Arbor Update

I wonder at what point radical anti-density downtown advocatates raise the “value” of a downtown to the point it becomes indistinguishable from a strip mall. Its a damn good thing we got a nice one-of-a-kind joint like Bar Louie to replace the chain-bar that is Leopolds. Also, todd, it figures that after 3 years of hearing SNRE grads rave about board-games and homemade whiskey, you have to up and leave the year I turn 21. Finally, following the paths of most UMich grads who flee the state as far as their degrees will cary them, I second the vote you move to NYC.

-Disgruntled Student

which part of denver? im curious to see if they find something close to the center of denver at a reasonable rate…

According to the Ann Arbor News, the reasons may be simple. “Moving to Denver will be a homecoming of sorts for the Leopold brothers, who grew up about 10 miles south of Denver in Littleton, Colo. In Denver, they do not plan to open another pub or even brew beer. They will open a production facility to continue making spirits including vodka, gin and whiskey.

Colorado law allows for what’s called self-distribution, which means producers can sell their spirits directly to liquor and grocery stores, said Leopold. Already, Leopold’s has its spirits in 200 retail locations in Colorado since starting to distribute in the state last year.”

It sounds like a sound business decision. And a great opportunity for some valedictory whining.

Yeah, anonymous too, it sounds like shrewd business plus whining opportunity if I’ve ever heard it as well. I mean, closing down a bar that turns a profit…genius! And moving an entire distillery across the country only has to cost, what, thirty bucks? Okay, maybe twenty five if you have a helper and they pitch in for gasoline.

I mean, closing down a bar that turns a profit…genius!

I can certainly understand them being more interested in running a distillery business (and in a state more amenable to doing so), but if the existing Leopold’s is profitable (and would be at the new higher rent), why not sell it (including a license to continue to distill and sell Leopold’s spirits on site)? Once their lease is up, they’ve got really nothing to lose — if the new owner goes belly-up, they still get more out of it than they would have if they just shuttered the place.

Maybe because it would be unprofitable when the rent goes up, so who would buy the business?

I think this is another example of the rabid anti-business, anti-growth policies of Ann Arbor. I am considering my escape too. I’m sick of watching my neighbors not be able to find jobs, and watching vacancy signs go up in storefronts.

todd has been a vibrant contributor to debates about the city and its future, and now he’s pulling up stakes. It really makes me wonder why I’d stay here and wait for business to pick up. I thought AA was immune, but it’s not.