Location and Restrictions

The store is in a plaza located just off I5 and on the King/Snohomish county border.  We don't have car and foot traffic numbers.  Subjectively, the area feels very busy.  

The storefront below.

It's tucked in a corner -- low visibility -- but it's next to a 24 Hour Fitness gym that receives an average of 1000 sign-ins per day.  Notable neighbors include a Thriftway grocery store, Starbucks, and Blockbuster.  The plaza we're located in is just off I5

The main advantage of the location is that it's located next to a busy gym.  We assume that gym goers are much more likely than the average person to be interested in a smoothie, either as a health supplement or as a post-workout reward.  For instance, muscle-builders need pre and post workout nutrition to maximize training effect.  Those who go to the gym for social reasons may consider a smoothie a guilt-free reward for their hard work.

The interior is 1563 sf and divided into 2 sections, a back kitchen and front service area.  It's probably too large for our needs, so we're going to maximize use of the space by creating a lounge area that's a composite of  those at Starbucks and bubble tea shops.  If nobody wants to hang out in our shop, then we'll consider subleasing a part of the store.      

The front area below. 



There are drawbacks to being located in a "busy" location that includes international chains like Starbucks and a regional grocery store like Thriftway.  Chains will often insist on including restrictions on what their neighbors can sell.  Landlords are likely to oblige because chains add prestige and stability to a commercial plaza.

Here are a few restrictions on what we can do:

*Can't sell coffee or tea based products, unless it's offered in a restaurant (Starbucks)
* Can't offer deli service (Thriftway)
* Can't offer restaurant service (Thriftway and Blockbuster)
* Can't sell health supplements (Rite Aid)
* Can't sell x,y and z food items.  

The list goes on.  However, we can sell baked goods (the one concession the agent insisted on receiving from the grocery store) so anyone who wants to start a bagel/bread shop, let us know.  We'll sublease part of the space to you if you can make good baguettes. 

We'll discuss more about these restrictions in a post about the menu.