Editor’s note: Tim Canning and Shaun Black of the Lemon Tree Grocer released an e-mail today to clarify the intentions of their Roots program and also to thank the community for its feedback. The statement is included here in its entirety.
We want to start by saying thanks to everyone that has given feedback. We do appreciate all comments. Only through feedback will we truly understand our customer’s likes and dislikes, which helps us towards our ultimate goal, impeccable customer service.
After reading a few of the articles that were written about this project we can see where some of you could have been offended by our suggestion that people should dig into their pockets to help out a private business, especially in this tough economic time.
It is important for us to address the “roots” wall and its original intention, because we feel like some people have gotten the wrong idea. The true purpose of this wall is to allow our friends, family and neighbors to become a permanent fixture in the store.
After suggesting the idea to friends and family we received a positive response. Everyone believed it was a great way to support something so special to the two of us while providing lasting attractive artwork for everyone to enjoy.
The “roots” wall was not intended as a solicitation of Downers Grove residents. In fact, we did not approach any media in an effort to raise capital for our store. We were approached to discuss the wall after it was seen on our website.
In hind site, neither my partner or myself should have given any quotes to the media regarding the “roots” wall as it has only lead some people to unsavory conclusions, for this we apologize.
A few facts about the money being raised through the “roots” wall campaign:
The money will go towards the design and execution necessary for our artists to hand paint the artwork on the wall. If there is any money left over we were planning on using it to pay for the mural that will be attached to the “roots” wall.
We have since changed our minds and will now be spending any additional resources on a catered reception for all of the individuals who supported this project. No money will go towards the general operations of the store. This was never our intention.
We would like to address another misnomer that has been mentioned. The delays in the construction of the store are not from and have never been from a lack of funding.
Sure this project is over budget (not sure how many projects of this kind are ever on budget) and we have approached a small group of people that have expressed interest in investing in the store, but this is very common in businesses such as this one. We never intended on making this a matter for the public but since it’s out there, we felt it was important to mention.
Tim and I have literally poured our hearts and souls into this project in an effort to bring the residents of Downers Grove a unique and convenient place to shop. Please accept my personal apology if we have offended anyone through this process, it was never our intention.
We hope all of you will give us the benefit of the doubt and allow us to earn your trust through superior food and impeccable service after we open our doors. Only through the support of our friends, family, neighbors and of course the village would this project have been possible. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Shaun Black
Tim Canning
Lemon Tree Grocer
Thanks for the clarification guys, I for one am looking forward to becoming a frequent patron. Good luck!
Dear Messrs. Black and Canning,
Since I was one of the naysayers on this, I am pleased to weigh in! First of all, what a nice note. If only “we” had known this. The article in the newspaper read, to me, “we are in trouble and do not have sufficient start-up capital. Help us pay our bills.” (even then you would have had the “right” to do this even though I would not agree with it)
Had I known this is what the money was for, I may have supported this effort, and I certainly would have referred you to many talented local artists who might have wanted to get involved with this effort. It sounds great!
It’s unfortunate there were misconceptions.. this sounds way better!
Wishing you the best of luck with your endeavors, and I will look forward to shopping there once up and running!
I think the Roots Project is an excellent way to welcome the community to be a part of The Lemon Tree. I can’t express how very much I look forward to welcoming my new neighbors to Downers Grove…can’t wait for you to open!
It is great to see new business owners so concerned about the community! Thank-you Tim and Sean for clearing up this misconception over the Roots program. Count on seeing me in your store often!
I am very excited The Lemon Tree will open soon! Looking forward to not having to drive to Casey’s anymore.
Funny how a little bad press changes peoples story! The Reporter newspaper reported the owners stating they needed start up capital. Which is it? Who is right?
I concur with Meat and Debbie: If the “roots” wall had been presented as you described it, I would have had no negative feelings about it at all. (Either way, I certainly supported your choice to have such a display.)
The support of family and friends is certainly critical in any new business venture–I’m happy that you have had such support, as I haven’t at times when I could have used it.
Good luck–I’m looking forward to seeing the results of your efforts.
I’ve lived in Downers for 23 years and seen the downtown go through many changes both good and bad. I would place adding the Lemon Tree to our downtown as a good thing. Nobody is forcing anybody to donate to this Roots program so who cares if some new entreapuners want to try something new. Tim and Sean can count on my buisness and support. Thanks for bringing your store to Downers.
Has someone from this blog talked to the Reporter newspaper to ask them why they said the Roots program was to raise capital to open the store??
Editor’s note: I nominate you, dude.
Dgdude,
The Roots program will raise money to open the store maybe just not how we thought. It was given a negative spin at first, but it looks like Tim and Sean made a point of clarify where the money that the Roots program brought in would go to. So your right but that’s a good thing in the long run. I can’t wait to see how the wall turns out!
I totally understand what the Roots program is and I support it. I am going to contact the Reporter newspaper and have them clarify their story from last week. This week they have a staff writer who is not named kind of correcting the story, but not really.
I got a quick response from the Reporter Newspaper. It appears the owners were not on the same page with their stories. I want to thank the Reporter for their prompt and informative reply to my question! Thanks! See below:
“We published the follow up article to give the store owners an opportunity to provide correct information to our readers. Our first story accurately presented information provided to us by Tim Canning. That information was later contradicted by his partner, Shawn Black.”
I give this place 17 months til the doors close.
Editor’s note: Well, there’s a lot of us hoping you’re wrong. This downtown grocery store has been a long time coming. I think I’ll cultivate a more optimistic attitude, “optimist.”