08/20/2014
Hi everyone,
It has been a bit more than a month since we closed the Retail shop.
The main reason we closed the shop was due to unacceptable conditions within the kitchen and shop areas.
The air conditioning unit does not work properly and has not for the entire summer season.
It has been over 98 degrees in the kitchen and over 85 in the shop on multiple occasions.
Unacceptable and unhealthy!
Chocolate begins to melt at just under 80 degrees.
We have had multiple HVAC folks come in to look at it as per our lease, we are responsible for the maintenance, i.e. filter changes, coolant recharge and basic cleaning of the coils. We spent nearly $500 for this. Each time we heard the same result...
The AC unit has a coolant leak and blower needs to be replaced; the unit is 18 years old, the blower is over 25 years old.
So, we present our findings to the Landlord and he then hires his own HVAC guy to take a look at the system.
Last visit (1 of 2) from this guy was July 24. It was a cool 94 degrees in the kitchen that afternoon.
They agreed to install a new unit within the next week and a half.
So, we closed the shop and took a short vacation so the new unit could be installed.
We cannot make or have product out while the work is being done and kitchen temperature above 78 degrees.
Nearly 2 1/2 weeks later than the system was to be installed, with still no retail sales since July 19, today, we met with yet another HVAC guy so he too could take a look and find the problem.
Guess what the problem is...
The system needs to be replaced, both AC and Heat pump are shot.
So, now we wait for the Landlord again to make a decision and then wait for the installation of the new system (or whatever he decides to do)...
All the while, no retail sales and very limited wholesale and custom work, loss of ingredients and we declined orders because we cannot store decorating ingredients or prepare our products in this kitchen. Way too hot.
There are also electrical issues in the building. Half the kitchen does not have power, lights are out (not because of old bulbs).
And, on certain days, the sump pump backs up (or something) and the smell which permeates the kitchen and shop is that of sewerage.
Again, unacceptable and unhealthy!
All in all, the place needs a lot of work and we do not have a time frame for everything to be corrected.
So, at this time, we are unsure if and when we will be re-opening...
However, ALL pending orders will be fulfilled as promised.
Unfortunately, at this time, we cannot commit to fulfilling any new orders.
It would not be fair to take your order and not be able to fulfill it in our typical, remarkable fashion.
Thank you for your support and for taking the time to read this...
Stay tuned for updates.