Another business about to fail

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 21:19

Had a Nescafe at a cafe next to a supermarket in Alsancak.



Three TL. Filthy conditions, no little biscuit, no pleasantries, etc, etc. No high overheads, no big staff wages.



For five TL I could have had a great coffee at Ezic, (with a little biscuit, comfy chairs, nice toilets) or at Coffee World. Both must have much bigger overheads; nice views at Ezic, very central at Coffee World.



If this establishment is still there in one week, they must be living on air.



Please don't go on about it was my choice/I have more money than sense/you should have known what to expect, etc. Please also don't mention Chateau Lambousa! That establishment is not about to close.



The topic is the reason for the post....

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 21:28

I am struggling to think which supermarkets in Alsancak have 'cafe's' next to them and I can only think of Fresco's next to Starling. If this is the one then I can only think it has gone down hill over the last couple days because I use it on a regular basis and have had no problems.

AJ

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 21:32

A couple of days is a long time in the life of a cafe AJ.



Have you noticed that the BBQ near the front door has gone?



The smoke extractors have gone!



Chicken shish is "fried" on the hot flat grill.



Never again.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 21:35

msg 1 not much left to say, guess you wont go back then?

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 21:36

pinkchilli

If you are confirming my posting about that particular cafe then I will visit over the next 2-3 days and post my findings.

AJ

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 21:43

you should have come to me. comfortable surroundings cappucino latte mocha etc with amertetti biscuits plus a newpaper to read 4tl. sorry for your experience. i think everyone is going through a bad time but no way should ot reflect the service if you are open for buisness. lilli xx

stewy


Joined: 18/10/2008
Posts: 279

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 22:07

Yupsy again.



Lilli's is great.



Fantastic coffee. Only 4 YTL !!!

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 22:10

how much do you pay now in uk stewey

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 22:32

I was told some time ago that Fresco's electric for the cafe had been disconnected after the supermarket became Starling, and they had to arange a generator. I don't know if they have managed to get mains electric switched back on since, maybe this could be a factor.

I have allways found the cafe very good and the staff very pleasant, it will be a shame if it does close, I also went in Atakara tonight, and the shelves are looking quite sparse, not another shop to bite the dust.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 22:46

such a sad sign of the times mindy. astro is dead. I dont know how they survive. You have to really check the dates.Its all a big worry. I guess certain people will be happy when there is no one left. I read an article about the government giving permission for a sailing casino to bring people from isreal here what chance has anyone got to compete against casinos or ships like this. Then they wonder why real tourists stay away its simple family holidays or gamblers. It also said unless the casinos get their acts together by 23rd feb the country will be on an international blacklist for money laundering and terriost activities. What chance have we all got to survive in buisness.We just thank god for our loyal customers.take care lilli xxx

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 22:48

Mindy

As I have posted before Atakara is here to stay, the reason why from time to time is that shelves appear to be empty is because they sell stuff and they sell it quicker than they can replace it. It is the most successful supermarket around the Alsancak area.

AJ

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 22:53

i hope so AJ because we get our live yeast from there amongst other things itsgood to hear that its successful because they are so lovely in there. Its great to have a corner shop like that one. Lilli xxxx

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:02

AJ I confirm your suspicions



I await your postings.

Macha


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 650

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:04

hmm,



Drove through Karavas/Alsancak today and the place seems to go more downhill every year. It's lıke southern Kurdistan with some of the people milling about. If you go back 15 years is was run down then and half the shops still had Greek names on them, but at least there was a buzz about the place.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:09

oh macha only ducks would have gone out today. it was so cold then the storms. It has a great buzz usually look at all the new things opened. it must be the same south side we are all suffering the crunch

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:11

would help if the resturant owners didnt turn people away because they are to lazy to set up more tables, as a few of us witnessed at turtle bay yesterday...

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:18

Oh dear John

'Drove through Karavas/Alsancak today and the place seems to go more downhill every year. It's lıke southern Kurdistan with some of the people milling about. If you go back 15 years is was run down then and half the shops still had Greek names on them, but at least there was a buzz about the place.'



As you are an interloper and as such not being part of the local community then you will have no idea of how vibrant the local community is. You did not drive through the village of Alsancak. Next time give me a shout and I will show you the true spirit of Alsancak.

AJ

Macha


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 650

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:21

AJ,



Somehow I'm pretty sure I was a familiar face at the Karavas municipality and coffee shop a decade or so before you pitched up.

Turtle


Joined: 28/05/2007
Posts: 2669

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:22

You would think if people despised the TRNC so much they would stay away.

Beats me !

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:27

hiya turtle you and me both all they do is try to put you down when all you do is try to give them something better. How are you xxxxHad a lovely couple in for lunch first time here weather not so good and they saw it for the beauty even though they have been going to a fishing village outside paphos for 12 years. I asked would you come back here answer we have already booked to come in May. They booked fo dinner in may with friends they have made here already. So we cant al be wrong can we. Been in the chat room but I was all alone xxxxxx

stewy


Joined: 18/10/2008
Posts: 279

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:33

Large cappuccino today in Sainsbury's cafe 1.85 GB.

Turtle


Joined: 28/05/2007
Posts: 2669

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:33

Hi Lilli, you can only do what you do best and offer a good service and meal at a good price and you will do well but there is always someone ready to trash your efforts.............................you don't need or want these losers Im sure.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:34

please stop responding to this post , weve got all the gc sympathiseres debating about a cup off coffee ,

Macha


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 650

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:38

lıllı:



''oh macha only ducks would have gone out today. it was so cold then the storms.''



I know! Terrible wasn't it? I was getting bombarded with hailstones down at Soli and Limnitis. Seems OK outside now, though. No - Forget ıt - just heard thunder...

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:38

John

Well you are invited back to any of the coffee shops in Alsancak as my guest so that you can re-introduce yourself to former friends but I must admit that the elders of the village that I talk to have been struggling to place you. Perhaps you can provide some more information as regards to the coffee shops that you used to frequent and the the village elders that you know.

AJ

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:45

Stewy



'Large cappuccino today in Sainsbury's cafe 1.85 GB.'



Oh what a lovely setting, how the other half live.

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
16/02/2009 23:46

AJ

I know you have posted this before, and I hope you are correct, I like Atakara but have never seen it like it is for the 3 years I have been here. spreading kit-kats allover shelves to make them look full doesnt do it I'm afraid. But then I may be wrong.

stewy


Joined: 18/10/2008
Posts: 279

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 00:16

AJ



Get a life.



Is it our job to take the piss....



If you can't say something nice. Don't say anything.



What an ass you can be.

Macha


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 650

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 00:19

AJ,



I suspect a few of the ''vıllage elders'' were sent packing back to Turkey a couple of years back as illegals.

stewy


Joined: 18/10/2008
Posts: 279

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 00:23

Sorry should have read your.



The other half live in million pound houses in Weybridge.



You my friend live in Alcanjack.



I've lived in Alcanjack.. It sucked.



If you want to argue on lifestyles or you think you are superior in some way. So be it. You are a legend.



I know you hold a grudge against me and cannot wait to get your say in.



Grow up ..... Sir and don't be so disrespectful and downright rude.



You have been given a small responsibility. Don't abuse it.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 00:25

stewy

'Get a life.'



Erm I have one believe it or not.



'Is it our job to take the piss....'



Fair statement.



'If you can't say something nice. Don't say anything.'



Maybe my attempt at humour did not meet with your approval.



'What an ass you can be.'



Absolutely and I have made a profession from it. Hope you are as successful as me. I think you have a very good chance.

AJ

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 00:30

Macha

No mate all of them displaced from Paphos as you are probably aware. And all are very interesting people to talk to.

AJ

Turtle


Joined: 28/05/2007
Posts: 2669

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 00:34

I second that AJ, I would suggest most people would learn a lot with an afternoon in Alsancak talking to the elders.

stewy


Joined: 18/10/2008
Posts: 279

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 00:34

You have a high opinion of yourself. AJ.

Congratulations on such a successful life.

I aspire to your greatness.



Well done.



Hope you are as successful as me. I think you have a very good chance.



AJ



Could never dream of being as successful as you...

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 01:15

stewy

Who is taking the 'p' now?

Fortunately people that know me understand my passion for the TRNC, unfortunately for others sometimes my 'sarcastic' comments are not well received. I do not hold a grudge against you or anyone else because that is not in my nature. I apologize now if I have upset you, it was never my intention and if you are ever back out in the TRNC then I will be the first to buy you a beer.

Take care

AJ

brandy sour


Joined: 09/04/2008
Posts: 310

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 01:33

Careful Stewy you might find your self in jail it does not take much these days.

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 05:46

Three things here to comment on the Hippo says



Alsancak is very much alive and well, coffee shops well frequented and with realitively friendly people.



Atakara is definately not shutting manageress very upset about rumours.



Guido's sounds really good value for a coffee, Hippo may even visit (I take it the newspaper will be up to date and Hippo prefers the Telegraph)

david9


Joined: 09/09/2008
Posts: 358

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 06:37

Comment on Atakara, Good shop but staff apart from one individual are not pleasant and sometimes downright rude. Do not go near it ,unless in dire circumstance.

Perhaps others feel as I do and are voting with their feet if that is the case they are getting what they deserve.

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 08:31

david9 my good chap



Hippo is a frequent user to Atakara and find them very friendly a couple of the girls on the checkout have a prob with english but apart from that i cant see what is wrong

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 08:41

Living in Karsiyaka, Atakara is off route but still call in occasionally because we like the place and always get a smile and hello from the staff.



Would be amazed if it closed, Astro however was doomed before it opened.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 09:44

I have been a customer of Atakara for over two years and have always been greeted politely by the staff and management. My only criticism might be that they are not always the cheapest store around for some items.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 09:50

Sounds like things are becoming a bit grim !

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 10:34

They actually serve "instant" coffee in a cafe?

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 10:39

Then that is a bit grim .

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 10:43

seems a lot of fuss about nothing here and as a moderaor AJ I do not think you should antaganise people then hide behind so called joking/humour. I wont visit this thread again should we have a new thread, should AJ stand down?? I am sure Nig and a few others would vote for it..

guidosp1


Joined: 30/12/2008
Posts: 341

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 10:57

hi turtle simbas aj and hippo. Turtle you are soooo right but at least I know who they are and no you wanted want them Simbas its getting very grim. Hippo there will always be a welcome fo you and I will get you the telegraph its guidos favourite for the crossword. AJ you ae a man of principle and always stick to your belief.Always some that turns a thread right around.I think Alsancak is lovely and the people there kind and helpful.

guidosp1


Joined: 30/12/2008
Posts: 341

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 10:58

oops Ive done it again the message is from me Lilli I didnt see he has been on the board again and Ive signed on under guidos name. xxxx

mia100max


Joined: 19/03/2008
Posts: 404

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 16:46

I went to the little cafe around the corner from HSBC. 5 lira for a mug of tea!

When I asked how much the chi was, said the same... Nearly fell over backwards!!!!

Was there last year & tea was 3 lira a bacon roll & was 5 tl then, is now 8tl !!

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
17/02/2009 19:25

sorry to say its all a sign of the times. interest rates uo or down then speak to the landlords they wll now dictate the cost its so sad. If you really dont think their of tea or cofee goes up please check the index. However we know you all want something different hence the price take for instance. labour coffee beans italan illy mllk nsugar etc plus surroundings so if they give you coffee of any description take with good grace

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
18/02/2009 08:59

Always ask price first, then its up to you .

At least at the airport I imagine their rent is a lot higher.

madmazz


Joined: 14/01/2009
Posts: 82

Message Posted:
18/02/2009 09:36

The rent of even the smallest premises - especially in established areas on the main road, costs hundreds of POUNDS every month. Its no good looking at how much a jar of nescafe costs in the supermarket then bemoaning how much it costs per cup in these cafes!! Thats naive to say the least. The belediye charge hundreds of pounds every year just for allowing you to put up a sign over your shop, the rates (rubbish etc) are more expensive than for domestic dwellings. Its a free world, you can drink and eat wherever you choose, or maybe for some perhaps its time for a flask of coffee/tea and a park bench somewhere? Some may be being greedy, but I am sure that most of these small business owners are really struggling. If you want to keep these charming little village cafes etc open , then you should support them, not slag them off (in my opinion).

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
18/02/2009 09:43

madmazz,



Nail on head.

denizkisi


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 196

Message Posted:
18/02/2009 12:11

Totally agree with Madmazz. Its like the old "use it or lose it" fate that befell the little post-offices and small shops in the UK. Yes it's cheaper to have a coffee in say, Lemar, but you get as much ambiance as sitting in a car park! I would happily pay a little more to support local small businesses.

kibsolar


Joined: 14/09/2008
Posts: 552

Message Posted:
18/02/2009 12:23

my brother in law (TC) always says that he cannot understand the foreigners.

they complain about a coffe 50pc too expensive and the next days they buy a house 25000 GBP too expensive.

but if you need to pay 2,50 euro for a mug of tea, even if it is in a lovely village bar, then a lot of people thinking of not having it.

yes, labour becomes more expensive. but still we are on 500 euro minimum wage.

one problem in my opinion is not only that the rents are too high and the taxes...too many people think that they can make a living serving others a cup of tea and if there are no customers than the remaining ones have to pay more.

we will see a lot more businesses going down in this sector.

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
18/02/2009 16:42

Only in the TRNC will a business put up their prices when there is little or no demand.



Give me an example of where this has been done and it worked!



Would estate agents/developers/builders REDUCE prices when demand outstrips supply?



Wake up! This is not even basic economics. Schoolkids of five years old in a playground have more sense.



Reduce prices, people will tell others, this should create more demand, then they can put up their prices - no problem.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
18/02/2009 23:03

Madmazz message 51



Yes, they have to cover the costs, but the price rises to cover for lack of customers then produces more lack of customers which then produces more price rises -----



As for supporting the local economy ,not all prices are exorbitant,so how do some manage?



Tourists who should be encouraged to return ,are there for a holiday and might consider being there has already contributed enough to the economy,without being asked to pay exorbitant prices to cover for lack of customers.

Cyprusquest


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 428

Message Posted:
19/02/2009 00:28

msg 56 How much does a tourist contribute to the economy?

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
19/02/2009 01:02

An awful lot if they think they are getting value for money, not a lot if they feel they are being ripped off.

Lazy days


Joined: 24/07/2008
Posts: 847

Message Posted:
19/02/2009 08:25

Hi Lilli

Can you explain how you and Guido can both post, as my husband & daughter were cut off for us having multiple id's on here, we were only allowed 1 voice although we were peeps with seperate views ?

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
19/02/2009 09:08

i hardly ever pay for coffee.

i just stop past and see friends.

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
19/02/2009 10:01

So, fire starter, you're the cause of ALL the problems in the cafe's, shops, businesses, construction sector, tourism, banking, the credit crunch and my poor ability to do a BBQ!



LOL!

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
19/02/2009 19:53

AJ have you had a chance to visit the establishment?

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
19/02/2009 20:02

Techtan karalanaglu gone another bar in lapta going suzanes bungalows lapta gone this could EXTEND or you could join an internet club to see who can get their money back lol



it would be funny but people were warned.

Chris and Sue


Joined: 07/08/2008
Posts: 272

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 08:07

Which bar in Lapta is closing Nigel?

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 08:49

Upon reading the spat between AJ and Stewy, the scores on the doors are..



AJ ...10



Stewy....0



Well done AJ...





On more serious note, the cost of living here is about the same as the UK, but here we have the weather...well maybe not at the mo but in general we do.



I know we get 'ripped off' a lot by the tc's and there is without doublt a two tier system...trust me the brits rip us off just as much, I have had work done on my villa by a brit and everything he has done has been ridiculously overpriced, I hear you cry why did you use him..because I was in UK at the time and thought I could trust him..on my return I have had to get other ppl in to put right his cock ups..

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 16:40

pinkchilli it is now closed,



also closed tectan at karalanaglu

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 16:49

Dee...msg 65

We don't tend to agree on a lot of things but you are bang on with your warning about Brit tradesmen in TRNC.



Obviously you can't tar everyone with the same brush but there are many that prey on people who think they will be more trustworthy...that work will be done to UK standards....and that obviously there won't be a language barrier.

I would use a local TC tradesman everytime after seeking recommendations.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 19:06

hi lazydays i dont know how it works i signed some time ago and guido only recently both under our real names check with izzet. sorry i cant help. As for how some people can charge less they probably own the building,therby no great overheads.