also, we do live in america, land of the free.
go ben and jerry’s!
(as a side note, i dont shop at either of them)

@ Patty, it is indeed the placement of the “local owned franchise” in what has here to fore been primarily a bohemian selection of locally owned business that is most objectionable to me personally (and likely to CMD I am assuming). This is in no way related to any small business being excluded from generica (AKA Short Pump).

I do not wish ill on the franchise owner, they too have mouths to feed, etc, just as Gray mentioned in his post above, but the placement is undeniably “in your face” for Bev’s. Though it is locally owned however, it still is the face of a larger corporation that in my opinion is out of place in CT, as much so as the Starbucks and the McDonald’s actually (though one could argue that that there is really no McD’s competition). As for my ice cream money, however, I will remain loyal to Bev’s. You won’t find me spitting as I walk by Ben and Jerry’s, but you will not find me coning up there either.

I will say however, that the rehab of the former Richmond Coin Laundry site has improved the looks of things on that end of the street and the parking, is a lovely bonus for B&J goers requiring that sort of thing. Hats off to them for making a go of it in a prime location, but they had to have considered previous loyalties when they selected the location. It is not like they did not know Bev’s was there or that there might be people that would choose Bev’s over B&Js.

We’re upset that a chain could of hurt a fellow small business owner we have known for years. That small business owner has a life, family, and has worked very hard to keep open a type shop that often folds. Think of the cold winters. Think of all the small ice cream shops that have closed over the years in Richmond yet Bev kept her’s going. It is not an ice cream cone we’re upset over.

Incidentally all you Starbucks lovers, this “radical” model applies to you as well, Capital Coffee and Desserts is tasty, chicken salad is the stuff of dreams and “energy bars” must be sprinkled with Fairie dust. They also do a little brunch action on weekends and morning yummies through the week.

FIGHT “WALMARTING” WHEREVER IT RAISES ITS EVIL HEAD!