Vox Pop's comeback seemed likely at tonight's benefit show for the struggling coffeehouse.We missed the opener, but local band The Loom totally killed it. Money raised from the suggested $10 cover will help pay fines resulting from health code infractions incurred by previous management. New manager Debbie Ryan said they are $2200 away from the $65,000 needed to get the place up and running again.
To reach that final goal, shares in the company are being sold for $50 a piece. According to DR, 172 people have taken advantage of this opportunity so far. Vox Pop supporters were also scooping up $40 gift certificates, which were being sold for $25. These are risky, though, since they aren't refundable if the coffee shop remains closed. Fewer people were on board for the auctioning off of various arts and crafts, with money raised going to the reopening effort. A small scultpure of the head of Jesus started at $5 and sold for $6 (Holy Moly).
According to DR, the fines must be paid by Monday, so if you're interested in helping you should attend the Vox Pop Town Hall meeting on Sunday, March 29th at 4:00 pm.
On a personal note, it was wonderful being able to go to a cool hangout spot and take in a great show and not have to endure an hour-long commute home, but stroll home under the sycamores instead. There is a lot of negativity surrounding Vox Pop's re-opening and I'm well aware that it has never been and probably never will be a perfect business, but it is so much better than a vacant storefront or anything else that would open up in its place. It would be a real shame if we lost such a unique community treasure to another 99 cent store.
2 comments:
The one and only time I've been to Vox Pop was in 2003 while I was apartment searching. Couldn't afford what was on offer, but we loved stopping in for a bit at Vox Pop. I'm sure it's changed a lot since then, and I'm sorry to hear about negativity surrounding aspects of it. I hope the fund-raisers go well for everyone involved.
"but it is so much better than **** or anything else that would open up in its place."
Really? Anything?
If Vox Pop is re-opened (IF... just paying off fines doesn't mean they'll automatically get their license back), hopefully it's run well. It's downfall was based on the fact that it was run BADLY... poor service, high prices, poor sanitation practices, etc etc.
If you want to run a business like a grilled cheese vendor in the parking lot of a Dead concert... that's fine, but don't expect a lot.
I'm very hopeful for Vox Pop. But I'm also not holding my breath.
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