04/19/2019
So, as most of you know, I was hoping to re-open Sweet Pete’s; the iconic ice cream store that burned to the ground 5 years ago.
I found, what I thought to be, the “perfect spot.” The dilapidated gas station in the heart of congers!!!!
Yes, I know it’s an eye sore, but part of my plan was to “fix-up” the building with new siding, a paint job, colorful awnings, beautiful landscaping, and much more.
About a month ago I approached the owner of the gas station with my idea. He LOVED it.
Then I went to the town building department and passed the idea along to Eric, the head inspector. He loved it too and confirmed that the location was zoned for an ice cream store/personal training studio.
So everything was looking good at this point. I had another meeting with the town to discuss the parking and that too was a non-issue.
With that said, I had the towns blessing. Quite a relief considering this is the same “town government” that tried having “THE CONE” removed from the original Sweet Pete’s.
How’d that work out? 😂
So with the landlord and towns blessing it was time to get the ball rolling, which I did.
I researched build out costs for the internal structure, outside repairs, machines and equipment, literature and signage, and much, much, more.
My bottom line investment would be around $200,000 which is a big nut to crack, but the vision is there, and my past success with the same type of operation, in basically the same location, made this gamble, a “no-brainer.”
So I approached the landlord with a proposal. We spoke briefly about the massive undertaking, the huge financial investment, and all the positive benefits this project would bring the town of congers.
Unfortunately, after a great conversation & agreeing this would be a huge success, we hit a brick wall.
The landlord could only offer me a 2 year lease. What?!?!
Yeah, you see, he has already submitted plans to knock down that eyesore of a building and replace it with a strip mall. Hmmmmmmmm 🤔💡🍦 💪🏋️🥊 🚲
I can’t invest over $200,000 in this venture with the possibility of being asked to leave in a few years. That’d be absurd!!!
I can, however, put dibs on this new location and that’s what I did. The owner was so impressed with what he’s heard about me from local business people in town, as well as, folks who witnessed the positive impact my businesses, CLEMENTE’ MMA FITNESS CENTER & SWEET PETE’S, had on the Congers community.
So for now, Sweet Pete’s is still a faded memory, but have hope, for one day, and that day may be in the near future, “THE CONE” will rise again.
Sorry I couldn’t get this project past the finish line, but I truly believe that it’s
Hopefully the landlord has his vision of the strip mall fulfilled, which, in turn, will bring my vision to reality; seeing families, kids, friends, and neighbors all with smiles on their faces as they enjoy an ice cream or novelty from Sweet Pete’s. 😊🍦
Don’t lose hope or sight of that vision. I certainly won’t. For now though, enjoy your carvel, cups n cones, twist n shake, and other ice cream shops. AND NO, I DO NOT OWN PETEY WHEATEYS!!!
Hope to see you folks on a long line in the near future.
ALL THE ❤️ & LONG LIVE THE CONE 🍦