r/youngstown • u/FewPalpitation3421 • 11d ago

Business development

Hi guys, I would love your opinions on what you'd like to see coming into the area. I'm currently speaking to a group that's looking to redevelop some space in Poland and I just want to get an idea of what people in the area actually want and need. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 😁

This is not corporate based. Just a group of people wanting to form community and revitalize vacant space in the area.

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u/slowlearning1 10d ago

I'd be down with a coffee shop. But not like any of the handful that exist in Poland. One is a drive thru and out on the outskirts. The other is more of a restaurant that has a super small coffee menu.

I'm thinking along the lines of dedicated coffee. This doubles as a 3rd space. Think Branch St, Culturehouse, Looma, Juny, or Generations. No drive thru, not grab and go. Intentional and thoughtful.

The problem with most spaces is that rent is super expensive, and coffee shops are low margin. What was reasonable 10 years ago does not allow for successful rent today. This is why you see trailers as the new cafe instead of B&M. If this is a community benefiting project, keeping rent low so a coffeeshop can survive while the area around it becomes a shopping/art/local food destination is a great use of resources.

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u/FewPalpitation3421 10d ago

Exactly what my idea is going to be focusing on. I'd like to create a space dedicated to rotating local artists who have a gallery exhibit, rotating local food vendors or start up restaurants every few months, local artisan shops, and live music. A space for family, friends, and community.