For those of you that follow local business news, you may remember last month’s special exemption request for a Dunkin’ Donuts on MLK near downtown. After protest from local business owners and advocates, Council ultimately turned down the request because the drive-thru at that location was originally slated for retail use (e.g., a bank) not a restaurant. This was a win for keeping more congestion and big chains out of downtown but also set the tone to delay plans for a local business, Vice & Virtue, whose hearing happened to be on that same day, shortly after D&D was turned down.
Vice & Virtue, a new coffee and fast-healthy food concept, is gearing up to open on MLK between 30th Ave N and 32nd Ave N where the old drive-thru Farm Store used to be. V&V creators, Laurene O’Connor and Tara Mutshier, would like to reinstate the drive-thru to make it convenient for customers to get their orders. However, the City requires a special exemption to do so.
Now their hearing is rescheduled for May 2nd.
It is important to note the drive-thru for V&V was there already; as part of the old Farm Store. So, unlike Dunkin’ Donuts, Vice & Virtue is requesting to reinstate, not repurpose.
There are some other significant differences. For example, V&V envisions their drive-thru as more of a drive-up; making the experience much more personal and inviting. Their food will be healthy, organic and locally sourced (when possible). They’re even consulting with a local farmer about adding a garden to the back of the property.
To help this young local business open their doors, we’re asking you to write the City and say that you support local business and APPROVE reinstating the drive-thru so that V&V can start serving up some delightful in-house roasted coffee and healthy food, too!
Email [email protected] to let Council know that you support local business and would love to see Vice & Virtue open on MLK. To contact V&V directly, call Laurene O’Connor, (727) 667-3659 or Tara Mutschler, (727) 479-7512; or email [email protected].
