TELL US: What Kind of Business Should Open at Former Kokopelli Coffee & Tea Site?
The property has been vacant for a year and a half
Photos
The former Kokopelli Coffee & Tea property, located at the corner of Lee Road and Van Aken Boulevard, seems like a prime location any retailer, but it remains vacant.
It's been that way for about three years*.
Realtor Ken Weber of Clint Williams Realty said the site has drawn plenty of interest since then, but none of the talks were serious.
"I've shown it a lot of times, but most people don't have the money it takes to open," Weber said. "It's basically a lot of people with ideas, but not the wherewithal. That happens a lot in retail, but this is a fantastic location for retail."
Asked what kind of concept he thinks would work best at 3427 Lee Road, Weber said he'd like to see a potential tenant try another coffee shop.
What would you like to see at this location? It's at a busy intersection, but what kind of business would thrive there?
Let us know in the comments section.
*Editor's Note: The original version of this article stated that the property had been vacant for a year and a half. Shaker Heights Economic Development Director Tania Menesse confirmed Kokopelli left the structure in 2009.*
Cindy Courtright
7:55 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
um, it's been vacant way longer than a year and 1/2.
that said, i'd like to see phoenix coffee open up there... we NEED a coffee house on this end of town. but, we need one that is open past 7 pm....
Mark Zetzer
9:23 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
How about the City cut taxes and regulations and let the market decide what works best there and at all the other many vacant store fronts around town? How bad does Shaker Heights need to get before City officials realize that they are the problem, not the solution!
shakerchamber
4:14 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Looks like the perfect spot to relocate Starbucks since they have to move due to the Van Aken intersection construction.
Debra Hegler, Shaker Heights Chamber of Commerce
Anon.
3:28 pm on Saturday, August 18, 2012
Shaker needs a coffee shot there bad. GReat location. Of course we'll need a security guard stationed outside to make sure cars don't get broken in to, and a metal detector at the door, but that's no big deal It's Shaler Heights!
vicki white
9:20 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013
Hello Shaker Heights we are. Proud to announce that there will be another coffee house coming soon to the the old kokopeli's on Lee and Van Aken Blvd, called Gimme Java Coffee House....
vicki white
9:21 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013
;)
Cindy Courtright
9:56 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013
Ok great. Please learn to spell and punctuate before you open. No apostrophe at the end of "gimme"; God knows why you would put it there. I'm not a big fan of the name, but to each his own.
If you want to be successful, you MUST keep up with the big boys. This means neat, properly spelled signage and menus; quality drinks with reasonable pricing; friendly, knowledgeable staff. Can you do this?
Albert Plummer
10:02 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013
Hello Shaker Heights, we are extremely excited and pleased to present to you. "Gimme' Java Coffee. An elegant, upscale and exciting new coffee house tailored to the eclectic and new vibe in Shaker Heights. We thank you Shaker for allowing us to share our glorious and beautiful vision with you. It will be a wonderful gathering place for the community. Albert,Joanne and Vicki.
Albert Plummer
10:09 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013
Yes, Ms. Courtright. We'll do our best to please our clientele and the Shaker community. That is our sincere promise and commitment to you. Thank you Ma'am.
Marina Paynther
10:02 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
If you would like people to use proper puctuation , please check yourself first ";;;;;" I love the name! Let's try and give them a chance before we shoot them down for no reason. Way to be positive Cindy!
Keane
12:20 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
Any idea when it will be opening?