| Author | Message | |||
     Sean Flood Citizen Username: Campus_sub_shop Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2005 |
I understand there have been quite a few posts regarding The Campus Sub Shop ... and the rumors surrounding its disappearance from Irvington Avenue (it's home since 1976). I thought I would weigh-in on the matter because there is no one best to comment on this than me... I am Sean Flood, and I was the owner. Those who have lived in South Orange long enough will recall going to Campus Sub as a kid for –not only, the great sandwiches but also to chat about local gossip. As well, Campus (as it was often referred to) was always a big supporter of the local police, fire, ambulance and municipal departments. Campus Sub soon became an icon in the area –visited by many celebrities (most notably Lauren Hill) and rated “New Jersey’s Best” by The Newark Star Ledger’s “Munch Mobile” It was my passion for the food industry to prompt me to leave “Corporate America” and pursue my dream of owning my own place. So I came back to “my roots” and purchased the Campus Sub Shop. Though the place had lost a little of its luster over its 25 years of business, I believed it still had a story to tell. All I needed to do was breath some new life into it. A few coats of paint, new floors, a new kitchen and even new heating and air conditioning! (you “old-schoolers” will remember the sweltering summers and freezing winters at Campus) –things began to turn around! Soon after the “Campus Makeover” things began to settle in. We expanded our hours, introduced a new menu and started delivering through out South Orange & Maplewood. It was only after the sale of the building did things start to change. After many months of harassment, we were forced out by the landlord. We have been told the landlord purchased the building with the intention of taking my business. For legal reasons, I'll leave it up to you to make your own assumptions. We’ve reached out to South Orange Officials for some help locating another spot but –so far, it has fallen on deaf ears. We were always good tenants, supportive of the community, Little League etc…. why would they not want to? After all, you deserve a good deli. My guess is they are too busy cozying up to Town Hall Deli. In the meantime, thanks for your support! The encouragement I’ve gotten just passing people on “The Avenue” has been great. I MISS YOU SOUTH ORANGE! | |||
| SW (something witty) Citizen Username: Buckneja Post Number: 43 Registered: 1-2003  |
We miss you too. | |||
| Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro Post Number: 1183 Registered: 5-2004  |
Dave, Perhaps this thread could be moved to the SO Specific section, and not under the McMansion thread? | |||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 6801 Registered: 4-1997  |
-moved- | |||
| cmontyburns Citizen Username: Cmontyburns Post Number: 1025 Registered: 12-2003  |
This strikes me as a story that has a lot of as-yet-unrevealed details to it. | |||
| Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro Post Number: 1187 Registered: 5-2004 |
Any of the BOT member that read this care to comment on the town's purported reaction or lack thereof? Sean, have you contacted Main Street about some help? It looks like there might be a lot of possible locations in town soon*. *soon being an incredibly relative term. | |||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2053 Registered: 4-2002 |
Rastro: Personally, when I first read it, I did not think a response was warranted. At no time has Mr. Flood contacted the BOT (mail, phone, email or in person) but it is possible that he spoke with the village administrator or village president. I have no idea what his snide remark about Town Hall Deli means or why he would insult another business owner. Mr. Flood had the same opportunity to purchase the midas building plus as you point out there are empty stores in S. Orange Ave available for rent. My guess is that we are getting half a story and I will see if I can find out more, but I have a feeling that if I do, he might not want to post them. | |||
| SouthOrangeNanny Citizen Username: Sonanny Post Number: 52 Registered: 3-2005  |
the claytons miss you too....sniff sniff | |||
| Sean Flood Citizen Username: Campus_sub_shop Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2005 |
I happened to be checking out the going-ons in SO and put the post up to let my customers know that I missed South Orange and was sad to have left. I wonder how many other (past) tenants have done so? I also did not insult another business owner and will not let you spin it that way. I was not given the same opportunity to purchase the Midas building and if you are not aware of the formal meetings I had at Village Hall then check it out, check out who I met with and why the BOT was not involved (or asked to be). Maybe that is why I posted a "half story" (as you put it). Once again my intention was to say I missed SO -not to bore people or embarrass anyone. Go ahead and see if you can "find out more" and threaten again to post it. That's a real incentive to lure business owners who take the time to say they miss the town. | |||
| cmontyburns Citizen Username: Cmontyburns Post Number: 1029 Registered: 12-2003 |
It's like an Agatha Christie novel. Sean, you seem like a swell guy. Why don't you just tell us what happened, instead of being all mysterious? Have you sued someone? Has someone sued you? We're all very good at being mad at the village, and you probably won't have any trouble finding people eager to be outraged on your behalf. But when you raise more questions than you answer.... | |||
| Brett Weir Citizen Username: Brett_weir Post Number: 737 Registered: 4-2004 |
And hurry back- you can't get a decent sub in town anymore (your "successors" included). | |||
| cmontyburns Citizen Username: Cmontyburns Post Number: 1030 Registered: 12-2003 |
is Campus Sub Shop II still owned by you? Is it the same food? I unfortunately never got a chance to try Campus Subs. Think you closed just about the time I was moving to town. But have heard nothing but great things. | |||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2054 Registered: 4-2002 |
You posted: "After all, you deserve a good deli. My guess is they are too busy cozying up to Town Hall Deli." Reads to me that you don't think Town Hall Deli is (or was) a good one. I won't even go into the insuation that the village did not give every one the same chance to purchase the Midas building. Did you make a formal bid when we put it out to auction (with a minimum bid requirement)? I did not threaten to post what I found out. I merely said you might prefer for others not to hear the other side's point of view (assuming there is another side). There is no question in my mind from your tone that the building owner and the "village officials" will have a different spin on the matter than you do. I think Cmonty has it right on target - (his post at 2:52 pm).} | |||
| Sean Flood Citizen Username: Campus_sub_shop Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2005 |
Like I said, I was just checking out SO and decided to place a post. The only reason for my reply was because I felt it was unfair to discount me by implying that I had never reached out to SO officials. That is simply not true. No I am not being sued and no I am not suing anybody. I do feel some people in SO turned their backs on me but I do not feel this is the best place to air the dirty laundry. Nothing juicy, I did not mean to give that impression. Campus II is not mine. It was once connected but no longer. I am glad you heard good things. I can genuinely say our food was great. I look forward to meeting you someday at the new location (God willing). Make sure you introduce yourself. | |||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2016 Registered: 11-2001  |
Why did Campus leave town after so many years? How is it that the current building owner is now also running a deli at the previous location? What attempts were made by the Village or MSSO to relocate this long established business if the intent of the building owner was to have the Campus Sub space vacated for his own deli? Inquiring minds would like to know the village's version of the story. Is this issue a closed session item, Mark? I think Sean is inferring in his comment that he did not receive the same concern for relocation as perhaps the Town Hall did. I wouldn't read anything else into it. Sean: I was saddened to hear about your Dad. As you know, I liked him a lot. For the readers of this board, Sean's father was a Trustee of the village going back to the late 70s. PS: Sean, where is the new place to be? | |||
| Brett Weir Citizen Username: Brett_weir Post Number: 738 Registered: 4-2004 |
Sean- Don't know what happened with the Midas site, but Town Hall doesn't appear to be setting up shop any time soon. Besides, THD and Campus were two great eateries that catered to different tastes and bankrolls. We once had both to choose from, now we have neither. There are ample open shops in town, so pick one and start slicing. I haven't had a cheesesteak or a Sophomore sub in a year, so beat feet! | |||
| Sean Flood Citizen Username: Campus_sub_shop Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2005 |
Yes I did submit a WRITTEN proposal at the town's ASKING PRICE. I am shocked to hear you do not know such. That was 8 months BEFORE Town Hall Deli was involved. In fact, I still have the letter recognizing my offer and informing me that the village wanted to list the property with a realtor and I would be notified when it has done so. My father (being a local realtor) inquired about the listing and was told he could not be considered because my pending offer would cause a conflict of interest. I was also assured by the town that it had a letter from the EPA stating the property was "clean". I have since heard differently. I wish I had known the truth, I would not have invested so much time and money on the project. | |||
| cmontyburns Citizen Username: Cmontyburns Post Number: 1031 Registered: 12-2003 |
Sean: There are many open storefronts in town, almost all of them in a better location than Midas. Have you looked into them? It's often confusing to us non-businessfolk as to why these places sit empty. Maybe you could shed some light on that. | |||
| Sean Flood Citizen Username: Campus_sub_shop Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2005 |
Thanks Pizzaz. Very kind words. Those of you who knew my Dad, knew he genuinely LOVED South Orange. Always a fixture in town, he raised the family in SO and ran his modest real estate business in SO. I would say your assessment is right. I did feel the town let a business that had been in town since 1976 simply go away -especially a landmark like Campus Sub. I was South Orange born and raised, went to the public schools, we supported all local civil service, sponcered a little league team, kept a clean and respectable place etc... How many of those places still exist today? And what a success story for other businesses thinking about coming to SO. Brett, you'll get your Cheesesteak soon enough. Trust me, I want to do it right. | |||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2018 Registered: 11-2001 |
A Whiter Shade of Pale (just felt like it  ) "If Music be the food of Love..."
Good Luck, Sean. We look forward to it. | |||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 1626 Registered: 1-2004  |
Steve- My parents bought our house from your dad many years ago. I too was sorry when he died. I also remember the Campus Sub Shop. Is there any way you could reopen in one of the now empty stores on the Ave? I'm sure you'd do a great business. As much as I also liked the Town Hall Deli, there's something ick about the new location. It's also off the beaten path. Hope to see you back in town soon. And please, as someone mentioned, many are annoyed at the Village. So please tell us your side of the story. | |||
| Brett Weir Citizen Username: Brett_weir Post Number: 740 Registered: 4-2004 |
Who is Steve? | |||
| Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro Post Number: 1194 Registered: 5-2004 |
I believe that is JTA-speak for Sean  | |||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 2000 Registered: 6-2001  |
Sean - my condolences too on your Dad. He was a really nice guy and my parents were friends w/yours. I went to school with David - please tell him Betsy says "hi!" I really, really miss campus sub shop and am shocked at the treatment shown to you by the town. Okay, I'm not really shocked, I'm pissed off. WHAT IS GOING ON HERE MARK??? I truly hope you can find a new location, too, 'cause as someone says above, you can't get a good deli sam'ich in this town anymore. | |||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 1632 Registered: 1-2004 |
Brett- I meant Sean. Thanks Rasto. I really have to stop posting after I've taken medication. Especially this late at night. Goodnight all!  | |||
| MIKE C. Citizen Username: Mikec Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2004 |
Sean,the new place is just as good. My family ordered two platters last weekend and they both tasted great. Good Luck | |||
| User58 Citizen Username: User58 Post Number: 240 Registered: 8-2004 |
pizzaz why do you not offer campus sub your empty building??????????????????????????????? | |||
| singlemalt Supporter Username: Singlemalt Post Number: 1081 Registered: 12-2001  |
What is the status on finding a tenant? If I look in the archives (during the election) I believe Pizazz mentioned at some point he was close to filling the space. Please don't tell me it's "Coming Soon". | |||
| User58 Citizen Username: User58 Post Number: 242 Registered: 8-2004 |
I think there should be an ordinance in town that if a store front is not under renovation it must be rented within a certain time or the town takes it over to rent. this space has been empty for a long time. What is the deal? | |||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 2595 Registered: 5-2001  |
While I agree SOMETHING should be done, the "town" doesn't exactly have the best track record in the real estate business.  | |||
| User58 Citizen Username: User58 Post Number: 243 Registered: 8-2004 |
I agree MHD. But lets face it there are locations - the old art store on sloan street, the store next to and owned by bunnys, sickley that are all sitting for a long time. | |||
| singlemalt Supporter Username: Singlemalt Post Number: 1082 Registered: 12-2001 |
John, it's been a few months and I don't believe I've seen *any* work begin to show the expansion. Can you provide an update or have your plans changed? Thank you. http://www.southorangevillage.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=129&post=363686#POST36368 6 | |||
| User58 Citizen Username: User58 Post Number: 244 Registered: 8-2004 |
COMING SOON | |||
| singlemalt Supporter Username: Singlemalt Post Number: 1083 Registered: 12-2001 |
To be fair the Pogany's have (officially) owned the building for only 7 months and they did paint the outside during the election. It looks much better. However, if anyone else sat on the property this long after making a public committment during the election, the usual suspects (myself included) who are frustrated by the lack of progress would be all over Pizzaz (aka John) for doing nothing up to this point. It would be another "COMING SOON" joke in the village but since the people on MOL who usually make those jokes are friends and supporters of John's we will probably never hear it. I would like to hear an update if one is available. | |||
| User58 Citizen Username: User58 Post Number: 246 Registered: 8-2004 |
What a great location for a cheese shop. | |||
| singlemalt Supporter Username: Singlemalt Post Number: 1084 Registered: 12-2001 |
Or an upscale butcher shop with trucks coming from the west side of the city every day. | |||
| User58 Citizen Username: User58 Post Number: 249 Registered: 8-2004 |
A old style butcher shop would be a great idea! I think we could live without the supermarket and just have some great small businesses....produce store, seafood store, butcher, cheese shop, Italian specialty store for pastas, sauces etc. and go to pathmark for all the other items. I feel somehow this supermarket will not be what we all are expecting. I would love smaller family owned businesses. This would create a quaint small town feeling. | |||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2020 Registered: 11-2001 |
Thank you, Singlemalt, for the manner in which you phrase your question. There are many issues still open with respect to the renovation of this building at this time. Most notably, of course, is the construction of SOPAC directly behind this location. Secondly, the issue of the Beifus and Shop Rite constructions that will put a significant damper in the short term with respect to parking and construction impositions on nearby businesses. I have said from the beginning and still hold to the business strategy (mind you Leslie SNR, Inc. owns 10 W.)that the business will benefit once we expand into the space. From a logistics/timing point this expansion will not occur any sooner than 2006. In the interim, we are currently looking for an annual tenant (this of course dismays me, since there is a significant current year tax benefit related to restaurant renovations which expires at year end). However, we believe we found a tenant and hope to secure an annual rental agreement very shortly. As I've indicated, unfortunately, there are outside (uncontrollable) factors that hinder ones own circumstances. Mark, any updates for Sickley or the Rugman or Midas or ......... | |||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2057 Registered: 4-2002 |
I think Sickley is also waiting for the SOPAC construction to progress but did not cite any other concerns. Town Hall Deli says they are still proceeding with plans to start construction once they have all their approvals and permits. No idea on the rug store other than he is scheduled to be at the planning board again. | |||
| User58 Citizen Username: User58 Post Number: 250 Registered: 8-2004 |
Pizzaz please explain this I am interested in hearing what you know about this problem (put a significant damper in the short term with respect to parking and construction impositions on nearby businesses.) |
