Inspections are holding things up
I had a friend mention to me that he had not been in the Grove for a long time but he spent New Year's Eve here at CocoWalk. He said he loves the Grove, but was so depressed at seeing all the empty storefronts. He said he most likely won't be back for awhile becauseof that.
It's really getting discouraging with these Grove restaurants all set to open but having inspection problems. I understand that things need to be right and safe before they are allowed to open, but come on. The list is endless. The following are awaiting inspection approval: Akashi, Qdoba, Chili's, Aladdin's, I think Nikki's and maybe some others. What do these inspectors want, bribes?
Every sign says "coming soon", maybe we should change the zip code from 33133 to "coming soon." Chili's, coming soon; Aladdin's, coming soon; Akashi, coming soon.
Then there are those that open right away: Boardwalk Pizza and Tavern, The Bookstore and Mari-Nalli. What are they doing right the that others aren't? Maybe the businesses having problems should ask these successful businesses for some tips.
posted by Tom Falco at 7:48 AM
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9 Comments:
yes bribes always help but also inspectors are charging 350 dollars every time they come out to the site. And you wont believe what kind of people are working there. I could not complain last time I had to do this, I just gave 1000 dollars to the inspector in cash of course. If you file ANY kind of complain you will wait at least a year or so. Plus all the fines you would be paying. It is the silent scam but I played the game I had to open the restaurant, could not wait another 6 weeks. Inspector was like 65 years old man, hardly spoke English, I got the permits done the same day.
The City of Miami elevator inspector was the most stumbling fool you want to meet. He would forget his keys at our building, he would leave all his private files, he left his credit cards and wallet one time.
He just would not pass our elevator and allow it to operate. I think he wanted a bribe. I told him one day that if we didn't have the certificate the next day, he was personally going to be sued along with the City.
The next day at 9 am, we had our certificate, after months of nonsense from this fool.
I see him around town a lot and always want to kick his ass, but I just ignore him and go on my way.
I doubt that The Bookstore needed much in terms of inspection/permits since they only sell pre-baked goods. Boardwalk Pizza just moved into an already existing template and god knows what is going on at Akashi. I imagine its our lazy city employees that are holding things up. Thats usually the answer with these things. Hell, look how long it took Matsuri (sushi bar at Red Bird plaza that is incredibly good) to open. That took ages!
Who would want to open a business under the political climate we live in today? If you listen to both parties in the Presidential elections, it is business who is the enemy and government and it's moral servants are the solution. (ask how that is working out for Chilis or the other folks commenting?)
Unfortunately, most of the Grove will end of voting for the candidates who most favors strangling the necks of business and then scratch their heads & ask why is most of the business community shuttered?
I think the outcry is against some "big businesses." this does not include mom and pop's restaurant.
it might include chilis.
How did this turn into a political debate? Thats lame...
i'll bet lunch at q-doba it is not the inspectors. i've never failed a city of miami inspection when the work is done per code and the approved permitted drawings. contractors in miami have become increasingly used to doing things "the way they've always done it" and are the first to blame inspectors when they're corner cutting techniques are not approved.
Yesterday I ate at QDoba in the Gables and asked about the Grove opening. The lady said "Supposedly in 2 weeks".
FYI the Gables location is offering $5 burritos for all of January with a sign that says "Thank you Miami". Kind of nice.
Chili's Cocowalk is getting ready to open. Hiring staff now in preparation for the scheduled opening of June of 2008. This is a local, minority owned franchise Chili's with great food, service and quality. Outside balcony margarita bar with 4 flat LCD HD TV screens.
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