Hey, my 2007 "visualize" blog post about Trader Joe's worked -- Salem has a store now. So I'm turning my New Age powers into manifesting a Cafe Yumm here.
I've got a perfect location in mind: right next to Trader Joe's. There's a couple of vacant storefronts. The Cafe Yumm franchise info says that 1950 to 2400 square feet are recommended for a restaurant. That seems about the size of the empty space adjoining Trader Joe's.
Come on, Someone in Salem. All you need is $400,000 or so.
My wife and I would throw in a few thousand bucks to become a minority partner with you. Which, hopefully, wouid entitle me to a discount on my favorite Cafe Yumm dish, the Southwest Tofu Wrap:
Big, grilled tortilla (white or w/w) filled with melted cheddar, grilled seasoned tofu, avocado, tomato, organic salsa, fresh cilantro.
It's amazing. One of the best things I've ever eaten, especially for $6.95. The Tofu Skewer ($3.00) also is a big hit for us. Undoubtedly the meat/fish/chicken dishes are equally Yummy.
There's a Cafe Yumm in Beaverton, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Portland, and Springfield. Those are most of the main cities in Oregon. Except, naturally, Salem. Our semi-fair city is woefully behind the times when it comes to cool, hip, healthy, creative restaurants/stores.
No Whole Foods. No REI. No Market of Choice. Until recently, no Trader Joe's. And, sadly, no Cafe Yumm.
The menu would go over great here. I can almost 100% guarantee that, Someone in Salem who could be a potential franchisee. It's largely organic and healthy, but not obviously so. The food is so tasty, even big-bellied, Subway-loving Salemites would be drawn to it.
The story of how Cafe Yumm got started is interesting. From humble beginnings, the creative cooking of founder Mary Ann Beauchamp spread through the enthusiastic “Yummmm! What is this?!!” of her customers.
Let's keep the tale evolving. Into Salem. Next to Trader Joe's. Or anywhere else. Build it and they will buy, Someone in Salem who needs to become a franchisee.
Congrats. You did it I just saw a cafe yumm sign in s. Salem. Not your visualized location, but who cares.
Posted by: Sharon | January 17, 2014 at 03:05 PM
Sharon, I totally take credit for Cafe Yumm coming to the behind French Press location. Thank you for recognizing my New Age powers.
As you noted, my visualization was off by quite a ways, as I was picturing a Cafe Yumm next to Trader Joes. But at least I got the restaurant into south Salem, where I live.
I usually pass the French Press area every day, so I'm visualizing lots of Southwest Tofu Wraps in my future. Can hardly wait...
Posted by: Brian Hines | January 17, 2014 at 09:02 PM