Andrew Z

Welcome, AZ, and let me be the first to say that I am very sorry to hear about your troubles. I went through the same thing a decade ago, and while watching my small business empire crumble was painful and gut-wrenching, ultimately I benefited from the process of reassessing my values and determining exactly what I wanted from life.

You and I have had some negative verbal exchanges in the past, but that is ancient history in my book. I feel a great deal of empathy for a well intentioned business owner who got screwed over by people he trusted. Yet we cannot allow a few thugs and crooks to destroy our view on the world: I think most people are deserving of trust until they prove themselves to be corrupt, and I would hate to see your many positive contributions to the community get destroyed because of repercussions from getting burned.

Also, I urge you to take a deep breath before jumping back in and trying to restart the business. There is much to be said about the adage against throwing good money after bad, and as my own business interests struggled, I poured almost every last nickel into trying to keep them afloat. I would have been much better off cutting my losses around 1996 or so, but my desire to save my business caused me to liquidate my retiremnet savings, my insurance policies, and to take a second mortgage on my house. As a result, when it became apparent that there was no hope, I was in debt beyond imagination, and I had almost no cash or house equity left.

This can be an opportunity for you to experience personal growth, and I am firmly convinced that God had a reason for wanting me to experience failure and pain. I am a stronger person, I am in a field that is much more enjoyable, and I think I am a much wiser person with greater humility as a result of my struggles.

This should have gone in the original thread. And that's all I have to say.

True ^^^^^

AZ, at least you had the balls to attempt what you did.
I respect you for that!

Spin, Spin, Spin, Spin, Spin.

Well AZ, on the bright side you are not qualified to run for congress as a "successful businessman".

why another thread for this AZ? there is another thread about this currently on the homepage.

^same strategy he had by opening multiple restaurant locations when one was (way) more than enough

Wow - lots of hate for this guy. Whats the deal? I have never net him, but (try to)support local business. Seems the only one that really shold be commented on his business plan is historymike. Nobody else seems to have any experience there.

As far as the new thread goes; he isn't a regular here so how would he know what is wanted? Most of us don't follow thos guidelines either. Look how many threads toledolen has started on "things to do".

Just seems like the usual Toledo vultures are especially hungry about this subject for some reason.

To be honest, when the number of responses starts increasing rapidly like in the original Andrew Z topic, I tend not to go back. When most topics start approaching 100 responses, its because the same people have started rehashing the same arguments.

So, in this case, I don't mind that AZ made his personal statement by creating a new topic. I know that I wouldn't have seen it otherwise, and I can't be the only one.

BTW, I ended up going back to the original topic as well, and was impressed with how remarkably civil the recent comments have been. I also found historymike and holland's comments quite interesting, given their experience as cash-based business owners.

My father has owned/operated a business for over 30 years, but he doesn't deal with daily cash transactions. It was interesting to see the different types of issues that a cash-based business owner faces.

Ryan, what's your damage? I didn't know that those "what's going on this week" threads put such a spur in your panties. As a toledo-lover who likes to know what events are going on in the city, I thought other TT posters would be into it.

SO SORRY.

Because, you know, helping pass the word on local events really HURTS "local business". Douche.

Point is you could have ONE and keep it going. You were just a touch too quick to rag on AZ for starting a thread like its a big deal. Grow up.

Ryan, I think you are taking the internet way too serious.

Andrew Z said:

"people say they’re are three sides to every story…my side…hill partners side and the truth…just giving you my perspective and then you can make your own determination"

Why? Why should "your side" differ from the truth? I realize there may be things you can't say because of the circumstances and likely still developing aspects of your situation. And I am sorry you find yourself in this predicament. I'm sorry for all involved - your employees, your suppliers, Hill Partners and, if this piece of the story is fact, especially your mom.

But I struggle to figure out why you've come here other than to tell us you are flawed. We all are so that isn't news. Your second paragraph begins with you stating you wanted to give us your persepctive. I don't see it in your post.

I'm not trying to give you a rough time. God knows your plate needs sideboards right now. But, your post appears to me more like a generic "touch base", PR move than any statement of your perspective.

I do wish you well. Though I think you should give serious consideration about jumping back into the business. Perhaps this isn't your strong suit.

Regarding your former "premiere" location, $11k a month rent for a small independent restaurant doesn't sound like part of a very good business model to me. You gotta sell a lot of pizzas to make that monthly nut.

So I guess he is opening up this Friday in Ole Taco. They are going to share the place/menu.

Sounds strange, but it may just work. I don’t think Ole Taco has actually been packing them in.

that is bizarre

Agreed, upso - I struggle to grasp the concept of a "temporary" restaurant location.

I can't imagine he would have any credit left with anyone. Where is Ole Taco?

Where is Ole Taco? Is that the updated name of the Mexican place at the old Diva? Getting all these Mexican restaurant locations confused!

Just what a struggling business needs to do, partner up with a business associated with Ken Pompora....unbelievable

mom2, yes the old Diva location.

do they even have pizza ovens at Ole???

I will certainly check this out. Maybe they'll have a mexican pizza! I can handle that.

You usually are the first one on a scene. Let us know.

oh I WILL ;)

what does a Mexican pizza smell like?...(insert curt response here)

Even smell a wet Chihuahua?

Get some Little Caesar's pizzas and put them in a Andrew Z box

Well AZ, on the bright side you are not qualified to run for congress as a "successful businessman".

posted by SensorG on Oct 02, 2010 at 05:04:41 pm #

Why not? Rich Iott is

steve 155 - stupid comment - not needed for this thread.

i lol'd a little myself. sorry about your lack of humor

gotta agree with 155. it's a good zinger.

Ken Pompora is part of Ole?

"Mr. Roumaya said the establishment will be managed by Kenneth Pompora, but Mr. Pompora said he is involved only in the design and marketing of the establishment.

Mr. Pompora was a co-owner of the successful Jed's Barbeque & Brew chain before he was derailed by financial and legal troubles in late 2007.

Mr. Roumaya and his partners will own the business through a company called An Mynt Toledo LLC.

Other owners are Naqid Hasan, Yazeed Qaimari, and Afaf S. Smidi, all of Toledo. Some of the men were involved in bringing the first restaurant of California fast-food chain Del Taco to Toledo and also own hotels, retail space, and residential investment properties throughout the Toledo area."

Toledo Blade - 12/31/2009

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091231/BUSINESS03/912310373/0/NEWS02

Anyone hear how last week went at the roving restaurant?

I'm not sure it opened. Heard AZ say on the radio that plans to open in a month at new location. I'm interested, too.

My guess would be that owners of Levis have a lien against his property due to back rent. AZ's equipment may be locked in the old restaurant until he pays up or work out a deal.

"Some of the men were involved in bringing the first restaurant of California fast-food chain Del Taco to Toledo "

Well, glad I now know who to blame for that disgusting place.

that place does not live up to the hype. I agree

Upso --
rather than start a new thread, can you list some of the sandwich joints that you've found around the area?

yeah the food there is not that good. the Sangria however, is delicious

JJ – me thinks Upso would recommend Grumpys. As he should, everything is wonderful. From the garbage salad to a straight up Rueben. I only wish they had longer hours.

I've got to get down to Grumpy's one of these days. It gets some rave reviews on Yelp. I heard Brian Wilson of WSPD fame mention it a couple of weeks ago that it is/was a favorite haunt of his.
He also mentioned that one of the former(?) owners, Connie, had passed away recently. He had nothing but high praise for her stating that "You were better off for having known her" which I found quite a complement.
upso: my condolences if Connie was a friend/relative of yours.

Another vote for Grumpy's garbage salad !

Also, the best deli style sandwich in town belongs to my friend's place out in Levis Commons, JB Sarnie's. It screams freshness.

Foodie, thanks. Connie was my grandmother.
My aunts and I take over November 3rd, and were having a memorial for connie on the 6th from 12-4.

I'll have to try Grumpy's. I've heard good things about it, think about going, then get buried with research/litigation/side-projects.

I could be wrong, but it looks like Ole is only open for dinner now, and the Andrew Z banner that was hanging on the front of the space has been removed. Anyone know what happened? I'd really like to see them succeed.

I heard for a hot minute they were doing breakfasts. That is odd. As far as Andrew goes he said they would only be there a few weeks and then announce a new permanent location. Have you been back to Ole Taco lately? any better?

How is Ole? I've never been there -- maybe I missed a review in this thread?

I have not been there recently, so I can't attest to how things are going.