3br/2.1 bath, waterfront on the Dunedin Causeway. All ages, pet friendly. One covered assigned parking space plus one non-assigned parking space.... more
A neighborhood business rant
"These are the expressions of visitors and citizens of our area and do not represent the the opinion of MyDunedin.com or sponsoring organizations and merchants. In this difficult economy, these customer suggestions can convert a occaisional customer to an enthusiastic regular."(publisher@MyDunedin.com) (SPONSOR 11/10/08 9:52pm)
I\'m sort of new to Dunedin, but am totally enthralled with this little town. I think towns like this are few and far between. The problem is, I think there are a few businesses that don\'t live up to the rep this town has. I think they should clean up their acts and perform at a level the lives up to the rep of the town. For instance:
1. Cappucinos: they open too late for coffee, they rarely have anything to GO with coffee, so why name your shop after coffee? Do the right thing, open up on time, early enough, and have your baked goods ready when you are supposed to. Don\'t make excuses (my worker didn\'t show up) to your customers, its weak.
2. Skips: You\'re the ONLY outside cafe on Broadway, with the potential for great atmosphere. Problem is, the place is run down and the bartender doesn\'t court the regulars (she still doesn\'t know my name nor what I drink nor gives me any bennies for being a heavy tipper, take lessons from Frenchy\'s Saltwater on how to treat a local). Either run a great little cafe or sell it to someone who will.
3. Barber Shop: This is the worst. She\'s slow, she talks too much, and is inconsistent with her hours, with again the excuses.
I am curious as to others\' thoughts on these and other businesses. I think its high time that pressure is put on these and other businesses to run a tight ship and keep Dunedin downtown as popular and wonderful as it is known to be! (SPONSOR 11/10/08 9:52pm) REPLY
Right on with your insights. Cappucinos is total waste. Why bother. Skips has much potential. Needs help, or new owner. And Barber shop...sad.
And enough with the gift shops. All the same. Blur seems a waste also. (SPONSOR 11/20/08 11:33am) REPLY
Thank you for participating in the discussion. Can we turn our rant discussion into somethine positive, constructive and actionable. What type of business would you find exciting to see in Dunedin? Are you advocating the elimination of the privately owned businesses and replacement by chain brands? Are you suggesting the laid-back casual nature of Dunedin doesn\'t suit your personality? Are you suggesting this nature is totally out of sync with your demongraphic group? What demographic group would that be? Can you suggest positive actions rather than only critical observations?
It if fine to vent but let\'s bring a idea for a solution also. (SPONSOR 11/20/08 12:11pm) REPLY
My demographic group is 40, married/kids, income > $100K, and though I agree you need to keep things positive, if a business owner isn\'t keeping regular hours or acting in a manner that\'s customer focused its hard to put a positive spin on that. I can provide positives as well: Kelly\'s breakfast is phenomenal, Jolly Mon\'s new ownership has created an awesome place to relax. Cafe Alfresco has a very fast, efficient staff with good quality food. The little shops are great as well for meandering and browsing. This town is squarely in my demographic, the problem isn\'t with me and my other responsive friend here, its with those select businesses that don\'t live up to the standards this town demands. My suggestion - other businesses put some pressure on them. (SPONSOR 01/09/09 9:43pm) REPLY
You know, Kaz, m\'friend I find your observations pretty dead on. While not living directly in Dunedin proper, I have lived in the neighborhood for nearly 30 years. Having seen the years look kindly on D-town, its a wonder that some of the businesses don\'t walk the line. The lady at Skip\'s could go a bit further to greet and make the regulars feel... well.. regular; like part of the family. The young man there often does this well and it goes a long way. With regard to the shabby nature of the place, well I like its character.
I do agree with other bloke\'s comment on the gift shops. I mean good God, how many knick-knacks and doilies can one town need. Do the residents of Dunedin sport a significantly larger amount of shelf space than surrounding municipalities?
As for Sponsor\'s comments about being negative with no constructive commentary, fair point. However, if these forums aren\'t open for users discussion and discretion, why have them? The heavy-handed approach may suggest why residents in this online community are a bit tight lipped. Cheers fellow Dunedinaires! (SPONSOR 01/09/09 10:48pm) REPLY
I have just begun a new thread on Local Government regarding opinions on candidates et al.
I would like to see a dialogue, a forum for citizens can express their views (hopefully-unabashed and uncensored).
Please take a look at thread and join me in beginning a new this discussion.
Thank you.
MMB (SPONSOR 02/06/09 1:08pm) REPLY
I too have wondered many times why some of these places just don't get it... To start on a positive note, I have to say that Cafe Alfresco definitely does it right. The service is fast, the food is good, and priced fair. I always feel treated like a regular customer, even though I have only been there half a dozen times or so. The guys and gals and Joli-mons, Flanagan's and the Brewery also do their best to remember the locals.
Skip's is no doubt a place that holds its' own. It's the only pub on Main St with outdoor seating, which I think is essential. I too notice service to be hit or miss, depending on who is behind the bar. Tristan (I think is his name) always serves with a smile and makes every effort to remember your name and what you drink. It's a totally different vibe, almost as if you are intruding, when the lady is working. Nevertheless, I keep coming back, and don't see that changing.
I haven't been to the coffee shop or the barber, but hopefully they will get their act together soon! Downtown Dunedin has such fantastic potential... I'd hate to see it go untapped and under-utilized!
(SPONSOR 02/02/09 9:26pm) REPLY
Where is it the local government/candidate thread? (SPONSOR 03/04/09 7:43am) REPLY
I\'m sort of new to Dunedin, but am totally enthralled with this little town. I think towns like this are few and far between. The problem is, I think there are a few businesses that don\'t live up to the rep this town has. I think they should clean up their acts and perform at a level the lives up to the rep of the town. For instance:
1. Cappucinos: they open too late for coffee, they rarely have anything to GO with coffee, so why name your shop after coffee? Do the right thing, open up on time, early enough, and have your baked goods ready when you are supposed to. Don\'t make excuses (my worker didn\'t show up) to your customers, its weak.
2. Skips: You\'re the ONLY outside cafe on Broadway, with the potential for great atmosphere. Problem is, the place is run down and the bartender doesn\'t court the regulars (she still doesn\'t know my name nor what I drink nor gives me any bennies for being a heavy tipper, take lessons from Frenchy\'s Saltwater on how to treat a local). Either run a great little cafe or sell it to someone who will.
3. Barber Shop: This is the worst. She\'s slow, she talks too much, and is inconsistent with her hours, with again the excuses.
I am curious as to others\' thoughts on these and other businesses. I think its high time that pressure is put on these and other businesses to run a tight ship and keep Dunedin downtown as popular and wonderful as it is known to be! (SPONSOR 11/10/08 9:52pm) 
