter wanted us to go this Friday and hear Fifty/50 play....I wonder if they are still playing?
I didn't go back and look Kimmie, but check the first couple posts, it said they aren't closed yet, so I would think they are still playing
I feel sure they are. Claton News quoted Jodie and Cliff as saying if things didn't drastically improve, they probably would close between now and the first of the year. I feel sure they'll be open this weekend!!!