Comments on: Atlanta’s 11 Least Influential People: No. 7 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/ Atlanta news and views, one slice at a time Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:26:49 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Silk: A Smoothie Cafe Doesn’t Make It « Decatur Metro http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/comment-page-1/#comment-100285 Silk: A Smoothie Cafe Doesn’t Make It « Decatur Metro Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:52:55 +0000 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/#comment-100285 [...] Loafing did a feature on Silk a year ago.  Even then it didn’t sound like business was all that [...] [...] Loafing did a feature on Silk a year ago.  Even then it didn’t sound like business was all that [...]

]]> By: Oakhurst Resident 2 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/comment-page-1/#comment-69814 Oakhurst Resident 2 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:27:37 +0000 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/#comment-69814 I walk to Silk almost every day. I'm not interested in the smoothies, but the coffee is great and inexpensive ($1.06 for 16 oz.) and their cakes are incredible if a bit pricey. The real selling point is that it is quiet and comfortable, so that I can read or write or, well, think. I can't say that for all of the coffee places in Decatur. To be fair, this is in part a function of the lack of other customers, but not entirely. Good luck Bridgette. I walk to Silk almost every day. I’m not interested in the smoothies, but the coffee is great and inexpensive ($1.06 for 16 oz.) and their cakes are incredible if a bit pricey. The real selling point is that it is quiet and comfortable, so that I can read or write or, well, think. I can’t say that for all of the coffee places in Decatur. To be fair, this is in part a function of the lack of other customers, but not entirely.

Good luck Bridgette.

]]> By: Oakhurst resident http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/comment-page-1/#comment-69129 Oakhurst resident Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:30:21 +0000 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/#comment-69129 Personally, my partner and I dropped by once but turns out the store was closed. The big ptroblem was the parking situation. We almost got hit by another car when we tried to back out of one of the parking spaces. It's not very welcoming if you are zipping by in your car and I never walk along there. Seems doomed to fail. Personally, my partner and I dropped by once but turns out the store was closed. The big ptroblem was the parking situation. We almost got hit by another car when we tried to back out of one of the parking spaces. It’s not very welcoming if you are zipping by in your car and I never walk along there. Seems doomed to fail.

]]> By: oakhurst smallbizowner http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/comment-page-1/#comment-67948 oakhurst smallbizowner Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:15:30 +0000 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/#comment-67948 This should be a forum for idea sharing and best practices for how to achieve goals at this point in time- not about what "should have" happened. Ex-employees, this is not the forum for your gripes. If you don't know what it's like to be in her shoes and own your own business, then don't try to give business advice. If you do know what it's like to run your own business then give her advice that will help her succeed- thanks to those that did- all of us small biz owners appreciate it! Many Atlanta restaurants with awesome marketing plans have failed. Tenacity, responsiveness, innovation, and timing can make all the difference in the world to having a successful business. I applaud you Bridgette for starting your own business and I wish you the best! This should be a forum for idea sharing and best practices for how to achieve goals at this point in time- not about what “should have” happened.
Ex-employees, this is not the forum for your gripes.
If you don’t know what it’s like to be in her shoes and own your own business, then don’t try to give business advice. If you do know what it’s like to run your own business then give her advice that will help her succeed- thanks to those that did- all of us small biz owners appreciate it!
Many Atlanta restaurants with awesome marketing plans have failed.
Tenacity, responsiveness, innovation, and timing can make all the difference in the world to having a successful business.
I applaud you Bridgette for starting your own business and I wish you the best!

]]> By: James Jackson http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/comment-page-1/#comment-52018 James Jackson Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:58:16 +0000 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/#comment-52018 Correction..."But words for the wise FOR Ms. Vassar," not "of" in the paragraph above. ******Job stability for the employees is also a key in running a successful business, in which SILK does not have. Alot of kinks does need to be ironed out with this one. Correction…”But words for the wise FOR Ms. Vassar,” not “of” in the paragraph above.

******Job stability for the employees is also a key in running a successful business, in which SILK does not have. Alot of kinks does need to be ironed out with this one.

]]> By: James Jackson http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/comment-page-1/#comment-51879 James Jackson Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:42:07 +0000 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/#comment-51879 With all do respect, I wish Ms. Vassar and her business the best of luck. Unfortunately, as stated above, there should have been more of a strategic planning process before taking on the responsibility of running the cafe. I am one of the people who can honestly say, that I have had a personal relationship with the cafe/employees. From my experience, there has been MANY setbacks, in which I feel may be one of the hindering reasons why Silk...A Smoothie Cafe has not reached its potential. The first step, is TRUST in your employees, which both Vassar and her co-partner didnt have. Secondly, EXCELLENT MANAGEMENT from both Vassar and her co-partner needs to be established. Meaning, whatever personal kinks/personal relationship that they have, needs not to be influenced in the cafe. Yes, there was once a cafe in East Point, GA. Surprisingly, it wasn't geared or factored to having the "18th Century French Salon" look. It was promoted as a smoothie cafe that had the face and images of a Sunny, Desert Road.....that led you to a imaginable destination. That was the feeling of that Cafe. Every week there were poetry readings, games with children, etc. There were also other businesses in that vicinity that made everything complete. Not to take away from the Decatur location, but yet the one in East Point seemed to have a better marketing approach. It takes time, dedication, work, and trust worthy people to start a successful business. When you have employees complain about not having any benefits, dealing with arrogant attitudes, and last but not least, BOUNCING PAYROLL CHECKS, then the moral is out the window. NO, I will not turn this into a bashing session, b/c that is definitely not needed. But words for the wise of Ms. Vassar, Have faith in your employees. Use more of a managerial and professional approach instead of the "its my way or nothing" attitude. That is viewed by the customers when it is used. Also, SUGGESTIONS help when your employees offer to give them to you. They are the ones actually running the store on a daily basis and interacting with the customers. So, of course, they will have better knowledge of what and how things should be changed to attract the customers. With all do respect, I wish Ms. Vassar and her business the best of luck. Unfortunately, as stated above, there should have been more of a strategic planning process before taking on the responsibility of running the cafe. I am one of the people who can honestly say, that I have had a personal relationship with the cafe/employees. From my experience, there has been MANY setbacks, in which I feel may be one of the hindering reasons why Silk…A Smoothie Cafe has not reached its potential. The first step, is TRUST in your employees, which both Vassar and her co-partner didnt have. Secondly, EXCELLENT MANAGEMENT from both Vassar and her co-partner needs to be established. Meaning, whatever personal kinks/personal relationship that they have, needs not to be influenced in the cafe. Yes, there was once a cafe in East Point, GA. Surprisingly, it wasn’t geared or factored to having the “18th Century French Salon” look. It was promoted as a smoothie cafe that had the face and images of a Sunny, Desert Road…..that led you to a imaginable destination. That was the feeling of that Cafe. Every week there were poetry readings, games with children, etc. There were also other businesses in that vicinity that made everything complete. Not to take away from the Decatur location, but yet the one in East Point seemed to have a better marketing approach. It takes time, dedication, work, and trust worthy people to start a successful business. When you have employees complain about not having any benefits, dealing with arrogant attitudes, and last but not least, BOUNCING PAYROLL CHECKS, then the moral is out the window. NO, I will not turn this into a bashing session, b/c that is definitely not needed. But words for the wise of Ms. Vassar, Have faith in your employees. Use more of a managerial and professional approach instead of the “its my way or nothing” attitude. That is viewed by the customers when it is used. Also, SUGGESTIONS help when your employees offer to give them to you. They are the ones actually running the store on a daily basis and interacting with the customers. So, of course, they will have better knowledge of what and how things should be changed to attract the customers.

]]> By: notasdumasshe http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/comment-page-1/#comment-51869 notasdumasshe Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:18:04 +0000 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/#comment-51869 no marketing plan.!?!!!..and from what ive heard of this place, that because of these same stresses she isnt able to keep any employees bc of her "bitchy" attitude i also heard she was cutting corners as far as product..so id think twice about a ga peach smoothie...or id at least check the freshness before i took a sip for 4 or 5 bucks a pop.ive visited a couple of times and was very bored at the choice of music and atmosphere besides what gym buff would have the same taste in convo as a wine lover..hmmm. i guess with no plan and especially without a contract claus id cash out before the tax season ends. well whats to say, we've seen lots of crash and burns in this city...besides wasnt there one of these in east point!?! no marketing plan.!?!!!..and from what ive heard of this place, that because of these same stresses she isnt able to keep any employees bc of her “bitchy” attitude i also heard she was cutting corners as far as product..so id think twice about a ga peach smoothie…or id at least check the freshness before i took a sip for 4 or 5 bucks a pop.ive visited a couple of times and was very bored at the choice of music and atmosphere besides what gym buff would have the same taste in convo as a wine lover..hmmm. i guess with no plan and especially without a contract claus id cash out before the tax season ends. well whats to say, we’ve seen lots of crash and burns in this city…besides wasnt there one of these in east point!?!

]]> By: Earnest Frog http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/comment-page-1/#comment-49088 Earnest Frog Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:40:24 +0000 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/#comment-49088 I think a great question is "why did Bridgette launch a business with no marketing plan?" and I think I know the answer. The Silk Cafe was started in East Point by a guy with less-than-reputable business practices. I'm willing to bet he suckered her into buying the brand, recipes, and other items when he couldn't make the cafe work. I'm sure he sold her the dream behind the business, told her about all the money she would make, etc. Don't believe me? Check out what people say about the other company he ran into the ground (he is the CEO to which these people refer): http://www.jobvent.com/companyBrowse.php?CompanyID=4168 Not so coincidentally, he used two separate names to run that company. Just look at the forms on the Secretary of State website. He told his employees that one of those names (initials JB) was actually his two middle names. Not sure what his real name actually is... Also, a few months ago on yelp.com in the review section for the Silk Cafe in East Point, a vendor who made the uniforms for the cafe posted a review saying that he or she had not been paid, and that the CEO of the business was ducking calls to collect the money. The review warned potential vendors not to do business with the Silk Cafe, and now the review is gone. I'd wager a twenty that the CEO threatened to sue yelp, as he was wont to do in the days I knew him. Andisheh, this guy is the real story here. He has made enemies left and right (when I knew him, he hired and fired the entire company three times over), and has told a stunning amount of boldfaced lies. My point is, there are probably a couple dozen people in Atlanta who would be happy to tell you stories about what this guy did to them. His name is left off here to protect CL from a lawsuit, but you can find it on the Secretary of State site as described above. -Earnest Frog I think a great question is “why did Bridgette launch a business with no marketing plan?” and I think I know the answer.

The Silk Cafe was started in East Point by a guy with less-than-reputable business practices. I’m willing to bet he suckered her into buying the brand, recipes, and other items when he couldn’t make the cafe work. I’m sure he sold her the dream behind the business, told her about all the money she would make, etc.

Don’t believe me? Check out what people say about the other company he ran into the ground (he is the CEO to which these people refer): http://www.jobvent.com/companyBrowse.php?CompanyID=4168

Not so coincidentally, he used two separate names to run that company. Just look at the forms on the Secretary of State website. He told his employees that one of those names (initials JB) was actually his two middle names. Not sure what his real name actually is…

Also, a few months ago on yelp.com in the review section for the Silk Cafe in East Point, a vendor who made the uniforms for the cafe posted a review saying that he or she had not been paid, and that the CEO of the business was ducking calls to collect the money. The review warned potential vendors not to do business with the Silk Cafe, and now the review is gone. I’d wager a twenty that the CEO threatened to sue yelp, as he was wont to do in the days I knew him.

Andisheh, this guy is the real story here. He has made enemies left and right (when I knew him, he hired and fired the entire company three times over), and has told a stunning amount of boldfaced lies. My point is, there are probably a couple dozen people in Atlanta who would be happy to tell you stories about what this guy did to them.

His name is left off here to protect CL from a lawsuit, but you can find it on the Secretary of State site as described above.

-Earnest Frog

]]> By: Renee George http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/comment-page-1/#comment-37753 Renee George Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:22:16 +0000 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/#comment-37753 On behalf of AGS Enterprises, LLC, a locally owned and operated business in Atlanta, GA, I would like to state that our cafe, bistro and gelataria, is in no way competing with Silk, a Smoothie Cafe. Our featured products consist of handcrafted specialty coffees, homemade gelato, and casual service bistro fare served during breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Our head chef and co-owner has been active in the Atlanta food and hospitality industry for the past 15 years and has recently served as a Volunteer Soccer Coach for the Decatur Youth Recreation Center. Upon opening, two full-time owners will be on site to create the ultimate family-oriented dining experience. We will continue to be actively involved with the local community, as well as, many other not for profit organizations throughout the metro area and the state of Georgia. Your questions or comments are welcome. Please send to the following email: moxiejavaatl@comcast.net. Thank You. On behalf of AGS Enterprises, LLC, a locally owned and operated business in Atlanta, GA, I would like to state that our cafe, bistro and gelataria, is in no way competing with Silk, a Smoothie Cafe. Our featured products consist of handcrafted specialty coffees, homemade gelato, and casual service bistro fare served during breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Our head chef and co-owner has been active in the Atlanta food and hospitality industry for the past 15 years and has recently served as a Volunteer Soccer Coach for the Decatur Youth Recreation Center. Upon opening, two full-time owners will be on site to create the ultimate family-oriented dining experience. We will continue to be actively involved with the local community, as well as, many other not for profit organizations throughout the metro area and the state of Georgia. Your questions or comments are welcome. Please send to the following email: moxiejavaatl@comcast.net. Thank You.

]]> By: Raquel http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/comment-page-1/#comment-30364 Raquel Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:04:44 +0000 http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/11/06/atlantas-11-least-influential-people-no-7/#comment-30364 When you fail to plan then plan to fail. I can't believe she went into this venture without a marketing plan. This makes no sense at all to me and she wonders why her business is slow. I also noticed the prices on the chalkboard in the picture and I thought they were a bit high myself. I would never pay $4 for an Italian soda when I can get a giant bottle of Blood Orange Italian Soda at SuperTarget for $2.69. When you fail to plan then plan to fail. I can’t believe she went into this venture without a marketing plan. This makes no sense at all to me and she wonders why her business is slow. I also noticed the prices on the chalkboard in the picture and I thought they were a bit high myself. I would never pay $4 for an Italian soda when I can get a giant bottle of Blood Orange Italian Soda at SuperTarget for $2.69.

]]>