The second annual Bright Leaf Brew Fest is coming up in mid-November, but there’s a “Boycott the Fest” movement going on at a local business.
The first Bright Leaf Brew Fest was a pleasant success. Craft and microbrew beers were sampled along with different food vendors and lots of people had a great time.
FastForward to this year’s plans. It seems that Texas Steakhouse came to the Danville Tourism officials with an offer that they couldn’t refuse. They offered to pay $1000 in exchange for being the exclusive food seller at this year’s event. This teed off Steve & Judy Salamon, the owners of Bronx Boy Bagels because they were one of the food vendors from the first Brew Fest. At the first one, food vendors paid a percentage of their food sales as their payment for booth rental and it worked out fine for Bronx Boy Bagels as well as the other vendors. When they were told of Texas Steakhouse’s proposal, they were given the option of matching or surpassing the $1000 offer to win out the exclusive food vendor role. The Salamons were unable to match that because they’re a small business (and the fact that there was no chance in hell of them ever making $1000 in food sales profits during the event).
So, in protest of having a non-local chain restaurant come in and corner the market by throwing lots of non-local chain restaurant money, the Salamons put up a sign on the door.
It’s sad that it’s came to this, but what in the hell is the Danville Tourism department thinking? It’s a stupid idea to only have one food vendor, dumb to make it exclusive by the vendor’s request, dumber to make it a non-local chain restaurant and dumbest for selling it out to the highest bidder at a price that they know no local place could match. Yeah, I know it’s the Brew Fest, but food vendors make it a complete destination for the day. Multiple food vendors go well with multiple brewers. When I talked with the Salamons, they were very clear in saying that Danville tourism has been very great for them in all other ways. They’ve sent visitors to their restaurant from the Visitor Center. They had a great idea that if Danville tourism wanted to get $1000, they could have gotten 4 local restaurants to pay $250 for a booth. $250 is a doable amount for most small businesses… even if they just break even, they’re getting name recognition. That would have given 4 choices for festival attendees to choose from and that would make it fair for the local restaurants.
There’s got to be a way to get a resolution to this problem but it doesn’t seem that it’s going to happen this year. That’s a damned shame. Is a boycott movement the way to react to this stupid decision? It looks like the only way that Bronx Boy Bagels can get the word out, and that’s another damned shame.
Everybody loses in this scenario… and that’s the final damned shame.
The Danville Tourism Office is clearly the Dumb Ass of the Day on this one. I don’t know of anyone who attends a small town festival and looks forward to what [name any national chain] has to offer.
Would you want to go to an event and have 1 choice of food or 4 or 5. I would rather have a choice. We will see how Danville reacts and see how the turnout is.
I’ve said for years that the elite bunch running Danville’s affairs are far removed from the rest of the population. Further proof.
I second the DoTD nomination.
Speaking from a small town on the other side of the continent, I say good on Bronx Boy Bagels for informing the public, the decision of the Tourism Office is bullshit. If it’s something that is supposed to support the community then giving sole access to ONE place of business is stupid, esp when that one is NON community owned. I hope the public voices their opinions, and LOUDLY. That is the only way City Gov’ts and Big Money Corps. are gonna listen to the little guys. Hit them in the pocket. It’s the only place they seem to feel anything.
I wonder if a better form of boycott would be to attend the fest but buy none of the food. That would be a way of making it apparent that there is interest in this type of event, hurting the food vendor who insisted on exclusivity, and sending a statement of support for the local businesses that should be involved.
How ironic that once again, the public has been misinformed. But, why does that surprise me? It is so unfortunate that only one side of the story is told. Anyone can swing a vote with only half of the information.
Please allow me to clarify many of the incorrect points. I believe I know the “rest of the story” better than most as I am the past President for Danville Harvest Jubilee, the Director of Tourism for the City of Danville and I also serve as one member of the Brew Fest Committee.
The first incorrect assumption: the “CITY” is not the decision maker in this event, nor is the Tourism Division. Danville Harvest Jubilee is the facilitating organization for the Brightleaf Brewfest. DHJ is a non- profit, 501-C6 organization. This group of hard working volunteers annually coordinates a minimum of ten quality events.
This specific event is done as a fundraiser for Danville Harvest Jubilee. Why fundraisers? Not only does DHJ support other events, but they also have the same kind of bills that small businesses have such as insurance, fees for police, security and fire personnel, printing and postage, advertising, and more. The City of Danville does not cover these expenses. DHJ raises the funds to cover all of these expenses through sponsorships and ticket sales.
DHJ supports the community through hosting events held specifically at the Crossing of the Dan. If you remember way back in the 80’s and 90’s, the Crossing was not the beautiful entertainment complex Danville boasts of today. The Community Market had fallen into serious disrepair and became unusable even for one annual event, The Shrimp Fest. The Auctioneers Park was located in a flood plane; I was there one year when you could ride a canoe through the park. There were no public bathrooms at all. There was no permanent infrastructure for events, concerts, etc. Parking was difficult at best.
The board of directors worked diligently with city officials for many years to resurrect this historic area into a extraordinary facility. The amphitheater boasts some of the best features of an outside venue of its size in the south. The Board of Directors for Danville Harvest Jubilee was instrumental in reclaiming and preserving this area. Following the revitalization of the Pepsi Building and the Community Market, more change followed with the addition of the Danville Science Center, the re-adaptation of the Train Station and even the growth of the River walk trail. All of these are jewels are found in our downtown historic tobacco district.
Are you beginning to see the big picture here?
Revitalization of this area was paramount to the success and growth of the downtown business district.
DHJ has funded countless events held in this area over the past 29 years. Many of the members of the board of directors have worked either as board members or volunteers for many of these years. I only missed one year; I gave birth to my daughter during the Saturday event in 1988, or I would have been there.
How was DHJ able to fund these activities? Fortunately, these events were run with a business template and were financially successful more often than not.
As a seasoned event planner of 27 years, I believe the success of an event is judged not only by participation numbers but also by the final budget figures. This is a tough economic season. This year, the sponsorship committee decided it was necessary to recruit additional sponsorships. The event industry now attempts to have all aspects of events sponsored. I contacted a spokesperson for a national/international event and attraction organization for ideas on recruiting sponsors. This group even had the toilet paper sponsored one year. The national trend for event planners is to “sponsor” every single aspect feasibly possible. This is a business decision.
This accepted practice keeps the cost down for the individual attendee and allows the sponsoring organization to raise additional funds.
Another false impression: Texas Steakhouse did NOT contact the Brew Fest for sponsorship rights.
Another error: Don’t believe that “chain restaurants” do not pay the same fees as small, privately owned restaurants. Danville’s chain restaurants all pay meals tax, sales tax and property tax. These “chains” also provide many jobs to our residents. Many of our “chain” restaurants have proven to be wonderful community partners. Many times the staff members who work community events are not compensated for their time.
Why is DHJ or any fundraising group in this City required to “make it fair for the local restaurants’? Does that mean we shouldn’t ask any major company in the United States for sponsorship funds or does this only apply to small restaurants? Hmn…. I don’t see the logic here. I guess you make up rules that apply only in certain instances…
Personally, I love our small restaurants, but I also know that a city of our size must have our “chains” to not only meet the needs and demands of our residents, but also to serve our many visitors.
Another misconception: The organizers did not put the sponsorship out for bid, nor did it look for the “highest” bidder. The organizers put a dollar figure on the value of the sponsorship and began recruiting. Actually, Texas Steakhouse was NOT the first business approached. Bronx Boys was given first rights of refusal as a sponsor for 2009. However, they chose not to participate. It is unfortunate that they didn’t feel they could make as much revenue or get as much valuable advertising as another restaurant. Savvy businesses do not sponsor events for the “dollar” they will make at the event; it is for future return.
Another fallacy: The Community Market has only one kitchen. The Market will be utilized at both ends of the facility this year as is necessary to grow the event. It is not logistically possible to house four concessionaires in this area. There is simply not enough physical space in the kitchen for even two vendors to safely work out of.
The organizers are planning for a sell-out of 1,000 tickets. This will require a concessionaire who has the staff, equipment and experience to supply a lot of food, very quickly. We are very fortunate to be working with Texas Steakhouse.
Texas Steakhouse was a sponsor for the 2009 DHJ Concert Series and Fridays at the Crossing. Texas Steakhouse and their staff have been wonderful to work with this past year; they not only financially sponsored our events, but they also gave us many volunteer hours and even hosted events for DHJ in their venue. Texas Steakhouse has proven to be a wonderful community partner to many other groups and non-profits not associated with DHJ.
Is it a shame that there is a boycott? Absolutely.
Do you actually think any other event organizers will ever want to work with a small restaurant who may react to them in this manner? Absolutely not.
Is this publicity helping or hurting Bronx Boys? Since I work with the public every day, I have heard many people share their concern over the negativity of this couple.
This is the real shame.
You were correct in stating that my office has supported Bronx Boys and we will continue to do so on a daily basis. However, I am appalled and ashamed that these fine people would react in this manner. I have showcased Bronx Boys on the local tv show “What’s up Danville” several times, they are listed on our website, we even have included a stop at their restaurant on one of our new group tour itineraries. It made me deeply saddened and quite disappointed to see Bronx Boys act in this manner.
A resolution: Bronx Boy Bagels never once contacted the Brew Fest sponsorship committee to offer another suggestion, alternative or any other idea of working together. There were many options for this restaurant.
•Offer a special dessert at their premises “after the event”.
•Offer special packages for folks who are in town for the event.
•Offer to be a ticket outlet to draw more people to the store.
•Plan to carry the most successful beers in their business after the event to further encourage traffic to their establishment.
•And the list goes on and on….
In conclusion: Perhaps a lesson in Marketing could help. Customer Service is King. I personally do business with people who have positive, can-do attitudes. My mama always told me you could draw more flies to honey than you could to vinegar. Perhaps a little southern advice would be beneficial.
I personally support establishments who support the community. As a matter of fact, this is a national trend, many purchasing decision makers are now voting with their pocketbook and spending money with businesses who give back to the community. I strongly encourage Bronx Boy Bagels to re-visit their approach and become a positive, working partner in this City. I look forward to working with them on future projects and wish them great success.
Please make plans to join me and the other DHJ volunteers at the 2009 Bright Leaf Brew Fest. It’s a good thing, and it’s good for this community.
Most Sincerely – Rosalee Maxwell – Director of Tourism
Danville, Virginia
Not everyone may be aware of it, but Texas Steakhouse is owned by Boddie Noell Enterprise’s, a family owned and run company based in North Carolina. They own and operate all of the Hardees in Virginia, including 10! within 15 miles of Danville, employing hundreds of our friends and neighbors. I can’t imagine that Texas has less than 50 employees alone at their Danville location. The have been a very visable supporter of local law enforcement with their Tip A Cop program that they hold at their Danville location (raising more than $5000 for Special Olympics I am told). It is very dangerous for any of us to make such strong comments when all the facts are not known.
“It is very dangerous for any of us to make such strong comments when all the facts are not known.”
Dangerous? What in the heck are you talking about? There is no danger in saying what you think. SouthsideCentral is a place for opinions and there’s no “danger” here. As long as you keep it civil, you’re entitled to say whatever you want.
And just to have some snarky, good-tasting fun… 10! is 3,628,800 (let’s see how many math geeks get that one).
Got me with that math, my point was that comments were made that are positively not true. You are absolutly correct that this is a great place for everyone to voice their opinion, but to present facts that are not true is not responsible for any of us. i am a teacher and it is a challenge to teach kids that everything they may see or hear is not necesarily true, just because someone said it with passion.
Heh, no problem.
I can promise you one thing. We’ll do our best to get to the bottom of things. You have probably seen that I’ve got no problem saying what’s on my mind. 😀
And i am glad that you do, i wish that everyone would speak their minds, I just hope that the “true facts” are reported with the same furvor that the complaints have been, ie. tv spot, etc.
(i will figure that math out before long!!)
How interesting that Southside Central promises to “Get to the bottom of things” on 10/8, four days after writing the initial story! Why not try to get to the bottom(ie: truth) of the matter before you write an innacurate and biased editorial in the first place?
Because I expressed the way I felt. I still think the whole thing can have been handled better, but let’s see what comes out of Thursday’s conversations.
You expressed the way you felt? Of course you “felt” the way you did when you were armed with nothing but misinformation. Rather than spend the time verifying a single fact you allowed your feelings to guide you in your effort.
Plain old bad journalism.
I believe I can add both your blog and Bronx Boys to the small group that comprises, for me, businesses that do not need or want my attention or money. No need to follow this blog further as the author still refuses to acknowledge a rather blatant error on their part.
Friends, please don’t confuse Blogs with responsible journalism. Anyone with an agenda can start one.
Hello? Boing? This isn’t a high-quality newspaper. This isn’t a low-quality newspaper. It’s not even the Register & Bee. As I have said before… “We believe that Southside VA needs a website where people can come to and see what’s happening…a place with news infused with opinions and humor.” I’m following that goal.
We’ll do just fine without you. That being said. it is quite amusing to see that the IP address associated with your posting has returned to the site twice today after posting what you did.
Friends don’t let friends
sound like whiny little bitcheskeep complaining over and over about the same thing.We want more than one vendor. Freedom of choice!
As a city resident and taxpayer, I am completely disappointed, and even shocked, by Rosalee Maxwell’s pompously egotistical “explanation.” She doesn’t for a moment sound like an employee of the taxpayers of the city, all the taxpayers, but some self-inflated paper-pusher who got exposed after being involved in making a really stupid decision.
My wife and I go to virtually every fund-raiser that takes place in and around the city. We always see many of the same public-spirited people who have money to spend and enjoy supporting good causes.
Because of the way this situation has been handled, we will definitely skip this event.
We have decided to give a party ourselves on the same date, have it catered by Bronx Boys Bagles, and the 40 or so people that we invite will also be boycotting the screwed-up event.
Well, what is the end to this story??? no follow up after all this bloviating??? whats wrong, did the event go well so you would have to say something positive?? this is y these sites are a fraud, only talk about the negatives
While I don’t see any evidence of “speaking or writing at length in a pompous or boastful manner” here, I will acknowledge your complaint by agreeing that I need a follow-up here.
I was unable to attend the BrewFest due to illness, but was told it was a giant success. I have asked the Tourism department for photos of the event and will be glad to publish them.
Regarding the “only talk about the negatives” part of your comment, have you even read other articles on SouthsideCentral? We try to feature all points of view on things that we cover. Anyway, thanks for the “hate mail”. I’m glad you’re reading!