04/14/2015
To our LOYAL SUPPORTERS, FRIENDS and FAMILY - thanks for your patience! here's an update...I'll keep it short and sweet- but for those who want details... you can read the full story at the end of this posting.🌺
We've got some good news and bad news to share...bad news first. According to The City of Hamilton and their ancient regulations, we cannot have seating in our shop. What does that mean? we're changing to a TAKE OUT only shop.
It's not our preference, but we'll do whatever is necessary to get our doors open..
So I guess the good news is that we're not letting this setback hold us up!! 🌴. We will adapt and will make this experience awesome. The plan is to have high tables for patrons to STAND and eat their meals (like the old roti and doubles stands) while putting a couple seats out FRONT, and (shhh!) we're also working on a potential secret 'patio' hangout area in the back. For those coming from out of town, the shop will provide facilities, a map of nearby parks or lookouts to enjoy eating your delicious meal - or if you prefer? We'll just deliver! (Hamilton area ) Either way, these silly city rules won't stop THE LIMIN' COCONUT from Limin'!!! Despite the delays, We're in the final stages... So stay tuned - because in thé words of a wise man "Every little thing is gonna be alright " Peace, love and good food!!
(And For those who wanted the details? See below)
Here's the dirt! (Lol) :
We've been battling and dealing with The City of Hamilton and our landlord for weeks, and it turns out that our Landlord did not do his due diligence. Our unit is improperly zoned and was therefore improperly rented! Due to some ancient city bylaws... We've discovered that we are not allowed to have any patrons seated in our restaurant due to the fact that the property has 'insufficient parking'. It can only operate as a catering business or take out restaurant. The ordinance does not take into account the almost 20 metered parking spaces available right out front the shop! Why? Because the update was done so long ago that the old maps don't include new changes including city parking etc..and the old rules require vast amounts of space to create new parking zones... , spaces that no longer exist. This can be amended, but to get this changed would be a huge process involving the various city departments, the whole
Neighborhood and tens of thousands of dollars, etc etx. Crazy talk.. So. In essence, because the city's bylaws and drawings are outdated, we can't allow seating inside our shop. Our LANDLORD SHOULD have been aware of this as the onus was on him to be aware of the zoning of the units he owns!! Since he marketed and rented the unit to us for the sole purpose of a restaurant- we actually have legal clause to get out of the lease! We were even advised to... But honestly? We've invested so much time, money and effort into completing our space that there's NO way we're leaving now. We're keeping our chins high and are persevering! (Although, the thought of taking our landlord to court has crossed our minds) We don't have any more time for the drama! :) we have to finish our cleaning so we can get to COOKIN!! So that's it!! And we will see you SOOON!!
Bob Marley tribute by Soul Train with images from Southern Carribean Islands.
