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THE FIgHT TO OwN A DOwNTOwN BUSINESS....
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worDs by jeNN CaRTeR
When our friendly local grocery chain opened in the middle of downtown,
everyone rejoiced, "finally downtown is going somewhere." Downtown
eaters probably haven't taken a moment to look at the situation from the
other perspective, from that of a business owner downtown, now competing
against the corporate chain for lunch time patrons.
owner of Bubba Tea Cafe, Raymond furgason offered DeLUX a fresh angle
on that perspective. Raymond's involvement is two fold, because he's also a
downtown resident. he moved here over a year ago to open up his business.
Being "the new guy in town," he struggled to get his name out there and
get business flowing, "Luckly downtown was treating me good. Within a year
business was looking great." and why shouldn't it be? Bubba Tea Cafe is
in a prime location on 10th Street, clean, colorful and inviting store front,
selling this strange yet delicious concoction called bubba tea. Raymond also
supports local artists, always boasting of new works on display.
Things were going well, then the grocery chain moved in, and business was
nearly cut in half. and its painfully obvious that Bubba Tea is not the only
business suffering. Small shops are closing up. Raymond says, "it's a Little
Big City; thats what i love about it." Let's help it stay that way and support
our business owners. Stop in for a wrap and a tea, and let Raymond know that
DeLUX readers support local businesses. he's usually behind the counter.
Bubba Tea cafe, 417 N. 10th street, 314.231.5282
RAyMOND FURgASON