[WaterlooInvestor]

-

[kitchener-lrt]

This is awesome. He's pumping new life into downtown. Hopefully he'll offer fresh sandwhiches like that one place in Montreal (I don't know what it's called, but it was on the news, and it's very popular:haha: )

[Cambridgite]

This is awesome. He's pumping new life into downtown. Hopefully he'll offer fresh sandwhiches like that one place in Montreal (I don't know what it's called, but it was on the news, and it's very popular:haha: )

Are you referring to Ben's (I think that's what it's called)? I'd have to check that with my Dad. My dad used to live in downtown Montreal for a couple of years, so he was telling me all about this one Jewish sandwich shop he used to always go to. This is when he took me to Montreal some 4-5 years ago. Hopefully Downtown Kitchener will get something special like that. Something that draws people from abroad...like Ye's Sushi. :)

[Cambridgite]

It's now open. :)

[WaterlooInvestor]

-

[Cambridgite]

Sweet! What do you think of the finished product? Did you go inside? Buy anything?

It looked very nice. I wasn't getting any groceries for the family, so I didn't bother going in. There was a bit of a sitting area by the window though. So perhaps it would be suitable for an SSP meet sometime.

[rapid_business]

/\ That, or Vincenzo's when it finally opens in the Bauer Lofts... (which, I guess, is a long way off)

as an aside: have you guys gotten together for a successful 'meet' ever? I don't me this in a belittling fashion, I'm just curious.

[Cambridgite]

as an aside: have you guys gotten together for a successful 'meet' ever? I don't me this in a belittling fashion, I'm just curious.

Not to my knowledge. Don't forget, Waterloo Region hasn't been an item on SSP for very long.

[rapid_business]

Easy... no need to pull out the measuring stick just yet. Just seeing what it's like here compared to the SSP group in Edmonton.

[Cambridgite]

Easy... no need to pull out the measuring stick just yet.

lol

No worries, I wasn't taking offense to your question. I answered it and explained the reason why we don't all know each other yet. Give it some time. I already figured out who Jeremy Haak and Waterloowarrior are. And we may have a successful gathering within the next month. But because of the relative newness of the group, there haven't been many attempts at a Waterloo Region SSP meet anyways.

[jeremy_haak]

Easy... no need to pull out the measuring stick just yet. Just seeing what it's like here compared to the SSP group in Edmonton.

Any pointers? And are you interested in a meet? We've tentatively settled on Dec 8.

Completely off topic, but it seems like there are a lot of planning students on here.

[rapid_business]

yeah, I dunno. Things work out in Edmonton see (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=141100) We end up at a pub, have drinks and talk about planning stuff. Bring blueprints, and the whole 9 yards. Get to know some of the guys at these events and talking to them is ultimatley why I'm here in Waterloo back at school.

[WaterlooInvestor]

-

[Tibor420]

Im glad they finally got rid of the crackheads and prostitutes above here. My buddy still got mail there and kept his key after he moved out and saw the renovatons happening inside (until they finally changed the locks). Said it looked like it was gonna be good.

I wonder where that toothless whore wound up?

[Cambridgite]

Im glad they finally got rid of the crackheads and prostitutes above here. My buddy still got mail there and kept his key after he moved out and saw the renovatons happening inside (until they finally changed the locks). Said it looked like it was gonna be good.

I wonder where that toothless whore wound up?

Huh? Toothless whore? lol

Sounds like that building has had a colourful history. :haha:

[Tibor420]

You have no idea man........ she was something else :yuck:

[WaterlooInvestor]

-

[Cambridgite]

We are working on our 3rd location, and yes Cambridge is definately a strong possibility. If it does not end up being the third one, I am optimistic we will be there soon.

So where's the 2nd location?

[rapid_business]

The original location... Up on Northfield.

[Cambridgite]

The original location... Up on Northfield.

Ahh, didn't know they had one there.

[waterloowarrior]

I go there once every couple of weeks since I'm working downtown for co-op.... a lot of stuff is a little too expensive for me, but I like the samples, the chocolates they have, and the snacks and dips.

[rapid_business]

We normally have visited Vincenzo's for this kind of stuff, but after dinner near Northfield last night, we stopped in and picked up some dessert and other things. Great selection! Some of the hard-to-find gluten-free, organic and even rare cheeses are all there. One of the better oil selections I've ever seen too.

After we were at the market this morning, we decided to visit the downtown location to see if it was any different (and to grab some stilton cheese). Great place I have to say! The selection is above anything else in KW and the price is comparable with other specialty shops.

[KitchenerBitcher]

David Ehrenworth just said on ctv news that if the city doesn't approve The Centre Block project, he will be moving to another location!!!! I really wish David could give downtown more of a chance. It is an area in transition, and he can't expect things to change overnight.

[rapid_business]

Yeah, but he is a business man thinking about his means and ends as well. I would agree with him on this. I probably would do the same thing if the city wants to talk big about redevelopment, but not follow through with action.

[KitchenerBitcher]

That's true, I can absolutely see that he has to think of what will be best for his business. I think I would just be disappointed to see this particular business close up shop, as it is really what is needed right now downtown. Another reason for him possibly moving to another location (aside from his nuisances on King St.) is that his store is geared towards an upscale clientele, and sells items at fairly high prices. There are some upscale residents downtown who can afford to shop at David's Gourmet regularly, but possibly not enough to support his store at the present time.

[Duke-Of-Waterloo]

David Ehrenworth just said on ctv news that if the city doesn't approve The Centre Block project, he will be moving to another location!!!! I really wish David could give downtown more of a chance. It is an area in transition, and he can't expect things to change overnight.

It's about time he woke up and smelled the coffee! Again, it still baffles me as to why he would want to open up such an upscale store downtown Kitchener :yuck: . Now, why didn't he choose Uptown Waterloo?

I used to remember a time when I could afford things Uptown and it was generally average stores - even with a K-Mart! Now its has been reduced to just a whole lot of window shopping for me, so I think if he moves, he should maybe try to work out a deal with the future BarrelYards...:cool: I think Davids Gourmet would be a perfect fit for Uptown Waterloo, even despite Vincenzos is pulling out of the Belmont Village and going there...hey as they say - get where the goings good!

[jcollins]

Obviously I cant speak for David himself, but I have a feeling he's wanting to see the city commit to the center block project because in doing so they're committing to the downtown core.

[kitchener-lrt]

C'mon Duke-Of-Waterloo, is all the Kitchener bashing necessary?

[Brenden]

According to there blog they are opening a new store just a few blocks away from there one in downtown kitchener at the corner of Victoria and Bruce (the old Dalton-Cowan building) in Kitchener.
They are partnering with: Balzak’s French Coffee House, Fiddlehead’s Nutrition, Kara’s Organic Fruit, and The Healthy Butcher.
They are jumping on the green bandwagon with energy saving lights, bio degradable packaging, and trying to bring in products that are part of the 100k diet.
In addition, their will be a smoothy bar, workshop, in house demos, cooking classes, demonstrations and samplings.
it says they will open in late June and that they are already planing their 4th location... WOW and its 12,000 sq Feet!

I know I will be there when it opens but I wonder if they are expanding to quickly?

http://davidsgourmet.com/blog/2008/05/16/new-store-first-of-its-kind-in-kw/

[Duke-Of-Waterloo]

C'mon Duke-Of-Waterloo, is all the Kitchener bashing necessary?

:haha: s'how I was raised. And somewhat true as well. Let me explain:

I hate to say it about The Record, but them being located in Kitchener makes them biased about the Region, and they favour Kitchener far too much. For example, The Record makes it seem terrible that Waterloo has a "white elephant" with RIM Park and all but in comparison, which they rarely talk about, the new Kitchener market is an absolute failure, and the downtown is an embarrassment. If you total it up, Kitchener has spent far more money to try to clean up the downtown than Waterloo ever did on RIM Park... and that's why you are seeing businesses like David's Gourmet, who in my opinion, don't really belong down there.... And now? Well, as if we haven't seen it all before, another scheme of Kitchener's to clean up the downtown is beginning to fail again unless they do something soon, with David's Gourmet threatening to pull out. :shrug:

I even feel more sorry for Cambridge as they are given even less credit for being a part of the Region than Waterloo is...Sorry.

[DHLawrence]

Cambridge is part of Waterloo Region? I had no idea!

It's rather telling that The Record was the 'Berlin' or 'Kitchener' paper for much of its existence--to them, the Region is Kitchener and Kitchener only. Pro-amalgamation, slim reporting about Cambridge unless a crime was committed, and critques of Waterloo's finances.

I feel even more sorry for the townships. Nobody even really realizes they exist unless they live there--except for St Jacob's.

[metropolis]

David Ehrenworth just said on ctv news that if the city doesn't approve The Centre Block project, he will be moving to another location!!!! I really wish David could give downtown more of a chance. It is an area in transition, and he can't expect things to change overnight.

This person has likely invested considerable capital into a downtown business based on market research that indicated the surrounding population would grow in the coming years. Property he bought or may have signed a lease on is cheap now compared to what it will be if Centre Block and other projects proceed as planned and he likely made a speculative venture in this location based on a growing clientele. Now that there is some reticent uncertainty in the Centre Block project he is making statements that will help protect his investment. He wants to see the Centre Block project succeed in its proposed guise because it will benefit him and statements such as this, broadcast through mass media, exert certain pressure on city councillors to move things along.

[rapid_business]

/\ sounds about right.

[kitchener-lrt]

:haha: s'how I was raised. And somewhat true as well. Let me explain:


Your whole comment is about how The Record is biased towards Kitchener, and not about Kitchener bashing. :haha:
What's true about bashing Kitchener?:P

[David Ehrenworth]

Hi Everyone,

My goal was to publicly put pressure and embarrass city hall into making decisions that the otherwise would of taken years to pass if at all. I gave them something to lose if they didn't pass the legislation, which was public pressure and embarrassment.

In the past week:
1) the center block was passed, which includes 500 high end condos, and 250 public parking spots
2) the courthouse was announced which includes 500 public spots
3) street scape was approved for next year

These 3 things along with Lang Tannery Building and the school of pharmacy will result in a rapid positive change for the Downtown and this momentum is too big to turn around. These are huge announcements. The ugliest block (center) in downtown in 3 years will be the hottest. You watch now how the existing buildings are going to be gobbled up.

I can assure in 5 years downtown will be the in place to live in Waterloo region. This is exactly why I bought the building, as with these things happening, the apartments we are renovating will be the coolest place to live in the region. The city finally held true to their promise to me. I strongly encourage any of you that has some investment money to start buying property downtown as long as you can hold on to it for 5-10 years.
At $60 a square foot, you can't get a better buy in the country.

As much as I love downtown Waterloo, and love Waterloo. I believe it is boring at night. Kitchener will be more of a Toronto feel at night, appealing to the 25-40 y/o age group.


Thanks,
David Ehrenworth

[KitchenerBitcher]

Wow David! lol A lot of good things have been happening in the downtown just lately. I suspected you were shaming city hall into getting things going, and good for you because they will listen to business owners more than anyone else. Do you think you could post some pics on here of the apartments as you are renovating them? I would love to see what you do with them.

[Cambridgite]

Wow, good work David! :cheers:

It just shows how much influence business owners can have in getting stuff done downtown. Especially when the opening of your business got an article in the Record....it never hurts. :P

I second KitchenerBitcher on the apartments.

[kitchener-lrt]

David, thank-you!
Keep putting on the pressure, because as you've shown us, things actually get done under pressure. I can't wait for Centre Block to be completed, for surrounding buildings to get purchased and redeveloped, and for the Toronto-style night-life!


BTW, I "third" Cambridgite on the photos :).

[Ktown4ever]

David, I credit you for your investment in Kitchener's core, and I share your enthusiasm and hope for its future. But you seem to be taking credit for things that you really had nothing to do with.

Give Kitchener council some credit for these projects that were in the works long before you started 'shaming' them.

[jcollins]

Hi Everyone,

You watch now how the existing buildings are going to be gobbled up.

Are you anticipating a high number of buildings being bought in order to redevelop, or just renovate?

[Section ThirtyOne]

Thanks for this David.

City Hall was really lollygagging around with a number of major projects that will transform downtown, and it's nice to see the wheels are now set in to motion.

[KitchenerBitcher]

I was downtown on the bus today and saw a sign above David's store advertising apartment suites for lease with some name like City Centre (I know it sounded something like that). I didn't have a frickin pen on me and by the time I got home I had forgotten the website, but there was one posted on the sign. I know it was kind of long, but the next time anyone's down that way maybe they could take down that website and post it on here. I would love to see some shots of the apartments above that store, it's a great old building.

[jcollins]

Just a follow up to what KitchenerBitcher posted above. I saw renovations too going on in the apartments above David's Gourmet. From the sign all I could see was "the residences" but the official title is "The Residences At City Centre."

I found two postings for renting them, they seem to be higher end, $1000+ for a one bedroom, all stainless appliances, A/C, etc.

Check them out...

http://kitchener.kijiji.ca/c-housing-apartments-for-rent-1-bedroom-The-Residences-At-City-Centre-W0QQAdIdZ70508767

http://kitchener.kijiji.ca/c-housing-apartments-for-rent-1-bedroom-The-Residences-At-City-Centre-W0QQAdIdZ70511313

[KitchenerBitcher]

They sound great. I love the building that David's is in, even before he moved in there that was one of my favourite building downtown along king.

[notmyfriends]

There is a website for those appartments, too, with pictures:

http://www.wix.com/sassyet/The%20Residences%20At%20City%20Centre

[KitchenerBitcher]

Wow those look great! I have to admit when David said he was giong to be renovating the apartments above the store I was not expecting this! Methinks those are going to be vveerryy popular.

[Brenden]

Am I the only one who thinks those places suck? Most of them do not have many windows at all.

[KitchenerBitcher]

Am I the only one who thinks those places suck? Most of them do not have many windows at all.

They can't really go adding windows all over the place to a building that's over 100 years old, it would spoil some of the character. I think it's pretty impressive that they took the historical significance into account during the renos. They worked with the existing layout and managed to get 8 units out of it. More people living downtown, improvement to streetscape on King, seems like a win for me. A couple of the layouts are kind of different but I think that will appeal to the hip crowd who is generally buying downtown. I only wish they could be sold as condos, but that would be a whole other ball game for David to get permission for that, if it would even be possible.

[jcollins]

There is a website for those appartments, too, with pictures:

http://www.wix.com/sassyet/The%20Residences%20At%20City%20Centre

Thanks notmyfriends!! I knew there would be some out there but didnt have a ton of time to find them when I posted that

I like them a lot, I think they'll just add some more to downtown. Hopefully they are successful and it shows others what is possible downtown.

Does anyone else thing that the corner of King and Ontario (i think) above Voila hair studio could have some potential? (although whoever painted all the brick grey should be shot)

[KitchenerBitcher]

Thanks notmyfriends!! I knew there would be some out there but didnt have a ton of time to find them when I posted that

I like them a lot, I think they'll just add some more to downtown. Hopefully they are successful and it shows others what is possible downtown.

Does anyone else thing that the corner of King and Ontario (i think) above Voila hair studio could have some potential? (although whoever painted all the brick grey should be shot)

Definitely! If Centre Block goes through (don't jinx it, don't jinx it!:tup: ) That will become one of the most desirable locations along King. I remember someone saying a while back in another thread, that the building housing that Voila Institute is one of the oldest commercial buildings in the downtown. Hopefully if someone else moved in they would take down that grey paint and uncover some beautiful old brick.

[jcollins]

Definitely! If Centre Block goes through (don't jinx it, don't jinx it!:tup: ) That will become one of the most desirable locations along King. I remember someone saying a while back in another thread, that the building housing that Voila Institute is one of the oldest commercial buildings in the downtown. Hopefully if someone else moved in they would take down that grey paint and uncover some beautiful old brick.

The brick can definitely be cleaned up, its just a matter of someone stepping up and WANTING to do so. And I think voila is still a valuable buisness to have downtown, its not like it it always dead and doesnt have people associated with it

[notmyfriends]

The brick can definitely be cleaned up, its just a matter of someone stepping up and WANTING to do so. And I think voila is still a valuable buisness to have downtown, its not like it it always dead and doesnt have people associated with it

I agree, we certainly don't need to go chasing those girls out of the downtown ;)

[waterloowarrior]

Downtown David's Gourmet closing

MICHAEL HAMMOND
RECORD STAFF
March 4, 2009
KITCHENER

The David's Gourmet specialty food store in downtown Kitchener is closing, a little more than a year after it opened to considerable fanfare.

Pat Quinn, who took over the store from David Ehrenworth in August, said she was "disappointed with the stores' performance and stepped in to better analyze the situation."

She said it only made sense to consolidate operations at the other David's Gourmet store she controls, on Northfield Drive in Waterloo. Quinn assumed control of that store in September.

The Kitchener store's remaining inventory will be folded into the Waterloo store next week, Quinn said yesterday in a statement.

Quinn and Ehrenworth were married when the Kitchener store opened. They are now separated.

Quinn, managing director of Creative Options, a communications firm in Waterloo, said the Kitchener store's reputation and customer base was eroded by a controversy between Ehrenworth and a non-profit group Food Not Bombs.

Last May, Ehrenworth asked that the group not give food to the needy along King Street in front of Kitchener City Hall, because the weekly event scared away customers.

Quinn said she "made every effort to restore goodwill within the community and to rebuild the business, including putting an increased focus on serving the lunchtime crowd and improving the store layout."

Ehrenworth disputed Quinn's version of events, saying the Kitchener store was breaking even when he operated it. "If I still had it, the store would be open," he said. "We were hoping the condos were going to go in across the street (on the Centre Block). Any added sustained business from that would have been a profit."

Ehrenworth, former controller of Creative Options, said the Food Not Bombs controversy actually boosted the Kitchener's store sales, as a number of people who agreed with his point of view went out of their way to shop at the store.

He continues to operate the David's Gourmet store at Bruce and Victoria streets in Kitchener. He also plans to open a store on Hespeler Road near Eagle Street in Cambridge.

Ehrenworth opened the Kitchener store in November 2007, with help from Quinn. The two bought the building at 173 King St. W., and refurbished its outer facade along with eight upstairs apartments.

Quinn said the building will be available for lease to another retailer.

The closing of the store leaves the downtown without a full-service grocery store, although the Shoppers Drug Mart at King and College streets has a food section.

mhammond@therecord.com

[QUOTE][QUOTE]from Redflagdeals

[QUOTE]David's Gourmet - 40% off almost everything (KW)
David's Gourmet has a few locations in Kitchener-Waterloo with unique products. Their Downtown Kitchener location on King St. W. (across from city hall) is closing and they're liquidating the inventory. Everything except deli (in the middle and two coolers on the left side with cheese and dips) and breads is 40% off. While their products aren't cheap, if there's any special items you normally buy this is a great deal.

Chocolates, spices, sauces and more. Quite a bit still left. They're also selling some fixtures. An example would be a nice book cases for $100 (see http://www.davidsgourmet.com/giving_back as an example).


David's Gourmet blog

There has been reports the downtown Kitchener store is closing.

I am a vested shareholder in the downtown Kitchener location and there currently is court order which in essence prohibits the closing of the downtown store without my consent.

The current management unfortunately does not share the vision that I had when I came to the downtown core of the commitment of its residents or the vibrant future of downtown Kitchener.

There will be an article in the Record shortly where current management tries to blame disagreements with Food Not Bombs and the marketplace of the core. Sales of the store went up during the controversy, and it was resolved shortly after with the purchase of a banner for the group where everyone involved was happy. The downtown core is extremely supportive of their stores. The fact of the matter is that only after existing management took over in August did support of the store deteriorate.

Unfortunately with the change in management last August there has been many decisions made that I have feel have been to the detriment of the store and to its customers including empty shelves and staff that were well liked either quit or were fired to dismay of regular customers. This lead to a store that could not be successful.

I will be vigorously pursuing through the courts to have current management obey court orders and have the store stay open for the people of downtown Kitchener.

In the meantime, I invite everyone from the downtown core to experience our new location on 25 Bruce Street.

Thank you Kitchener for your continued support!!!



It is entirely unfortunate that my personal business has been made public, and there have been several statements and false accusations made against me. As much as I would appreciate an opportunity to set the story straight and express the truth of the situation, I would prefer to keep my personal affairs discreet. However, I feel it necessary to express that the closing of the Kitchener store is against my wishes, and at this time out of my control. However, the Food Not Bombs challenges were resolved to both parties satisfaction and in no way played a part in the stores sales.

The circumstances of my marital separation have not been accurately portrayed in the past, and I have been victimized by many false statements and would like to express my grave disappointment, but trust that my customers, friends and family will continue to support the efforts of David’s Gourmet, servicing you from the Bruce Street location.



Sat 10 Jan 2009
David no longer associated with the Northfield and Downtown Kitchener Location
Posted by Administrator under Store
1 Comment
I want to let everyone know that since September I have had no association with both the Northfield location and Kitchener location.

I have received numerous concerns about service and product of the other stores, and I apologize as there is not much I can do about it.

However, I can promise you great service, well filled shelves, and new innovative products for all you foodies at our new spectacular Bruce Street location.

If you have any comments or suggestions I would love to hear from you.

David

[rapid_business]

Strange to see the dirty laundry being hung out on the internet like that. A little unprofessional perhaps?

Anyways... David's Gourmet in DT Kitchener was a good idea, but it was 5 years too early. There currently isn't enough residential to support it, nor the office crowd mentality in Kitchener that would have people head there after work before heading home.

[DHLawrence]

Maybe a satellite branch of Vincenzo's will open downtown in the near future.

[bauer123]

I am surprised to that it got on the internet. I knew about this awhile ago because someone I know knows the wife. The divorce is getting real ugly probably why it got to that point.

I wasn't going post about it but it got out anyway.

I hear you on the 5 years to early. Center Block needs to be finished before that type of store could really work.

[urban!ty]

Well the Food Not Bombs thing was something I was quite upset about-- I didn't like how David's Gourmet handled things.

On other hand, they created a nice downtown store and fixed that unit up quite a bit and put beautiful black stone on the storefront. I am glad that they tried.

[jcollins]

Anyways... David's Gourmet in DT Kitchener was a good idea, but it was 5 years too early. There currently isn't enough residential to support it, nor the office crowd mentality in Kitchener that would have people head there after work before heading home.

Much like the Market downtown, in order for it to be a consistent success, there needs to be residential, lots of residential

[myfaceisonfire]

My only regret is that it's not one of the stores he operates that's going under.

[KW4Life]

My only regret is that it's not one of the stores he operates that's going under.

Nothing like personal attacks on someone over issues you likely don't know the details of.

[myfaceisonfire]

Nothing like personal attacks on someone over issues you likely don't know the details of.

I've made my opinion of David quite clear throughout this thread. The way he handled the Foot not bombs situation was completely ridiculous. I've meant every word I've said.

[notmyfriends]

I've made my opinion of David quite clear throughout this thread. The way he handled the Foot not bombs situation was completely ridiculous. I've meant every word I've said.

:iagree:

People that don't properly respect feet sicken me :yuck: