I am writing to give you a quick update regarding the progress of Savour Wine and Cheese and Beach Gourmet toward the reopening of our businesses in the new location at 76 Prospect St. in Gloucester.
We are actually about 75% of the way there. Bob and I purchased the Connors building in March, have completed demolition (which included removing 5 layers of flooring), as well as rough plumbing, electrical, architectural plans, and insulation. And the wine machines have been ordered! We have passed the plumbing and electrical inspections and are now ready to start on dry wall, cabinets, shelving, kitchen equipment, fireplace, and many other wonderful things that will make this a great place to visit, linger over a glass of wine, taste artisanal cheeses and gourmet foods, and even to experience an outstanding evening at the private chef’s table. There is nothing like this on Cape Ann, or on the whole North Shore. So, Bob, Matt, John, and I are incredibly excited.
As far as we have come, we have hit a very challenging "bump in the road." We finally heard back from the insurance company. The news was more than disappointing. As a result of significant errors, we had to file our claim with our insurance agency’s liability carrier (for "errors and omissions"). This took over 8 months, and in the end, we received an offer that was less than 3% of the claim. We have rejected this offer and have obtained legal counsel. This was devastating to us as we were counting on these funds to move forward and finally reopen.
Savour Keystone Investors Card
Despite all of the progress we have made so far, the reality of the situation is that we are going to have to raise more capital if we are going to get our doors open for the fall quarter. This is an important goal as both Beach Gourmet and Savour need the holiday season to get us back on our feet. Many people have asked how they can help get us up and running again, including investing in the businesses. To help bridge the gap of financial uncertainty as we fight with the insurance company, we have decided to extend a limited, one-time offer to some of our greatest supporters. We are offering, for purchase, discount cards of 5% at a cost of $1000,10% for $2500, and 15% for $5000, applied to all retail items, including wine, cheese, charcuterie, wine tools, pantry items, and books. Even special orders are included. These discounts cards will not expire. I should mention that they cannot be combined with sales and other discounts because that could result in selling alcohol below costs, which is illegal in Massachusetts. We are limiting these special discount cards to approximately 15 in each category, as we do not want to hinder the long-term health of the business. So we are extending this first to our most ardent supporters.
We never expected this outcome from our insurance leaving us in the position of having to raise additional capital. We are anxious to be open for the crucial Fall Season, so that all of us (Matt, John, Skip, Tonya, Patsy, and myself) can get back to work, doing what we love and bringing you some of the best food and wine in the area.
So, please consider purchasing a "Keystone Investors" discount card. This is a long-term investment in local business, in your community, and in "raising the bar" for exceptional food and wine on Cape Ann. I want to thank you in advance for your prayers, words of encouragement, and constant, unfailing support. It means the world to all of us.
If you would like to become a "keystone investor" of Savour Wine and Cheese and receive a lifetime discount, you can send a check, made out to "Savour" in the amount that corresponds to the discount card you choose, to:
Savour
Kathleen Erickson
17 Rowe Point
Rockport, Ma. 01966
I will give you a receipt with a written explanation of the "keystone investors" program and will have a discount card made for you. We will also provide a personal guarantee that if, for whatever reason, Savour does not open within a year, you may opt to receive a full refund. Feel free to call me if you have any questions or would like to discuss the idea and wish us well!
Kathleen Erickson, "The Wine Ph.D."
978 546-3549 – home
312 286-1924 – cell
(Oh by the way – we have a record of all gift certificates and wine club memberships Savour sold during the 10 weeks we were open, and will honor them when we reopen. Also, if you are a wine club member, your club card will work in the new machines. They do not expire, so hang on to them)!
Good Morning Gloucester 