Taco Time won't close without a fight.
Image Credit: GOOGLE STREET VIEW
July 03, 2019 - 8:40 AM
KELOWNA - “Is a cup of coffee worth 40 years of tacos?”
That’s what the owners of a Kelowna Taco Time want the community to consider and they’ve started a petition to sway council to consider taking action that woud stop their business from being torn down and replaced with a Starbucks.
“We're not asking much. Just a few minutes to explain our plight and offer up a chance to help preserve a local business (that) has given so much back to the community it serves,” reads the petition set up by Taco Time owner Ray Heathcoate.
They never missed a lease payment and have always been a great tenant, said Heathcote.
“But overnight there was a demolition clause in the lease that the property management company is trying to enforce,” said Heathcote in the petition.
“So what does that mean? Well for someone who has been in that location for 40 years it means get out so they can tear down the building and replace it with a proposed Starbucks.”
Whether they have a legal argument remains to be seen, but Heathcote said there’s a moral fight that needs to be taken up.
“Good tenants and proud loyal supporters of the community shouldn’t have to be faced with these dilemmas,” he said.
“If you’ve been to this TacoTime you know us for a great taco and just as good service. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and even prouder of where we are. It’s a local franchise, not some giant conglomerate. The money stays in the community. Some of you may have even had your first jobs here. And to some, it’s a regular habit made comfortable.”
Council approved the conversion of Taco Time in the Dilworth Shopping Centre into a Starbucks last month.
The development permit application, which went to city council, says the building will include awnings, outdoor seating and increased landscaping.
The petition can be found here.
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