I miss you guys.

Obviously, there is some merit in the statement: “it seems Apple Valley prefers fast food to fresh, made-to-order”.

But in the interest of discussion, and maybe this would be a good separate topic although I don’t want to presume to tell Bill what topics to post, my feelings kind of went back to what I posted in March in this section:

“I was pretty happy to hear about a new non-chain place, but the idea of a deli based around a Cuban sandwich has me a bit confused. Especially across the street from another sandwich place. Hopefully there’s more to La Luz…”

I have to admit that when I hear about places opening that focus on “soups, salads and sandwiches”, I kind of grumble a bit. You either have to have a prime location with tons of traffic (like the chains, or maybe Blue Ox and the mall traffic/neighboring businesses, but I even worry about their location being viable), or you have to have a particularly unique and ulta-top-quality product. Be’wiched in Minneapolis for example. Or maybe some of the stuff at Cafe Latte, although that concept would never work in Apple Valley. Or something like Brasa.

From all indications, La Luz was heads and shoulders above what Jan’s Brown Bag was doing. But, in the end, since they don’t have the prime, high-traffic location, I’m left wondering…what was there that made La Luz a “destination” restaurant? When push comes to shove, I can and do make excellent soups, salads and sandwiches from scratch at home for pennies.

I don’t at all mean this to kick them while they’re down. But it’s clear that restauranteurs or potential restauranteurs, their friends/families and others with influence read this blog. I think it might be a good thing to discuss, and maybe inspire some ideas as to what might work better down here. I just don’t see a “soup, salad and sandwich” place being viable at all in the south metro. Maybe NOTHING is truly viable in the current local climate, although (knock on wood) Satay 2 Go is a great example of a unique and special food source having staying power. Brianno’s as well, though they have event center income to subsidize any losses in the deli.

I don’t know…maybe it’s fruitless to have a “what can we do” discussion since we’re sort of the ones who are already doing whatever we can to support local places.

Thank You
It is with extreme sadness that we have to report that after a very rocky first four months, La Luz Cafe will be closing after lunch business on Monday, October 27th. We were extremely delayed in opening the restaurant which led to being under funded and behind the eight ball ever since. Then due to the level of business being far short of our initial projections we have never been able to catch up. The response has been overwhelmingly positive towards our concept but it seems Apple Valley prefers fast food to fresh, made-to-order. We appreciate all of you who have blessed us by your patronage and wish you all the best. But we do have one favor to ask.
Over the next two days. Friday, Saturday as well as Monday Lunch PLEASE come in and support us. You can imagine what all of this has done to our finances. We are asking that you would come in on Friday or Saturday or Monday and bring your friends and help us to use up our inventory as well as have money to pay off our wonderful staff. Also PLEASE be sure to bring in all unused Gift Certificates. We have a wonderful music night On Saturday 7-9pm so come in and help us say goodbye! Thanks again for all your support!
Check out our website for more information about Saturday Nights awesome Latino Band “Nueva Revelacion”. From 7-9pm http://www.laluzcafe.com

Thank You All Again for Your Prayers & Support!

God Bless You All;

The Althoffs

KNOW ANYONE WHO MIGHT WANT TO BUY INTO LA LUZ OR PURCHASE THE RESTAURANT AT A WHOLESALE PRICE PLEASE GIVE JIM A CALL AT 612-718-5049.

The food services business is a nasty thing.

Eat at Ronin. Now.