Goodwill Seeks OK for Dearborn Second-Hand Store
Goodwill Industries of Detroit is seeking a special land use to open a second-hand store in downtown West Dearborn.
The Dearborn City Plan Commission voted 4 to 4 Monday night on a request for a special land use from Goodwill Industries to open a second-hand store in downtown West Dearborn.
Like the first meeting, I voted to deny the request for a special land use. Goodwill now plans to come to the Plan Commission for a third time, perhaps as early as next month to seek approval.
Let’s be clear. This isn’t about whether Goodwill is good for Dearborn. It is all about the proposed location. Goodwill could be a good addition to our city. But the building in which it is so aggressively trying to locate its second-hand store is simply not a good fit for our city. There are other locations in Dearborn that are more suitable. But more on that shortly.
The location of the proposed Goodwill store will not encourage other retail to move into the area. In fact, it likely will have the opposite impact and even negatively affect the value of nearby businesses already in this area. Worth noting is that Goodwill said at the last City Plan meeting that it does not plan to install an outside collection bin for people interested in doing after-hour drop offs of used clothing or whatever else they want to purge from their closets. So when the Goodwill store is closed, trash bags will be piled outside for all to see until the store reopens the following day.
In the same two block street that Goodwill wants to locate there are at least three discount stores, including two different types of dollar stores and a Marshall’s, which also sells name brand clothes at deep discounts. Combine that with the fact we also already have places to donate used clothing in our city with ACCESS or easy door pickup with Purple Heart (the Salvation Army is just a short drive away), there really isn’t a need for this type of store in this particular Dearborn location.
In addition, there already are a couple of fantastic second-hand stores in downtown West Dearborn. One is an antique store on Michigan Avenue called Village Antiques, just down the street from the proposed Goodwill outlet. The second is just down the road from the antique store in the Westborn Mall, a second-hand clothing and toy store for children called Sweet Peas Baby Boutique.
Forget the argument that Canton has a Goodwill store on Ford Road. It’s not applicable here. The Goodwill store on Ford Road moved into a thriving retail area. Some of Goodwill’s Canton retail neighbors include Pier 1, Michaels, a stand-alone JC Penny, IKEA and a host of restaurants too numerous to list here.
Contrast that with the Norm Newman owned building here in West Dearborn where Goodwill wants to locate. We don’t have that kind of retail. If we did this would be a different story. Dearborn needs quality first-hand stores to jumpstart our downtown and attract other businesses to come here. For all the good Goodwill does provide, this great non-profit organization isn’t going to draw new retail business to our downtown.
Just like Norm Newman (the landlord of the vacant building Goodwill wants to lease) has made decisions about what he wants in his vacant properties, the City Plan Commission and the City Council (who must also approve this request) must do the same when it comes to taking a longer-term view of what we believe will help downtown West Dearborn in the future.
Norm Newman said at an earlier meeting he “regrets” that he let the restaurant Applebee’s get away when that chain wanted to move into the very location Goodwill now desires. We regret it, too. Same with the others he has turned away, including Merchant’s Fine Wine, who wanted to move into the building and even La Pita, who simply purchased the building of their current location when they couldn’t work out an agreement many years ago.
We have received dozens of emails from readers who agree that the location Goodwill desires isn’t suitable and the second-hand store should look at an alternative location, such as the vacant Border’s book store building on Ford Road and Mercury Drive. The letters we have received are from young professionals, grandparents, nearby residents and local business owners.
Mary Ray, owner of Cambells Paint & Wallpaper, said she does not support Goodwill moving into the proposed location. “I do not support the Inca location for Goodwill,” Ray said in an email. “I am fine with Goodwill locating in Dearborn. I do not believe that this is a good location nor do I think that it is in the best interest of the City and/or the downtown district to allow Goodwill to occupy this particular space. “
Resident Dan Kosmowski, who lives on Nona Street, a couple blocks behind the proposed store location had this to say:
“I oppose the proposed discount store in the former Inca Computer storefront,” Kosmowski said. “At this moment, the area is saturated with discount retailers. I live one block from the proposed store at Nona and Haigh. I enjoy walking to the retailers, including Bellacino’s and Aco, but beyond these choices, I am forced to take my retailing dollars out of Dearborn.
“I understand the community needs affordable retailing options. I formerly worked in the automotive sector before I decided to return to school, leaving my full-time job for a part-time position and shouldering the burden both of a mortgage and tuition on my reduced salary. I must make difficult choices on what I can afford to buy. On a short budget, I know there are plenty of discount retailers nearby. The Dollar Store anchors the opposite end of the proposed discount store. Walking one block to the west, the Westborn Mall houses a Marshall’s, Bulk Food Warehouse, Dollar Tree, Sweet Peas Baby Boutique, Dots Fashions, Avenue, and Payless. Does the community really need another discount retailer?
“Further, I find it a distraction to label the discount retailer “upscale.” By adding the adjective upscale, is somehow the discount retailer converted to an upscale discount retailer really any different from adding another discount retailer to this community? In addition, I do not think that government can enforce “upscaleness” on a retailer; we must take the retailer at their word that they will maintain an “upscale” factor for years into their lease, a chance I am not willing to take.
“Like many residents, I do not want to see space unused, but at the same time, an anything goes mentality is disheartening. Rather than another discount retailer, I would like to see a restaurant (such as Frida’s) or an inexpensive market alternative to Westborn Market (like the Dearborn Farm Market). Surely saturating the area with discount retailers means people who want other goods must go elsewhere. I know that is my situation. My part-time job takes me to Ann Arbor and Troy. I spend my limited dollars in those communities, instead of literally in my own backyard which is disconcerting. Further, working in these far away places, I am exposed to the negative comments regarding Dearborn. I am told often by my peers in Oakland and Washtenaw counties that I should move, like many young professionals, and join them where there are diverse retail options.
“In conclusion, the Inca Computer storefront needs something other than a discount retailer. The area is saturated with discount retailers all within walking distance. I know because I live within a block of the location and I walk to the retail options.”
One longtime Dearborn resident and grandmother sent us this note:
“My family and I agree with your view of the store. It is not what is good for downtown Dearborn. The old Borders store on Ford Road could be a great location because of great traffic flow, large parking lot and huge building.
I hope the special land use permit is not granted for the Newman street location.
Secondly, we are members of Sacred Heart Parish and have grandchildren that we pick up from DuVall school every day so we are very familiar with the area that Goodwill wants to enter.
I understand that our pastor has sent a letter supporting Goodwill and I do believe the Goodwill store could be a valuable member of the Dearborn community.
However, I think a location on Ford Road would serve them better for these reasons:
1) In the Nov 11 Dearborn Patch article above I quote Jeff Ukrainec
Goodwill Detroit currently operates a store in Canton, which opened in December of last year. The nonprofit used to run 13 stores in metro Detroit, but shut them down in 2000 due to problems the organization says resulted from such issues as economic decline, disorganization, theft, marketing and logistics
One concern is increased crime. Theft was an issue in Goodwill closing other locations. We may see more crime in this area of the city because of this store. In addition, the closings were also from disorganization which doesn’t give me any comfort that this location will be better run.
2) Ford Road can better handle the traffic that this store will generate. This additional traffic will make it difficult for school children in the area crossing Michigan Avenue and going south down Military.
3) From what I read in the AARP Bulletin (HERE), Goodwill is looking at larger spaces now. Once here they may want to take over more of that retail area.
“A large store used to be about 6,000 square feet,” says Don Roberts, who oversees 150 stores and 500 donation centers as chair of the Florida Goodwills Association. “Today, anything new is 30,000 to 40,000 square feet.” Retirees may come in several times a week, or even every day, he says. “They mingle and, for about $10, get merchandise that they usually bring back a year later for a donation taken off their taxes. It’s a great cycle.”
4) From the AARP Bulletin it appears that there are many volunteers so it will not add jobs to Dearborn and they are 501c so it won’t add to the tax base. (editor’s note: yes, Goodwill is tax exempt but the owner of the building, Norm Newman, will still pay taxes.)
Michigan Avenue is our downtown. I agree with Commissioner Said Deep who felt unconvinced that the store would be a positive development. For years we have been trying to recapture high end businesses as we have had in the past.
Please share these thoughts with the Planning Commission who I hope can work with Goodwill to find a better location for the volume of customers and traffic that they will certainly generate.”
Dearborn’s self-esteem appears to be at an all-time low but that doesn’t mean our city should accept this store in this proposed location as the best we can do. If Goodwill really wants to locate in Dearborn, it needs to find a more suitable location.
February 19th, 2012 at 9:20 am
Why can’t we have a downtown like Plymouth or Northville…we need cute shops enough of these discount giants!!
Stay strong Mr. Deep, I respect your position!
February 19th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
“7) For you people hiding behind “undesirables” and other euphemisms when you really want to say “black people”, guess what: Orvie is buried, that ship has sailed, and good riddance. I get really tired of the “put up with our racism or we’ll move to the exurbs!” card being played in every discussion. Go ahead, move. Good luck selling your house.”
Hey Kade, riddle me this: Why is is that when Arab-Americans or African-Americans want to live among others “like them”, they have a “strong sense of community” but when European-Americans, (who are a minority in this county) want to do the same, they’re racists? Why is that Kade???
February 19th, 2012 at 10:47 pm
I read your column and I agree with you. I think the tenant there should be a retail store and I suggest a Trader Joe’s. I actually, months ago, proposed the site to Trader Joe’s via their Web site where you can write in and suggest sites. I gave the address, the location and told them plenty of parking. I think they would be a great tenant or a business like them.
I live in Dearborn Heights but do much of my shopping and dr. and hair appointments are there in Dearborn.
I have noticed more thrift/resale shops everywhere and I just don’t think you need another one in West Dearborn.
That’s my two cents.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
PJ a Traders Joe in Dearborn is the perfect business for the old INCA spot. Its long overdue for Dearbornites, and if our administration had any sense of retailing sense, it would have actively been pursuing a company like Trader Joes in the past, however, its never too late, show some innovation and do it now, even though Neuman doesn’t deserve any help in filling his empty building.
February 20th, 2012 at 7:46 pm
“I’m not a Panera kind of guy, but through the windows the clientele seems the same as it ever was.”
Well, it mostly is, except for that woman who keeps bumping into me while I sit at a table with her huge bag of cans that she carries around with her after digging through the trash in Dearborn all day. There’s also the woman who’s constantly mumbling to herself and to you. She’s clearly homeless. Either way, it’s why I don’t go to Panera anymore. Get out of your car and get into the restaurant for Christ sakes instead of looking through windows.
And trolling for the race excuse won’t do you any good. It’s a tired excuse. I’m sure for most people its a matter of class, not race. Poor people bring their bad habits with them, which is precisely why I don’t want this type of store in West Dearborn.
February 20th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Donna, while you must pride yourself on your CSI-like research skills required for your most recent comment, can you give it a rest already? You are so over-posted on this issue that your comments aren’t even worth reading anymore…kind of like Morris Goodman’s “Depressed and No Guidance” (a.k.a.: Press and Guide) articles…so long-winded and over published I loose the point every time. Do your Good Will Hunting elsewhere or find a new cause and get off of Deep’s case.
February 20th, 2012 at 10:02 pm
For the record…Panera Cares is horrible. Next time you decide to share your feelings, maybe you can do so while you cop a squat in the less-than-clean eating space, over-pay for your coffee so that someone else’s over-indulgent meal will be covered and narl on some day old pastries that taste like my dog’s worn-out collar – yet still cost the same price as the one’s at the normal Panera in Dearborn Heights. You better back up your commentary before you start itemizing.
February 21st, 2012 at 12:59 am
The backward leaders at City Hall doesn’t want competition for Westborn Fruit Market. So why would they pursue Trader Joe’s?
February 21st, 2012 at 6:43 am
I’d prefer Trader Joe’s to most other potential uses of the property. (Get ready for parking to become a nightmare.) I’ve submitted the same form, joined the “Bring TJ’s to Dearborn” Facebook group, etc.
But find me another Trader Joe’s in an area with the same demographics (income, education level, household type) as the 15 mi radius around West Dearborn. Our immediate neighborhood matches their demographic, but only for a radius of, what, half a mile?
You might have better luck with their cousin company Aldi, but isn’t that ultimately another type of discount store that opponents of Goodwill don’t want? (Plus, their food is not reliably good, in my experience.)
Whole Foods would be another option, but I bet we don’t fit their mold either, the location and parking is too small, they’re too expensive for those who find Westborn too expensive, and frankly I’m just not into their “brand identity.”
And I’d think normal grocers not catering to the yuppie or discount crowd would be crazy to locate within a block of the dueling Krogers, anyhow.
February 21st, 2012 at 6:57 am
Pfft. What a terrible strawman of an argument. If an action or statement is intended to exclude, harass, or humiliate people based on their race or ancestral homeland, it’s racist. I don’t make any exceptions for those doing the exclusion/harassment/humiliation based on race.
I haven’t been harassed lately at businesses run by Arabs or Blacks because I’m of European extraction. I’m sure it happens to people of all colors by people of all colors every day, but I’m also sure it’s morally wrong and destructive to communities. But, hey, people are people and you can’t fix humanity.
However, when a government body in my city starts making decisions on what kind of stores it wants based on the color of the skin of potential customers, I start to get really concerned. I think Commissioner Deep objects to the store for legitimate reasons, albeit ones I don’t agree with. Commissioner Siwik kept asking dogwhistle questions that were intended to evoke race, so I think her position is there. The other two Commissioners who voted against Goodwill barely said a word, so who knows what they’re thinking. That still means that at least the deciding vote is being cast for what appears to be racist reasons. And I object to that.
Anyway, thanks for reinforcing the stereotype! I hear homes in Livonia are cheap these days. Why not look there if you’re into segregation?
February 21st, 2012 at 8:45 am
Hmmm….do I want the rundown look of the Canton Goodwill store?!?! Heck no, I much prefer the upscale appearance of the long vacant Inca store. After all it is attracting and maintaining other businesses with just as much class.
It is time to drop the snobbish existence of the good ol’ days and start facing the fact that Dearborn has to make the shifts to remain relevant even if it doesn’t look exactly as it did in the past. Be more benvolent…some of those people that are struggling and may welcome a Goodwill option are your neighbors.
February 21st, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Sorry Dearbor…ing but this is a cause that I think will be worthwhile for the city. Just ignore me – you won’t hurt my feeling at all.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Check this link out! This is Dearborn Panera Cares…A non-profit with no prices at all….We survive by having the support of the community. Our cafe is a cafe of shared responsibility and is a test on the honest of mankind. Will people take advantage when they can or will they step up and do the right thing? Our cafe is living proof that non-profits are respected and wanted in Dearborn. We would not of survived over a year and would be sustainable without the support of the community….We give hand ups not hand outs…
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freep.com%2Farticle%2F20120222%2FENT08%2F202220305%3Ffb_ref%3Dartsharetop%26fb_source%3Dprofile_oneline&h=RAQGAsRyHAQE4t2F8O6bcJG_W2bqI3HRT4N21zYVoWfk0gQ
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:07 pm
So the other night when we were walking home from La Pita there was a pile of vomit in front of the old Pier 1. And that wasn’t the first time. If we have 15 more years of this abandonment ahead of us, I’m not looking forward to it.
BTW, those concerned about crime driving in from Detroit, guess what: all those recent burglaries in West Dearborn look to be perpetrated by a 22yo Dearborner. http://pressandguide.com/articles/2012/02/22/news/doc4f459a332d9ec454769832.txt
Very similar to the guy who was breaking into cars near the Ford Homes last year.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:10 pm
Frankly, the only things that sound different from my usual Panera experience are “day old” and “someone else’s meal will be covered.”
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:41 pm
I’ve eaten at Thai Palace (when that was open) with an insane homeless Russian woman ranting in a corner. I’ve been in Dearborn Music with an apparently homeless man trying to hock battered vinyl records. (Say, they’re a resale store too, come to think of it!) Neither offered anything free except warmth. Anecdotes are wonderful because everybody has different ones.
Can you show me any demonstrable negative consequences of Panera Cares? Police reports about vehicle breakins in the parking lots along Garrison, maybe? Can you give me testimony from the former tenants across the street, Coldstone and the UPS store, about the clientele of Panera Cares being why they left their leases? (Spoiler: at least in the case of UPS, they left because nobody came due to the terrible parking.) Do you have any facts? Or is it just your feelings?
WASPYBrown below helpfully illustrated the validity of my concerns about racism. Dearborn hasn’t lived down its history with Orvie and with the Dearborn Independent, and people in the greater Detroit area are going to assume the worst if you leave any ambiguity as to your intentions.
To subvert the meaning of “class” a bit, I’ve also known plenty of classless rich people and some very classy poor people. The nouveau riche don’t get any unearned respect from me. I respect people who are worthy of respect regardless of their net worth. Thanks for playing, though!
February 24th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
Thank you, Mr. Deep. Please use your patience.
Look at the new Iversen’s exress, and now the Red Olive Restauarant in Westborn.
The Nail Spa looks very clean, and attractive and I plan to go there. I have not shopped in Westborn, I dont like the stores.
But I have been to the Red Olive. It’s great. atience will pay off.
February 25th, 2012 at 5:42 pm
Meijers is on the hill
February 25th, 2012 at 6:41 pm
I respect what you’ve offered Mr. Said. Thank you for sharing your insights. A healthy debate is never a bad thing.
Not that it is important, but my family and I have lived in the Ford Homes for over 45 years and have watched the transformation (not the progress) of the area in question.
To the best of my recollection, the Inca spot was an A&P grocery store decades ago. If I am not mistaken, it then became the bulk food store. I would be curious to know if that store was an independent owner-operated location or if it was part of a “chain.” (simply meaning 2++ stores, not a Mcdonalds).
The store then became Inca. And I am uncertain how long it was there. (anyone know??).
And now, under the visionary leadership of the City, combined with the cutting-edge mindset of the landlord Mr. Newman, the property had remained vacant for 10+ years (? a guess)
And while all this was happening, Crowleys was torn down, Muirheads closed, and Jacobsons was replaced by a largely vacant mixed-use monstrosity with no clear hope of improvement or lease-up…not in this lifetime anyway. How many businesses have come and gone from that project already? At least there is plenty of parking available…
Mr. Fakhoury’s attempts to develop what he personally thought was appropriate is, at best, a fatally flawed mixture of largely vacant, architecturally lacking structures.
Mr. F’s vision, as I recall was to have a Georgio Armani store in the corner property directly across from Sacred Heart. I’m not sure, but that plan is probably not on the table now, right?
When Pier 1 pulled out, I confess I lost hope. Just seeing the vibrancy through the windows on foot, bike, or in the car was somehow reassuring and confirmed that we west-siders still had it together, in spite of the city and landlord.
My family will shop at the south Krogers, Marshalls, Rite Aid, CVS, Staples, on occasion Belle Tire, Village Ford, Paneras (after the Donut Mill became Potbelly), Starbucks, Kiernans, Deaborn Music (once in a blue moon), and the post office. (I’m sure I’m forgetting some, so forgive me).
And before I opine on the Goodwill, I would like the readers here to help answer some questions. 1) How much is the rent at the location? per sq ft? 2) What other retailer is in line to occupy the space…besides the Goodwill?
I’ve no idea how well the antique store does, or Sweet Peas. My guess is they are not setting any record breaking sales numbers, although my sense is Marshall’s does quite well…it provides a “service” at a fair price. But small, trendy gift-type, artsy stores have come and gone… The one next to the old La shish is a perfect example. Retail is tricky, and hitting a bulls eye, in light of the demographics, parking, the right mix of shops is hard. Anyone heard of ebay?
Anyone who has traveled can attest to the fact that the same mix of stores reappear in every city: Best Buy, Home Depot, Staples, Lowes, Target, Walmart…and the list goes on. While I’m sure there are exceptions, for the most part, the average family can find pretty much everything they need in that grouping, right?
So for any retailer to be successful in the Inca spot, it would have to do better than…say A&P, Bulkfood, or Inca…just sayin… And it would also have to compete with the aforementioned behemoths. Someone please offer one, just one viable candidate. (Trader Joes is not an option, and thank you Mr. Newman, neither is Applebees.)
Unfortunately the residents here are weary. Weary of the economy, weary of the lack of vision, weary seeing their home value drop below their mortgage payoff. And the prospects of there being not only city funds, but private funds available to develop is dim.
In my view, the corner of Michigan and Telegraph…formerly Dearborn theater (another demolition) could be a significant mixed use project if the area was leveled and rebuilt. If someone were willing to seek out the world’s experts on SUCCESSFUL urban planning, architecture, and retail, that corner could be a nationally noteworthy project…can you say pipe-dream?
I am hopeful that my children, or theirs will not have to watch the Jacobsons site project, and Fakhoury’s stuff be demolished…for now, they are here to stay…
Lunch at Sanders anyone?
sorry for the length, thanks
February 26th, 2012 at 11:34 am
Please No Goodwill in that location.
we just got Iversens’, the Red Olive, and the Nail Salon in westborn.
These are baby steps, but they are forward baby steps.
Thank you!!!!!!! for voting NO. It is not the right place.
Put it somewhere else………preferrably out of Dearborn…………….keep it on the outskirts, but certainly not there.
Thank you Mr. Deep.
February 26th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
If you raise the cost of doing business you get less business. Shocking.
February 26th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Mr. Deep doesn’t think it’s right that one business lowers the value of other businesses. That’s why I find it strange that Mr. Deep is lowering the value of Mr. Newman’s business–presumably with the support of surrounding businesses–by preventing Mr. Newman from charging market rates for his property.
February 26th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
My libertarian instincts tell me that when a tenant and landlord can agree on terms, and the business is engaged in legal activity, there should be a really compelling reason for the City to deny permission. Although I have great respect for Mr. Said’s well thought out opinion, I disagree.
Dearborn needs to rethink its mindset and seek out opportunities consistent with the demographics that exist in the area, not what we wish or remember. Goodwill is an example of an investor who sees an opportunity to thrive in Dearborn. That is the type of business risk taker we need a whole lot more of in the West End.
Speaking of governmental developmental planning at work: walked through the neighborhood this morning, and as always, so impressed with the Preferred Developer’s incredible progress. Knowing his all-seeing vision, I bet he’s eyeing Dee’s Hallmark as the next place to prove his mettle and make his indelible mark.
February 27th, 2012 at 7:16 pm
I remember Sanders, as a matter of fact there were two Sanders in West Dearborn, One where Super Flop sits and one in the Westborn mall. Want to go to Sanders……have to leave Dearborn and go to Wyandotte.
February 28th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
AS I personally am all for the Goodwill store, there is enough positive and negative feedback and opinions on here so I won’t say much. I visited the canton location, its nicer than marshalls and even Target on Ford road, its a respectable well organized environment. They produce jobs within Michigan and will bring 40 jobs to Dearborn and are putting $500,000 into the building before opening (if approved). The building has been vacant for 10 years possibly more, Newman admits he made mistakes on passing up other businesses in the past and gets that, the past is the past, no one is knocking on our door to move into that building…why pass up another opportunity? Because it will bring “undesirables”? Or hope the “eyesore” will get filled in upcoming years from now…10 more years of vacancy? That is the only reason people are throwing a huge deal about this, this is not the 60’s anymore, times have changed and racism is unacceptable these days. Goodwill is not Salvation army, you all would know this if you knew what you were talking about and did not just jump to conclusions and making negative judgements about a organization that you have no idea about.
BUT I will voice THE FACTS about PANERA CARES, as one of the members of the Mangement team I have been with Panera Cares since it has opened over a year ago. Someone asked about the crime rate at Panera Cares, we have called the cops twice in over a year of being open, would not consider that a ‘crime rate’ That second time was just two days ago, none of which were related to “homeless” people. For those of you who think negative on Panera Cares, here is a fact, People in this community support it, if they didn’t we would not be sustainable like we are. We feed 3 homeless people daily, and 3 who are government dependant who may ‘look’ homeless but are not, all which have a hurtful story behind them and HAVE NAMES. The rest that we “help” are Dearborn families who come in who are struggling or who have a food insecurity.
As to the lady with the “bottles in here bag” her name is Mary, she is 59 years old and Panera Cares is her only good healthy meal for the day. She goes from City to City on the bus collecting cans and bottles to get extra cash. She starts at 7am and heads home around 6pm. The governement does assistance her with living, not very much. She is also on medication and has her good days and bad days just like anyone else. She has no family, no friends, nobody, she does this every day. We have saved her life because she has one positive thing to look forward to everyday, a bowl of soup and a salad… Point being is that she has a name and is a human-being that now has a place to come where she can eat with some dignity.
Most of the people who come into Panera Cares are from Dearborn or work in Dearborn, that being said some of them need a hand up in life. People who live right here in Dearborn are struggling, this is not royal oak or Birmingham, SO GET OVER THAT COMPARISON. Our cafe is not a free cafe or give hand outs all day long, we provide an atmosphere for all who can eat with dignity, if they can afford or if they can’t, people still have the Panera experience. So those of you who do not like Panera Cares because you feel you are better than everyone and deserve better, we are glad you do not come into our cafe because our cafe is a warm, respectable, positive, and judge free environment. Everyone gets treated equally.
Some fun facts for those of you about food insecurity and Panera Cares….More than 50 million Americans live in food insecure households. 17 million of those are children. 1 in 6 Americans does not have access to enough food. 23% of people struggling with food insecurity are college graduates. 24% of people struggling with food insecurity OWN THEIR HOMES. Only 10% of people struggling with food insecurity ARE HOMELESS. 36% of food insecure households have at least one person who is working. 80% of the people who come into Panera Cares pay the suggested donation and/or above( the retail value of your meal) 10% pay less and 10% pay nothing at all. Panera Cares bakery products are baked from the day before, they ARE NOT THE SAME AMOUNT AS OTHER PANERA BREADS. They are discounted 20% with no sales tax(we are a non-profit). WE WOULD NOT BE IN BUSINESS IF THE COMMUNITY DID NOT SUPPORT US,PLAIN AND SIMPLE, SO THOSE FEW BAD IGNORANT PEOPLE WHO TALK BAD ABOUT PANERA CARES, THESE ARE THE FACTS, SO DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU START SPEAKING OF PANERA CARES…..
February 29th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
Silvio – don’t really know what to say except Panera Cares is doing a FANTASTIC job in Dearborn. If anyone disputes what you are saying there is definitely something wrong. Great article and great explanation of what you are doing at Panera’s. I thank you for what you have accomplished!!
March 1st, 2012 at 9:55 am
Silvio – You are doing the right thing, thanks for the information. People’s mindset has to change..it’s all perception.. Thank you for being there..
March 2nd, 2012 at 12:03 am
Thank you very much for providing facts to give context to the mau-mauing of the self-absorbed ninnies below.
March 3rd, 2012 at 12:56 pm
I would have to agree with Liza. While I like the concept of Panera cares, we were not happy to pay full prize for day old bagles that were so hard we were lucky we didn’t chip a tooth.
March 5th, 2012 at 10:24 am
Now that we know her name. Could you please ask Mary to stay at Panera Cares and refrain from coming in other area establishments asking to eat off paying customers plates. Thanks!!
March 24th, 2012 at 5:55 pm
Simpson- Any establishment has the right to refuse anyone from there property. Any issues should involve the establishment and/or police. I thought a highly educated paying customer such as yourself would know that…