from Longfellow today:
Greetings, Longfellow Neighbors!
Yes – that’s right. We’re now neighbors. Today, I closed on the property at
4205 E 34th Street (formerly the Pizza Pie and I), where I plan to open a
Turtle Bread.
The building is in pretty bad shape, having been neglected for four years, but
we will begin renovating and improving it immediately. As we speak, my roofer
is obtaining a permit to put on a brand-new roof. Over the weekend, we’ll be
busy picking weeds and doing general clean-up work around the building’s
exterior. Eventually, what are now rivers of rain water running through the
property will be rivers of beer flowing through taps.
The latter point sheds some light on why I hope to garner your continued
support for this project. In addition to the usual breads, pastries and other
items you may be used to finding at Turtle Bread, I also plan to sell – in
addition to Turtle Bread’s standard fare – a menu that includes pizza, burgers
and beer in the evening. I’m also anticipating the need to obtain a parking
variance from the city. Since you’ve shown such overwhelming support for this
already, I hope that I can count on your support as I work with the city to
make our vision for the space a reality.
So that you are always aware of the progress we’re making, I will send out
updates, including photos, every two weeks. (Nota bene: you may not want your
kids to see the first round of photos – I’m not kidding when I tell you that
the place is in rough shape!) This, I hope, will keep you abreast of our
activities and give you an opportunity and a context in which to pose questions
or send us your thoughts on the project.
A million thanks to you for your encouragement and enthusiasm for a Turtle
Bread in the Longfellow neighborhood. I will be working hard to justify your
support, and look forward to working with you and other neighbors as we build
toward an opening day mid- to late-November.
With best regards,
Harvey Thomas McLain, Owner
Turtle Bread Company
612.823.7333 (office)
612.201.9784 (cell)"