We’ve been getting a lot of e-mails and comments from readers about the controversy over the vendor permits the Recreation and Park Department is proposing to grant in Dolores Park.
In summary:
A few of you have e-mailed to tell us that Blue Bottle is currently backed by the venture capital firm Kohlberg Ventures. Nothing wrong with wanting to get large, but given this neighborhood’s historic antipathy toward large-scale retail, it’s worth noting. Right now, Blue Bottle only has a café and roastery in Brooklyn.
From the Kohlberg Ventures website:
Blue Bottle is more than a brand, however. James has designed a replicable business model, with flagship retail generating trial for the larger restaurant wholesale market served by a city-scale roaster. Moreover, Blue Bottle operates profitably at each level. Kohlberg Ventures invested with James to expand this model to new cities. Our capital enables Blue Bottle to build the roasters and cafes while our operational assistance allows James to concentrate on maintaining quality and reputation.
And one of you e-mailed some links to YouTube videos of the generator model that Michael Hamm said the cart would be using. (One of the concerns at the meeting was about generator noise.) Turns out it’s strangely fascinating to watch footage of generators on the Internet.
They said the same thing about Petes and Starbucks. Funny how that works when you start off small and local
Wow, how dare a company attempt to grow in order to provide more customers with products they actually want to purchase. Capitalism is such an evil system. Shouldn’t they be giving all their money to the homeless? AMIRITE?!?!