In a country that cries out for investment and amid the global financial meltdown that has hit New York hard it would seem strange that local restaurant German’s would invest in a restaurant in the Big Apple – but that is exactly what it is doing.
For many years German’s Restaurant has provided delicious soups to Guyanese and tourists alike on home soil, but now they are planning to warm the tummies of those in New York, after securing financing of US$130,000 to open an outlet there.
The restaurant management is also undaunted by the economic downturn in their new market, the United States, even as one former Federal Reserve Banker official told this reporter in Manhattan recently that US consumers will likely take some four years to recover from the financial meltdown.
Managing Director Clinton Urling, of city eatery German’s Restaurant in Tiger Bay told Stabroek News that they have secured financing from Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd for the venture and currently are in the process of choosing a location in Brooklyn, probably Church Avenue or Crown Heights. The ideal location this newspaper was told will be one in an area with a strong Caribbean presence and from, 800 to 1,500 square feet. Depending on the size there will be an express section for its soups and another for creole dishes and dining in. But if the space does not permit both sections there will be a separate express location for the soups and a dine-in location for creole dishes.
Once the location is identified and the paperwork is tied up Urling said ideally they will like to open the US outlet for Christmas but if this is not possible then early next year.
On a recent visit to the US, Urling said that during location hunting he visited several eateries in areas with a heavy concentration of Caribbean immigrants and noted that several places were up for rental and others were on sale, testimony to the economic climate. “For me still, I still see a great opportunity in New York,” he determinedly said.
“My product is not an expensive one,” he further added, emphasising that their plan is to “sell our product cheap” in a world class environment. Urling has no plans for promoting the ‘Mom and Pop’ or ‘Rum Shop’ physical environment, but to create a Starbucks-type setting. Even though he did admit that a competitive price last year would have been between US$8-US$10 per bowl, with the economic downturn, to be competitive in this current environment his soups will have to be between US$3 to US$6.
Nevertheless, he was still optimistic about being competitive at a higher price range, noting that “we might get away with a little extra price.” In this regard, the manager explained that they plan to double up on quantities and maintain consistent soup quality at home and abroad, so consumers in Guyana or in the US will be consuming the same soup. “The advantage is to keep our pricing low.”
Already German’s has a large following of overseas-based Guyanese and other Caricom nationals who fill its tables whenever they are in Guyana and it is betting on these committed followers to give their support to the US outlet.
Urling told Stabroek News that during his visit to Caribbean eateries in the US some patrons recognize him from their visit to the Tiger Bay location.
The varieties of its hallmark soups will be increased for the US outlet, to take advantage of the long winter months, and the managing director is confident that the soups will be a big hit since the “brand is recognizable.” There was also a lot of enthusiasm when persons on his visit to the US were told of the venture.
Hey German’s! Do ya all do “Catering (Special Occasions), Home Deliveries….”?
Guyanese should be more intersted what is happening in there own back yard,than to worried about these super powers.
The Germans are good investors,Guyanese should dream if only we have this oppertuny.
This is a ridiculous business venture in this tough economic climate – If I’m correct is he opening a shack (800 to 1500 sq ft). Where are people going to dine – on top of each other? And if he wants to take advantage of the Long winter months – Brooklyn is not the place – he needs to look further north – Buffalo, NY or Toronto- Now we‘re talking long winter months.
up to last week myself and the guys were talking about german soup the bussiness will do well out here ppl from queens will support once its the same thing like gtgood luck guys
The idea is brilliant, German is already a brand name among Guyanese, Brooklyn is an excellent location, but remember that Brooklyn is a big Boro, and the rule of thumb with any business in the USA is location, location.
$130,000.00 US for such a business is chump change, you will make that back in six months. However watch out for increases in rent, the property owner can pretty much raise his rent each and every year.
I ate a soup at Germans, when I was in Guyana, it was good as usual, but all it had apart from the beef, was boiled plantains, I hate boiled plantains.
So my message to Mr, Urling, when he opens in Brooklyn, Please do not forget the cassave, eddoes, sweet potatoes, etc. Other than that, go for it, you will succeed.
Joe.
These people , and their generation has been selling food SOUP< COOK-UP,
FISH STEW,METEM, before some of you were born. For more than 50years.
Give them credit for something. They know how to cook it, they know how to sell it, They dont change the ” COOK” tomorrow. The food will be the same . They have a good chance. Only 2 out of ten businesses survive, You know what the key is,” IT IS THE COOK’ and experience in the business. The % of those closing has to do with lack of business sence, never been in business, and doing it for the first time. Now the other problem, you dont Have a good cook, or you change the cook. IT HAS TO DO WITH THE COOK< BUSINESS EXPERIENCE,HOW TO TREAT YOUR CUSTOMER, and most of all how to get you to come back. Look at SyBIL, it’s experience. DONT CHANGE THE TASTE.
GOOD LUCK AGAIN.
One who knows, been there, DUN IT
Hi “Clinton Urling”! There is an “RENTAL SIGN” posted at the Broadway and 145st at the Manhattan.location where “COPELAND’S” used to be and folks from down South came there by the “bus loads”… It might be worth checking out.
Good luck.
Dont forget that German would have to take people to work in his restaurant….huh…back-track business now open.
Leo Rojo
I wonder what the comments would be if an American was thinking of opening an eatery in Guyana. I do not believe that any American would put him/her down for wanting to expand a profitable (?) business into another country.
What I am seeing here (and SN this is not putting anyone down or making liabelous remarks) is that Guyanese are still of the miniature mind set that will not allow them to think outside the box.
What is wrong with opening a soup(ery) in Brooklyn? What is wrong with Guyanese taking legal, legitimate chances in places other than Guyana? What is wrong with those in Brookly helping to promote this business to their American friends? Why the hell must Guyanese always be in the mode of putting each other down?
What is Guyana, a collection of stupid people or a nation that is looking for an identity? Why can we not pull together and be supportive of each other?
German I wish you all the luck in the world and promise that I will sample your soups or whatever else you venture to sell in Brooklyn whenever I am there. I also pledge that I will actively promote your business if you ever decide to expend into Canada.
Well said Richard. He’ll make it. They know how to cook, and they are not new to business. Businessmen are born, not made. Not everyone can be a businessman.He comes from a family who has been selling food for more than 50 years.In the 60’s I had clients coming from all over Berbice every week to do business, and they all cant wait to go and eat in a little Rat hole in Tiger Bay, called German. THE FOOD WAS GOOD.That is the first place I ever see so many
people from all religion eat Cow heel soup. and Cookup rice,It was German and Sheila followed by a night out on the town ,at Farm Fresh Inn, National , Rendevous,Bamboo Gardens,and a Few more places.Good luck Son.
You wont make it in this world being a chicken.Be Brave. The Bank in Stupid,
You know how to cook, You have experience, You’re almost there.
Anyone of you see the other Sybil(BERNARD) in Miami. Only a few years old,
Like I predicted, DOOING GOOD, VEEEERY GOOOOD.Bernard is behind the counter HIMSELF, and the Roti Girl is the same lady who was there from the beginning. The place is not no MIZINER PARK, or FIFTH AV, but the lines are long.and the food is good. And so is the Black PUDDING & SOUSE.So GIVE HIM A CHANCE , HE IS one out of 2 out of every 10.GOOD LUCK AGAIN.
Its about time…….this is what we need…this business will do extremely well you have my blessings…..Republic Bank would not finance a deal they didnt think would be lucrative……Just make sure you open Sundays…
GO FOR IT CLINTON YOU WILL BE WELL SUPPORTED , I HAVE A BUINESS HERE TOO (BAR) AND I WILL HELP IN EVERY WAY , ITS SAD THAT WE CAN,T STICK TOGETHER BUT TRUST I DEALT WITH THEM TA THE BEGINNING AND MY FOCUS AND TARGET WAS OTHER CARRIBEAN COUNTRIES AND LET ME TELL YOU THEY LOVE COMPLETION AS SOO AS THEY SEE OTHERS SUPPORT YOU THEY ALL THEN BECOME YOUR GREATEST PROMOTER SO DON,T LET THEM STOP GO FOR IT I,M YOUNG AND AS LONG AS YOU HAVE BELLY YOU’RE GOOD HURRY UP THIS IS GOING TO BE A WICKED WINTER .
This is not a risky move at all. Matter of fact it will be very profitable. The concern expressed at the start of the story is not applicable to German opening a restaurant in Brooklyn. Its more like opening a restaurant in the richest neighborhood in Guyana where theresidents don’t have stoves. I would love to get some soup some time. I used to go to German’s in Georgetown when I worked in the Kingsyon area, was a short walk away.
Opening a restaurant in New York (Manhattan) is a risky deeal now which can only be done by the rap stars and big name chefs and would reqquire millions. $130k would not buy the utensils in such a restaurant.
Try walking down Liberty Avenue and try to get a quick take-out from Sybils. The crowd is maddening.
congrats to German,s i miss all that good food , and when i,m in New York ,i,ll check you out i,m in the midwest God bless