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For Sale..
Posted: Thu 27th Apr 2006 04:01 pm
by Boner
In the current issue of Soft Secrets newspaper, UK edition, there is an advert that reads as follows:
LOW BUDGET HOTEL
***************************** UTOPIA ************************
N.Z. Voorburgwaal 132
AMSTERDAM
Unique opportunity..Bed and Breakfast
Full legal Coffeeshop now on sale
Very rare combination. For further info,
please call 0031648225667
To the left of the description is a BCD coffeeshop sign (those green and white stickers seen in most of Amsterdam's coffeeshops) with the number
236.
I saw this posted on Channels and had to share!
Posted: Thu 27th Apr 2006 04:52 pm
by Lemming
Wow! That’s one of the Bulldogs isn’t it?
Incidentally, the BCD logo is a sort of stylised cannabis leaf. I believe the green and white diagonal split sticker is a licence from the local authority. And therein lies the problem – as far as I’m aware, a coffeeshop licence is not transferable according to the 1995 regulations.
Posted: Thu 27th Apr 2006 05:48 pm
by Redeye
Shall we start a fund and buy our own coffeeshop!!
You can stick an ACD logo to go with the BCD logo, pipe dreams are great!!
Posted: Thu 27th Apr 2006 06:34 pm
by Boner
Its the Utopia Lemming.
Posted: Thu 27th Apr 2006 06:59 pm
by Darksensory
yeah I cant find that address on the map...
Is it hard to open a coffeeshop or any kind of establishment in the dam. besides ofcourse the money it takes, but regulations and citizenship wise?
Posted: Thu 27th Apr 2006 08:48 pm
by Lemming
Its the Utopia Lemming.
Of course, doh, NZ Voorburgwal not OZ Voorburgwal
Shall we start a fund and buy our own coffeeshop!
Unfortunately, raising the money would probably be the easiest bit but I like the idea of our own coffeeshop
yeah I cant find that address on the map...
ACD page:
Utopia
Posted: Fri 28th Apr 2006 02:58 am
by sonicblue
The Chiefs of the Grey Area were able to start their own coffeeshop. I know the laws have become more restrictive over the years but I'm guessing it's still possible.
It's a dream of mine to be an owner or co-owner of a coffeeshop. I just wonder what kind of shop would the ACD coffeeshop be? Part bar? Part restaurant? A night club after 9pm? A lounge?
What do you think?
Posted: Fri 28th Apr 2006 08:03 am
by DrGonzo
Just out of interest..... how much are we talking..... Got to be looking at around a million Euros or so?
Posted: Fri 28th Apr 2006 09:20 am
by Boner
DrGonzo wrote:Just out of interest..... how much are we talking..... Got to be looking at around a million Euros or so?
I hear they are starting at €500,000 and taking it from there.
Posted: Fri 28th Apr 2006 09:43 am
by space doubt
*loads sawn-off*
just popping down the bank!
Posted: Fri 28th Apr 2006 11:27 am
by DrGonzo
Boner wrote:DrGonzo wrote:Just out of interest..... how much are we talking..... Got to be looking at around a million Euros or so?
I hear they are starting at €500,000 and taking it from there.
That seems really good value considering the location and the hotel business......
Where's me cheque book?

Posted: Fri 28th Apr 2006 12:20 pm
by Boner
I'd have a look at this topic before even considering it
Linky
Posted: Fri 28th Apr 2006 04:15 pm
by sonicblue
Sounds like the buyer(s) may have to invest in a restoration project.
If the structure itself is sound then the property maybe worthwhile to upgrade.
Posted: Fri 28th Apr 2006 04:50 pm
by Doog
Must be everyone's dream on this forum to be able to own and run their own coffeeshop. Looks like this one is going to be only for those who have absolutely bothing to do with their money or with their time because they are going to need plenty of both by the looks of it.
After all the restoration and opening then you've gotta build a reputation and that has to start among the locals so I would say being fluent in Dutch would be absolutely essential (even if you knew someone who was, and got them to work in the shop).
Then you've got to consider the fact that Amsterdam and the Netherlands may yet fall victim to the ban on smoking in public places and you may find it hard to maintain customer numbers if you don't have the outdoor seating. I don't think that a new shop could survive as a grab and go only sort of place. There are too many others like those around the city and they are all well established.
Having said all that

how fucking cool would that be.

Your own lil patch in Amsterdam

Posted: Fri 28th Apr 2006 07:14 pm
by Redeye
space doubt wrote:*loads sawn-off*
just popping down the bank!

lmfao
As for restoration the photos on their website look reasonable, basic but tidy.