05/20/2026
Small business vent incoming, but also a reminder that we’re still moving forward as quick as we can, one step at a time.
Opening a brick-and-mortar café and snack business has been one roadblock after another.
Many people have asked why this has taken so long or are surprised that we’ve been planning for over a year. This is exactly why. Opening a business is not just picking a name, signing a lease, and opening the doors. It is permits, buildout, equipment, vendors, paperwork, approvals, sourcing, timelines, unexpected delays, and roadblocks you don’t always see from the outside.
The latest roadblock was trying to attend a major snack and candy expo in Las Vegas, whose name shall not be mentioned, to source products for The Claws Meow, only to be told our business was “not relevant to the confectionery or snack industry.”
That was frustrating because part of our concept is literally packaged snacks, candy, drinks, novelty treats, and fun grab-and-go items for the café. After spending time, effort, and money gathering the requested supporting documents, and planning around the trip and lodging, the final denial came far too late and too close to travel to easily cancel plans.
But this is part of the small-business journey. You adjust, you pivot, and you keep moving, even when some industry spaces seem to favor established companies over independent businesses trying to enter the market.
We’re still taking the trip and will be using the time to source from other businesses in the area, explore new vendor opportunities, and hopefully catch a lucky break or meet the right person in passing.
We’re still moving forward. Still sourcing. Still building. Still bringing something fun and different to the community.
The Claws Meow is coming. 🐾
