Kitchener's Deli - Analyse this!

Discussion and debate on the issues affecting Portobello
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Porty
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Post by Porty » 06 Feb 2008, 14:41

The new lights in K's d look a lot better and had the For Sale board gone?

On closer inspection I'm not sure if the lights I spotted are new?
Last edited by Porty on 14 Feb 2008, 13:29, edited 1 time in total.

Libby
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Why

Post by Libby » 08 Feb 2008, 23:35

Why does no one else contribute to this thread ? is it like the same as me they have no knowledge of all the Legal Jargon you are going on about ? :roll: :roll: :roll:

Like i say, cant understand it all, i must admit i am learning and find it good reading and very interesting.

Keep up the good work.

By the way sorry for the interruption :) :) :)
All good things comes to those who wait

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Porty
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Post by Porty » 12 Feb 2008, 16:39

Most of us are familiar with Kitcheners and how it operates. At times there is one person on duty at others there can be up to 6 bodies. It seems to me that the minimum number required to run the place anywhere approaching efficiently is 3. One on the counter, one in the cafe and one support in the kitchen- Coffee Machine. Thats not allowing for busy periods and covering the outside tables, which can be unpredictably quiet or busy. (Weather dependent)

If I were interested in buying the business I would need to see the staff rotas over a 12 month period to establish exactly what hours are being rota ed on a weekly basis?

The advertising particulars indicate the following:

Trading Hours
Monday 8.00am – 7.00pm
Tuesday – Friday 8.00am – 9.00pm (this varies and may be later on busy nights)
Saturday 8.00am - 6.00pm
Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm


This equates to 79 opening hours per week, which is ignoring any prep or tidying up time and the "may be later on busy nights".


If the average number of employees on duty is 3, thats (3 x 52 x 79) which equates to 12324 hours per annum. Holiday pay would add on about another 1300 hours per annum, a total of 13,424 . So at the minimum wage of £5.52 this would equate to (13424 x £5.52) = £74100. We then have to consider employment costs, which typically add on 11% to a wage bill.

So to staff Kitcheners with, 3 staff that are over 21, all year round would cost somewhere in the region of £85,000 There would be scope for reducing this by employing under 21's on a £4.30 minimum wage or paying cash in hand (i'm not suggesting this goes on.)

On the other hand, one would need to some sort of supervisory or assistant manager support on a cash business that is open 79 hours a week, which is going to cost more more than minimum wage.

In the above analysis I have not allocated any hours to the owner (s) However, without them the wage bill will come in at around £85,000.

I'm going to speak about profit but I actually mean cash. Accounting profit takes into account depreciation and interest on borrowings along with other items.

If you recall the earlier analysis? Kitchener's makes a 51% Gross Profit on a turnover of £275,0000, which equates to a GP of £140,500. From this figure there are some substantial deductions to be made: Rent £12500, Rates £3500, Other Costs £11,000 (CheeseA says that this is overstated) and of course Wages at £85,000. This leaves a net but pre-tax profit of £28,500.

If an owner decides to work 60 hours a week to reduce the wage bill, then this would save (60 x 48 x ££5.52) which equates to £15,987. ( I assumed an owner would have 4 weeks holiday)

So the owner would have pre-tax cash £44500 in reward for his or her labour and management skills.

All of the above is before any account is taken of a new owner having to borrow to pay whatever money he has to pay to buy kitcheners? As I've already stated above if that figure is £165k then its going to cost about £2000 per month over 10 Years.

So thats why I struggle with the asking price for Kitchener's: I'm using Actual Opening Hours, Actual minimum Wage, Actual Turnover, Stated Gross Profit and Actual Cost of Borrowing money The only areas of dispute are "Other costs" which, I guesstimated at £11k (CA says are less) and whether or not Kitchener's needs 3 staff on AVERAGE to run efficiently? I am convinced that it does, customer service deteriorates greatly when there is only 1 or 2 staff on, many of us must surely have observed this?

Roma was advertised as being open 32 1/2 hours a week and closed Saturday and Sunday. I never saw any more than 2 staff on and and that includes what I presume were the owners. It is an approximately similar business but a different proposition altogether.

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Post by Bob Jefferson » 12 Feb 2008, 18:18

Reluctant and unqualified as I am to enter into this discussion, my own feelings as a punter are that the extended opening hours, a bold move at the time, do not seem to have been justified. As a prospective buyer, I would be very interested in a breakdown of takings by time of day. Can you operate the evening period with just one member of staff? Possibly, but you still need bums on seats to make it profitable and not just one or two people nursing a cappuccino all night. Is there scope to make the evening trade more profitable? Maybe, but to have Porty's minimum staff of 3 would add considerably to the wage bill.

The other problem, of course, is that Kitcheners is on the wrong side of the road. If we really want a continental-style al fresco experience in Portobello then we need to redesign the High Street and extend the pavement on the sunny side of the street.

And then you might want to do something about the weather!

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Porty
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Post by Porty » 12 Feb 2008, 20:22

For clarity; what I mean by average is that although K's does need 5 or 6 staff at times it also operates with just 1 at least some hours of the day, probably including the evenings.. I suspect the actual average at the moment is 3 or somewhere around that mark.

I lost count of the times Gk, myself and others discussed how awkward a place Kitchener's was to staff, there's up to 4 different areas to oversee.

For example we could never fathom the amount of time and labour that used to go into making homemade Quiche. (from memory this was done on a daily basis)GK insisted it was a customers favourite but what percentage of overall revenue did it generate?

I'm sure the new owners have made some improvements in efficiency but there is no escaping the fact that it is a labour intensive business. Many valuers ignore labour costs when they value a business, merely taking into accouint Turnover and Gross Profit.

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Post by Porty » 14 Feb 2008, 14:53

Roma: From the IME sales particulars (which i can't seem to cut and paste from)

Opening hours 8:30am until 2pm, Monday to Friday inclusive
Rent: £7,500 pa
Rates: Pyable £ 2178 pa

No information is given on Turnover or Gross Profit percentage.

Other Costs

Small shop open less than 40 hours a week. Lets say £100 per week.

£5200.

Wage Bill

Assuming an owner works all 32 1/2 hours per week that leaves one person to pay. we have to take into account holiday pay, employent costs and so on. (56 x £5.52 X 1.11) = £11,151 pa.

Gross Profit

" Made to order"Sandwich bars are generally advertised as having Gross Profits or Margins of 70%.

Turnover

We don't know the Turnover but its pretty easy to build a wee business model to illustrate what profit levels would be achieveable at various levels of Turnover. I'll do it when I get some time.

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Post by seashell » 14 Feb 2008, 17:03

I'll do it when I get some time
Oh, please don't.

Surely you've said more than enough?

After all, some people might just construe your remarks as coming from someone who has an axe to grind against this business and does not want the vendor to get the best possible price.

Please let it go now. You have had ample opportunity to show everyone just how much you know and to continue would look petty and mean-spirited.
[/quote]

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Porty
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Post by Porty » 14 Feb 2008, 20:01

Simple Business Model for ROMA:

TURNOVER / GROSS PROFIT /WAGES & COSTS /INCOME

£70,000 £49,000 £26,209 £22,791

£80,000 £56,000 £26,209 £29,791

£90,000 £63,000 £26,209 £36,791

£100,000 £70,000 £26,209 £43,791

£110,000 £77,000 £26,209 £50,791

Could not get the table format to copy over correctly but you get the general idea. Turnover and income are in bold.

Even the worst case scenario doesn't look too bad for a Monday to Friday job where you start at 8am and finish at 3pm! Although I'm not sure it would be worth a £60k buy in at that level. A Turnover of £110k seems doable, it equates to about £400 a day and 40% of Kitcheners.

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Porty
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Post by Porty » 15 Feb 2008, 00:27

I missed this earlier:
seashell wrote:
After all, some people might just construe your remarks as coming from someone who has an axe to grind against this business and does not want the vendor to get the best possible price.
Its this sort of emotional claptrap that spoils a healthy, fact-based discussion. You may believe that the vendor should get the best possible price and good luck to the vendor.

I would much prefer, that Kitchener's, any business, change hands at a price that gives the new owners a reasonable chance of financial success and a decent lifestyle. Construe that as you may.

I am, no, we are, looking at the numbers behind the reality of the proposition thats on offer. You are attempting to introduce construed intangibles that some people might be having. "oh, please stop it with all these facts,its unbearably cruel, you've got it in for the poor blighter's"

Well I'm not falling for it, its petty, emotive, irrelevance.

Fair enough; if you can make a factual case for the vendors to get the best possible price, even although it may mean the financial ruin of any new owners. I suggest you jump in, the waters lovely.

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Post by Porty » 15 Feb 2008, 13:58

Its interesting to see the changes in Roma. I'm assuming the new owners liked the look and numbers of the old business? Yet, they've chenged the name and branding. What happened to the goodwill?

The counter has been redesigned, more counter display cabinets, music is playing, seems like less space to queue inside the shop, there is now just one choice of soup- a bigger portion for the same price, the soup is served at the counter rather than prepared through the back and I'm sure there are other changes too. (I've only been in once). Think there was 3 staff on.

How will the business develop?

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Post by coxy » 17 Feb 2008, 00:04

Jesus,

And you wonder why most people who lurk on this forum see many here as petty gossips just out to boost their own egos.

Haven't you got anything better to do than this, Porty? Everytime I read this thread you make me wonder about the use of this place.

Time to delete my account. I think.

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Post by Dadaist » 17 Feb 2008, 00:27

coxy wrote:Jesus
I know Porty is good at what he does but I wouldn't go as far as calling him the risen Christ.

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Porty
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Post by Porty » 17 Feb 2008, 02:18

coxy wrote:Jesus,

And you wonder why most people who lurk on this forum see many here as petty gossips just out to boost their own egos....Haven't you got anything better to do than this, Porty?
I'm quite offended by that, its a personal attack, I've posted here maybe 50 times in the last 5 months. Don't know why you choose to pick on me?

As for wondering? Well, no, not exactly coxy. What I wonder is how you know that "most people who lurk on this forum see many here as petty gossips just out to boost their own egos?" That's a very strong statement and by your tone I feel you are very sure of your ground.

Coxy! Is there a secret TP lurkers forum with a petty gossip ego boosting opinion poll? You claim to know what most of then are thinking. Do you host regular lurkers meetings? How do you establish that the majority of lurkers are present, there could be hundreds more out there? Can you smell them? Do they have a look about them? How do you weed out the supposed lurkers who are actually regular posters?

Coxy you may be in possession of the Talk Porty Holy Grail? I do hope so

Otherwise you are in danger of coming across as the ignorant, anonymous type that likes to portray that they represent the views of the majority with no mandate whatsoever. Attempting to impose your personal opinion and then put it forward the view of a majority, its quite disagreeable in a community forum. We weeded that sort of thing out many months ago, there really is no need for it.
coxy wrote:
Time to delete my account. I think.
You think? Coxy, I urge you to please consider matters carefully before taking any rash decsions. Lurker focus and representation is a Global problem on internet message boards. Thats a FACT. At a time like this TP cannot afford to lose conduits like you. Why not sleep on it and see if you feel differently tomorrow?

If you still feel the same way, then I guess you have to do what's right for you and walk away. Should you choose to do so then there will no doubt be murmurings and despondency amongst the majority of the lurker fraternity. Thing is? How would I know without you?

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Post by ecm » 17 Feb 2008, 09:09

coxy wrote:Jesus,

Everytime I read this thread you make me wonder about the use of this place.

Time to delete my account. I think.

Don't go deleting your account on the strength of finding one thread annoying. I've found lots of threads on here annoying over the years, others can be quite boring.
I find ignoring the threads that rile/bore me works a treat. As more or less a lurker these days, I have to say I've found this particular thread quite fascinating. A real insight, so I guess I don't fall into the "most lurkers" bracket that you refer to.

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Post by Pal of Porty » 17 Feb 2008, 12:10

coxy wrote:Time to delete my account. I think.
Excellent idea! 8)
Justice delayed is justice denied.

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Post by wangi » 17 Feb 2008, 12:45

Guys, can we lay off the bickering, thanks.

While Porty's posts on this thread might be a bit dry and tedious for some, there is no compulsion to read them. Just ignore the thread. And all the info here is publicly available - there's no invasion of privacy.

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Porty
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Post by Porty » 17 Feb 2008, 13:15

Dry and tedious??? Wangi, I could go back and do a bit of editing, maybe include some photos of puddles and stuff like that, to alleviate the tedium. Would that suit you sir? :lol:

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Post by Sandra » 20 Feb 2008, 21:46

wangi wrote: While Porty's posts on this thread might be a bit dry and tedious for some, there is no compulsion to read them. Just ignore the thread. And all the info here is publicly available - there's no invasion of privacy.
Don't tend to read this thread as I find it boring, but that's my choice. Nice to see a bit of bickering :lol:

Just like the old days..

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Post by Epykat » 22 Feb 2008, 09:34

coxy wrote:Jesus,

Time to delete my account. I think.
It's okay. You don't need to delete your account. Seeing as how you don't post much, don't debate much and don't have much of an opinion - you'll be allowed to stay. :roll:
Enough of your nonsense - get back to the Play Pen!

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Post by Maria » 22 Feb 2008, 10:30

Epykat wrote:It's okay. You don't need to delete your account. Seeing as how you don't post much, don't debate much and don't have much of an opinion - you'll be allowed to stay. :roll:
Wrong side of the bed this morning, was it Epykat? :wink:

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Post by Pal of Porty » 02 Oct 2008, 14:20

I see that the asking price for the Deli has now fallen from £165k to £100k.

A considerable reduction but I still think it has some way to fall yet before it comes anywhere near financially stacking up for a prospective purchaser, given that the bricks and mortar are not included. 8)
Justice delayed is justice denied.

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Post by Grunk » 02 Oct 2008, 15:04

I thought they were meant to be expanding? which bits are for sale? and by whom (agent)?

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Post by Pal of Porty » 02 Oct 2008, 15:18

The transaction is being handled by Knightsbridge and hopefully I have managed to put the link in below.

http://www.knightsbridgeplc.com/busines ... sid=113161

8)
Justice delayed is justice denied.

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Porty
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Post by Porty » 02 Oct 2008, 15:29

Still the original agents.

sally_miranda
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how long is the leasehold?

Post by sally_miranda » 08 Oct 2008, 23:12

Hey I only just opened this thread, fascinating argument! However I haven't got time to re-read it all. How long is the leasehold porty? It would be worth it if it was 25 years.

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Porty
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Re: Kitchener's Deli - Analyse this!

Post by Porty » 22 Dec 2011, 12:10

I have it on good authority Kitchenes is closing at the end of next week.
.....ambition makes you look pretty ugly

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Re: Kitchener's Deli - Analyse this!

Post by Pal of Porty » 22 Dec 2011, 16:56

Porty wrote:I have it on good authority Kitchenes is closing at the end of next week.
Is it not end of next month? 8)
Justice delayed is justice denied.

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Porty
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Re: Kitchener's Deli - Analyse this!

Post by Porty » 22 Dec 2011, 18:18

Pal of Porty wrote:
Porty wrote:I have it on good authority Kitchenes is closing at the end of next week.
Is it not end of next month? 8)
Depends whose version one believes?

It's a damned shame, whether its next week or next month. That run of shops is going to look pretty spartan.Should the sweet shop suckumb (see what I did there?) there will be two shops occupied in what used to be a run of 6!

Travel agents been there a long time, I'm trying to recall what other businesses have been occupiers;

Slater Hogg and Howison, Abbey, Beveridge & Kellas, Cunnigham's Coal Merchant, Shoe Repairers, The Post office, Klaze, That other ladies shop??, The Card Shop, what else?
.....ambition makes you look pretty ugly

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Re: Kitchener's Deli - Analyse this!

Post by SoupDragon » 22 Dec 2011, 22:02

Klaze was once a pet shop. It had a mynah bird instead of a doorbell

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Porty
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Re: Kitchener's Deli - Analyse this!

Post by Porty » 22 Dec 2011, 23:45

Dont remember that at all.
.....ambition makes you look pretty ugly

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Re: Kitchener's Deli - Analyse this!

Post by SoupDragon » 28 Dec 2011, 11:01

Checked with family over the festive season they remember the mynah bird but some were a bit vague what the shop sold. I'm positive we went there for cat food

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