We just received this message and we’re greatly saddened to see one of our favorite vegan restaurants in the world speak of closing. Our prayers our with them for second chance.
Blossoming Lotus Kaua’i to Close Doors at End of 2008
Aloha Friends & Family of the Lotus,
Barring a miracle, The Blossoming Lotus will be closing its doors on December 31, 2008. We are saddened to share such news, and although it ironic that our business model has taken a successful shape amidst the economic climate due to our recent restructure, the past debt the business is carrying is proving to be dire.
The Blossoming Lotus has been a pillar in our community and a beacon of light for sustainability and healthy food alternatives. We have a sense of peace knowing we had such an impact on our Kaua’i community.
We thank you for all your support over the years in so many ways. We realize we have provided a safe haven, a form of sanctuary, here at our Restaurant & Juice Bar. We have found much joy in supporting our local farmers, musicians, artists and residents over the years. And we are deeply grateful for the love and support we have received in return. Words cannot convey the feelings we have in relation to our shared endeavor, and the entity we call ‘Blossoming Lotus’.
Our collective wish is for the Blossoming to continue to touch the hearts of our community and tourists alike. Miracles do happen, and it is true that we are open to them now.
We are reaching out to our extended family for assistance. If you or anyone you know feels inspired to help us keep this dream a reality, please forward all correspondence directly to Gabe Zingaro. He can be reached by email at: [email protected] and by cell at (808) 652-1440.
With deep thanks,
The Blossoming Lotus Ohana
JohnnySensible (32 comments)
There are many ways to finance a business.
Money in the bank is earning almost no interest these days – a good proposal, circulated with enthusiasm, will eventualy excite financial backers.
For this case time is very short – it may help to get a copy of the most recent accounts for the restaurant posted on HappyCow – along with a clear explanation of what they would need to stay in business.
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Native Food’s expansion page – http://www.nativefoods.com/about/investors/
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The financing of Englands first veggy hotel – James Henry Cook remembering Arnold Hills – http://www.euroveg.eu/evu/english/news/news983/kathleen.html
+ The First Vegetarian Restaurant And Hotel
Mr Hills was an inspiring speaker and the next time he visited Birmingham called together a group of business men and said: “I would like to see a first-class vegetarian Restaurant in Birmingham and if you will start it I will subscribe ten per cent of the cost” In 1896, it so happened that a new building was being erected in Corporation Street, Birmingham. After much deliberation, the consortium of business men rented the whole of the basement and ground floor to use as a Vegetarian restaurant. As I was very keen on the whole idea, I was appointed manager. Then the landlord asked us if we would take the whole of the seven storey building and convert the upper five storeys into an hotel.
In the summer of 1898 the first Vegetarian hotel in England, called ‘The Pitman Vegetarian Hotel’, was opened and I was made manager of that too.
The hotel was named after Sir Isaac Pitman, inventor of Pitman Short-hand, who had been a Vegetarian for 60 years, and at the time was the best known vegetarian in England. +