Page 72 of The Dating Prohibition
“Kendra?” a woman’s voice asked.
“Yes, this is she.”
“Hi, this is Sydney from PHI Realty. Um, I understand you were looking for a commercial property that had a historic background,but also was within a certain price point. And I wanted to call and let you know that we did find something that matches agood majority of what you’re looking for, but I just wanted to discuss some of the particulars with you to see if it mightbe something you’d be willing to consider.”
Kendra took a beat.Something’s wrong with it.Her mind began to race and she wondered what could be the issue. “Okay, so what... what are the particulars?”
“Hmm, so this one is right near the Navy Yard. It’s a converted schoolhouse that has more recently been used as a wine bar,and so it’s got some of that great brick and heavy wood that I know you’re looking for. The building itself is a historicbuilding, and it’s situated on a block with several others.
“And it does have the kind of bar space that you’re looking for, along with a room that could be used as a private diningroom in the back. The kitchen space is bigger than what you said you needed, because the wine bar was also utilized duringthe day as a space for cooking classes. But there is something that we do need you to know though.”
“Okay, what’s that?”
“The owner is not looking to completely sell.”
Kendra frowned. “Well, either you sell or you don’t. What do you mean ‘not completely’?”
“So they’re looking to, um, have someone essentially take over their business, but instead of outright selling you theproperty, it’s on a term lease basis, but also there is an expectation that you learn some of their recipes and continue selling their product, with them retaining a percentage of the profits from that.”
“Well, how does that work exactly?”
“Right. The lease would be at a discounted rate because they’re receiving a part of the profits from you on the back end.”
“And am I able to stop that at some point? Because, you know, I have a very clear vision of what I want my business to be.I’m not really sure how their products or recipes fit into what I’m trying to do.”
“It might! When they heard about the type of business you’re wanting to open, some of the dishes that they want you to preparecould be a part of your supper club menu, so that might not be an issue. But they do also want to preserve their originalbusiness name.”
“So basically I’m paying to run their business.” Kendra pursed her lips.This sounds like a mess.
“Yes. But there is still space in this model that allows you to start building your name and your brand. I think that theirgoal is to have their business continue for another ten years and then after that, their part would phase out and you couldeventually buy them out.”
“So it’s like a rent to buy, after continuing parts of their business for ten years.”
“Yes.”
“Wow, that’s a pretty hefty ask, Sydney,” Kendra laughed nervously.
“Yeah, it is,” she chuckled. “And I know it’s not exactly what you were looking for, but it can lead to what you’re lookingfor, and so I’m just hoping you’ll keep an open mind and consider it.”
“I mean, I’ll definitely consider it. Are they trying to move quickly, because I’m gonna need some time to sit with this.”
“They do have two others who they’re interested in, but they really liked what you’re trying to bring together, and especiallybecause you’re a local, they want to giveyoupreference,” Sydney emphasized. “Um, if you could consider it and let me know by next week, that would be ideal.”
“Okay, I’ll certainly do that. Thank you so much for calling me and please thank them for considering me for this opportunity.I completely understand wanting to have your business continue and have some longevity, creating that sort of legacy.”
“Exactly. So you get it,” Sydney said.
“I do. I just have to weigh out the pros and cons and get a sense of whether I might be able to incorporate what they haveinto my business plan, since I’m also trying to createmylegacy. Are you able to send me some more detail about the kinds of recipes that they would want me to, um, utilize and alsothe name of their business so I can figure out how exactly my brand fits into that?”
“Yes, I can email it to you, but first I would need to email you a nondisclosure agreement, because they do not want theirinformation being made public.”
“That makes total sense. Thanks. I’m out right now, but once I review it and everything, if I have questions, I’ll let youknow.
“Okay. Sounds great! Thank you so much, and I will be emailing you shortly.”
“Okay. Thank you, Sydney. Bye-bye.” Kendra slumped in her chair.
Is this really all I can do?She bit her lip.Would this be me selling out?
