| Author | Message | ||
     Mtam Citizen Username: Mtam Post Number: 114 Registered: 11-2005 |
What's the story with Pen and Jen's shutting down at the train station??? | ||
| lah Citizen Username: Lah Post Number: 426 Registered: 5-2001  |
Don't know. Got their email. The tone did not make it sound good. Was there last Saturday and talked to Jen for a while. No mention of any problems. | ||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 2037 Registered: 10-2002  |
Wow! I didn't hear that! | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2748 Registered: 5-2001 |
Can you give us the gist of the email? | ||
| lah Citizen Username: Lah Post Number: 427 Registered: 5-2001 |
The subject of the email was something like "Pen and Jen's closed until further notice" and said "In case you might not have heard, we have closed Pen & Jen's tea bar at the Maplewood train station until further notice. We will be looking to re-open as soon as possible in the Maplewood train station or at another train station." It also explained how to buy their tea online and how their employee would still run the concierge at night. It's the fuzziness about whether they are going to reopen in Maplewood vs some other train station that makes me wonder what the issues are. I am really puzzled because they seemed to have established a steady business and seemed very plugged in with their customers and the community. | ||
| Mtam Citizen Username: Mtam Post Number: 115 Registered: 11-2005 |
i'm puzzled too for the same reason. things seemed to be going very well. | ||
| davidbuckley Citizen Username: Davidbuckley Post Number: 672 Registered: 5-2001 |
Lah: Would you post the email or pl me a link to it? I am upset and wish to determine what's up. Thanks and tea well, all. David | ||
| lah Citizen Username: Lah Post Number: 430 Registered: 5-2001 |
David, Here is the entire text of the email: ************************ Dear Pen & Jen friends, In case you might not have heard, we have closed Pen & Jen's tea bar at the Maplewood train station until further notice. We will be looking to re-open as soon as possible in the Maplewood train station or at another train station. Meanwhile, if you would like to make Pen & Jen's teas / herbals at home... our website is open for tea orders at http://www.penandjens.com AND our office will remain open at (973) 313-0322 during its usual weekday hours Monday- Friday 10am-5pm. Our employee will continue to staff the Maplewood Concierge during its typical hours: Monday- Friday 4pm-8pm. Thank you, Pen and Jen Pen & Jen's, LLC 111 Dunnell Road Maplewood, NJ 07040 973-313-0322 (phone) 973-313-0328 (fax) www.penandjens.com ******************** David - If you find out any information, please let me know if there is anything that we can do to help them. Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that the dynamics of the train station are really weird. At various times, people have tried to close Joyce's shop and then Manny's newstand. If this is just another one of those events, there may be something that we could do to help. | ||
| cecilia david Citizen Username: Ceciliadav569 Post Number: 29 Registered: 8-2005 |
I do not really support the coffee bar because I do not drink coffee. But I do drink tea and have supported Pen and jen since they opened. Is this something to do with the Concierge? Pen adn Jen's has made the train station into a positive location in town for not just those of us who knit there on Saturdays or go to the Cafe's on Friday evening. I personally hope that this will be resolved for the benefit of those of in Maplewood who use Pen and Jen. So let's work to restore something that lots of folks used and enjoyed! Who do we need to get in touch with? cecilia david | ||
| Louise Arkel Citizen Username: Louisea Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2006 |
I am also interested in any info. I read the email as clearly indicating that P&J want to remain in the Maplewood Train Station, so I can only assume that someone (the town? NJTransit?) needs at least a nudge and some insight into what a community treasure P&J's is. I'll be writing a letter to the town council and NJT, but if anybody has any other ideas about who should be getting the message, please let me know. | ||
| ronnie Citizen Username: Woozer Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2006 |
Oh no! I used to get the iced plum tea before every train ride. I will definitely be ordering some online. Bring Pen&Jens back! | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 7784 Registered: 5-2001 |
Contacting NJT with a simple "what happened?" query would be a good place to start. Perhaps AJC would know something about this if he is still connected with the concierge company. | ||
| cecilia david Citizen Username: Ceciliadav569 Post Number: 30 Registered: 8-2005 |
I wonder if we let the COncierge know what the support is if that would lend some support. I plan to stop in tomorrow and speak to the lady who works the desk in the am. cecilia | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5316 Registered: 9-2001  |
...Bob Klein and I met with Pen and Jen and NJ Transit for several hours last week. Everything is fine and moving forward. I suggest you check the date on the e-mail from them. The Maplewood Concierge has no plans to move anyone out. Actually, the last conversation I had with N.J. Transit was about expanding our use of the space... | ||
| phyllis Citizen Username: Phyllis Post Number: 547 Registered: 6-2001 |
Thanks, Ajc. Glad to hear the Concierge isn't moving anyone out. The date on my email from P&J is Friday, July 14....what are you suggesting by looking at the date? And certainly everything isn't fine for those of us who will miss Pen & Jens! | ||
| Smarty Jones Citizen Username: Birdstone Post Number: 955 Registered: 10-2005 |
AJC, is this a volunteer effort of yours, or do you hold a position that would impact the NJ Transit station/small biz located there? Purely a curious question. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5321 Registered: 9-2001 |
...the Maplewood Concierge leases the entire retail space at the Maplewood Train Station. Every other retail business pays us rent to be there. Bob Klein and I are the Chairs for the Concierge, and we have no plans to move anyone out. Things will be changing at the train station in the months to come. The fact of the matter is we are in the process of a reorganization of the Concierge program in Maplewood and will be calling a meeting of all the remaining shareholders sometime within the next 30 days. Let me be as clear as possible with everyone. Pen and Jen have personally assured me and N.J. Transit at our recent meeting that they are on board with our plans and are making their own long range plans to continue doing business at the Maplewood Train Station for many years into the future... | ||
| Smarty Jones Citizen Username: Birdstone Post Number: 957 Registered: 10-2005 |
Sounds exciting? I presume it's all good plans? Is the concierge a private group of individuals, or an extension of town/Business District group? | ||
| drewdix Citizen Username: Drewdix Post Number: 1211 Registered: 7-2001 |
Art glad they are staying you haven't addressed precisely what made them decide that they wanted to (or had to) leave. Can you share thanks | ||
| Barbara Citizen Username: Blh Post Number: 665 Registered: 5-2001  |
Though I'm not sure that the internal discussions/operations of a private business necessarily need to be divulged to folks other than stockholders/directors/staff - drew. Barbara | ||
| drewdix Citizen Username: Drewdix Post Number: 1212 Registered: 7-2001 |
But a private business that serves the public- and maybe this is a way to nip any misinformation in the bud. But no problem, you certainly have a right to keep the info to yourselves- just curious in case anything could be shared. I can certainly ask P&J and get the story. Thanks. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5322 Registered: 9-2001 |
It is exciting, and the girls are an important part of our plans to move the services to the community forward. It's OK Barb... Drew, when I started the "Late for the Train Cafe" a few years ago, and later sold it to "Pen and Jen", it was with the idea that through the Concierge program we could bring more services for longer periods of time to the Maplewood residents who use the station day in and day out... As Pen and Jen expanded their services, they needed more and more space. The recent issues have been about where Joyce and her coffee and Page for the Concierge can keep the things they also need space for. Meanwhile, the main concern for both Bob and I are that we continue to put the needs of the commuter and local merchants who this program was always meant to serve, ahead of any individual business at the station. The agreement we all reached last week was to put an expansion on the back of the building to accommodate Pen and Jen and also to provide space for the dry cleaning that had to keep out of their kitchen because of the smell from their food. There seems to be some questions that don't jive with my last converstiona with Pen and Jen. To the best of my knowledge this was the plan... I'll be calling Bob to see if there have been any changes. | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 7790 Registered: 5-2001 |
AJC: Thanks for the update. Please continue to share what information you can. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5323 Registered: 9-2001 |
...well, well, well!!! So much for any plans made with Ms, Nadler, Ms. Corzine, and N.J. Transit to improve communications and move the community concierge services forward to a new non-profit status at our train station. I just received a copy of a letter from them to Bob and I, where in part they state: "At this time, we are clear, it is our obligation to solely focus on Pen & Jen's core business and directing our energies on building our company. To this end, our participation in the rebuilding of the Maplewood Concierge Company does not support our long term goals." I find this sudden change in their plans to work against the very customers who they want to support their business... The concierge program was always designed to support the busy lives of our local commuters. Besides, their participation along with N. J. Transit in restructuring the concierge program was based around their need to expand their "own" business, not the concierge program. I’m totally blown away by the complete reversal of their previous agreement made last week. It has been a long hard struggle during the past ten years. Untold hours of volunteer services have been provided by members of the business community, plus some $50,000 or more in stockholder investment to the station itself for equipment, furniture, security cameras, and other improvements. This is not to mention thousands of additional dollars of Bob's and my money personal money to keep the program afloat. Everyone involved with this program over the last decade, has besides running their own businesses, donated their personal time and money in an effort to make the Maplewood Train Station the best it can be... As I said earlier in this thread, “…the main concern for both Bob and I are that we continue to put the needs of the commuter and local merchants who this program was always meant to serve, ahead of any individual business at the station.” Part of their original rental agreement with us included their handling of the concierge services in the evenings. Now that they have closed their business at the station and no longer see the advantages of supporting this program, I’m sure if necessary we can find someone else temporarily to take over the space to perform the concierge services. I've also just received a copy of their letter to N.J. Transit requesting they be put on the list of business that are notified when other train stations, Maplewood included, become available for public bid... As previously discussed at our prior meetings with them, Bob and I will be putting together a stockholders meeting to discus the future of the concierge program in Maplewood. We will keep everyone online informed of our progress. | ||
| eliz Supporter Username: Eliz Post Number: 1573 Registered: 5-2001 |
I'm so confused. Is it just me? | ||
| Kramer Citizen Username: Kramer Post Number: 156 Registered: 9-2002 |
Art, Just curious - apart from Gleason's dry cleaning - what is the second most popular item that gets concierge'd out of there? | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 8396 Registered: 5-2001  |
I'm confused, too. What businesses participate at the Concierge, how much use do they get, can you tell us about the Concierge structure? I don't think that I realized until now that it is privately owned. This may be naive, but if the concierge service is underutilized, why not just sublease the space to Pen & Jen without that committment? From other online discussions, it seems that Joyce, Manny and the Tea Shop have all been popular. If they are tenants making money, why jeopardize that? Wasn't there an attempt to change Joyce's schedule at one point, which the commuters did not support? Has there been a recent market research study to show what commuters actually would support with real $$$? | ||
| Smarty Jones Citizen Username: Birdstone Post Number: 985 Registered: 10-2005 |
As one whose in the station everyday and evening, I can tell you exactly what people do: Joyces- Coffee....always people in line, buying/chatting/etc. Manny's papers.....always seems busy selling papers Drycleaning I've not seen anyone actually ever purchase a tea...they might, I've just not seen it. And it's unclear when it's open and when it's closed. Seems to be closed whenever I'm there, even if someone is behind the counter. (6 am - 6:30 am). LONG LIVE JOYCE | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5324 Registered: 9-2001 |
Dear Greenetree – I know you commute, so thank you for asking and your interest in this matter. Sometimes I get confused too, so please let me try and help you. What businesses participate at the Concierge? The list of businesses has always been listed on the inside wall of the station. Most of the businesses also leave information about themselves on the two counters we provided for that purpose. How much business do they get? We don’t monitor their individual businesses to see the results of their advertising, however, my wife and many others I know have always found it to be very beneficial. Can you tell us about the Concierge structure? Yes, the original corporation was made up from about sixty local business owners mostly from the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce. Actually, N.J. Transit came to the Chamber and asked us to start this kind of a program. The founders were advised to form the concierge as a for profit so they could raise the money needed to improve the train station and get the necessary capital to fund the concierge program. Not that we haven't tried, but it has never made a profit! It may also be worth saying that Transit had Bob and I travel all over the state promoting this idea for them to interest other communities to follow suit. Is the concierge service underutilized? Not really, our concierge services come in almost as many varieties as the chores and errands we help others get done. It is a service business that is there for the asking. Besides directions and recomendations to businesses and streets, and whatever, there are also many other services we provide for the township as well. They include paying tickets, property taxes, handing out pool passes, and jitney and train information just to name a few. Most of these services are things that are not open when commuters leave for work, or are closed after they come home at night. Why not just sublease the space to Pen & Jen without any commitment? We would love too, except they would have had to pay at least what Joyce was paying at the time, $900 per month. Their rent has only been $400 and being they were already at the station every evening anyway, handing out a few orders of dry cleaning was a no brainer in lieu of the higher rent. It was their choice not ours. It seems that Joyce, Manny and the Tea Shop have all been popular. That’s true, and our concierge program is what brought them ALL to the station. You seem to have forgotten the Concierge program has also been very popular, thank you very much.... If they are tenants making money, why jeopardize that? We don’t want to jeopardize it, and if we give up our lease with N.J. Transit and the space goes out for public bidding, which it will, the minimum rents should be between $1,000 to $1,500 for each of their locations. As a matter of fact Joyce on her own cut her rent down to $700 because as I understood it she couldn’t afford the higher amount and still pay her sister. Wasn't there an attempt to change Joyce's schedule at one point, which the commuters did not support? Yes, I fired her. I wanted her to expand the service to include evening hours for food and drinks and she refused. When Vic Deluca, N.J. Transit, and a few hundred commuters overrode the idea, I opened up “Late for the Train Café” until I could find someone to take it over and continue providing the services I felt would benefit the commuter. Thus enter the successful Pen & Jen Tea shop... Has there been a recent market research study to show what commuters actually would support with real money? It’s a service that is always welcomed because in most cases it is for free. Of course the more personalized services require us to charge a very monomial fee, usually not enough to cover our expenses. The concierge means providing personalized service. A concierge was once a fixture in exclusive Old World European hotels. The word concierge is derived from a Latin word for slave, and that’s pretty much what we’ve been for the thousands of people we’ve serviced for the past ten years. If you’re really interested in learning more visit the concierge, Bob Klein, or myself and we would be happy to tell you all about it. BTW Kramer, the second most popular item that gets concierge'd out of there is me...  | ||
| drewdix Citizen Username: Drewdix Post Number: 1213 Registered: 7-2001 |
"We don’t monitor their individual businesses to see the results of their advertising.." Not sure why you don't. Otherwise how can you measure traffic and the participants' satisfaction level? "We would love too, except they would have had to pay at least what Joyce was paying at the time," At what time? "Joyce on her own cut her rent down to $700.." Joyce cut her own rent? Whose rent? "The word concierge is derived from a Latin word for slave, and that’s pretty much what we’ve been for the thousands of people we’ve serviced for the past ten years. " I'm not sure how to respond to that one. Why do it if that's your feeling? | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5327 Registered: 9-2001 |
Drew, I'm getting the feeling you're interest is more than as you say, "just curious in case anything could be shared." I believe anyone following this thread can see I'm sharing, but it doesn't seem to me that you're paying attention to what I'm saying. You're questions have taken on a some what criticizing tenor. I’m beginning to wonder who you are representing in this conversation. Furthermore, where has your interest, suggestions, or involvement been for the past ten years pal? I'll go another round with you, but next time you question me, put all your cards on the table... Not sure why you don't. Otherwise how can you measure traffic and the participants' satisfaction level? Think about what you're asking. How could we afford to measure a hundred or so advertisers, and I can't say I know of any advertising sources like ours that does. Joyce was paying $900 at what time? She was paying that amount three years ago when we rented to Pen & Jen and made our deal with them. Joyce cut her own rent? Whose rent? Our rent. Joyce rents her space from the Maplewood Concierge Company as does Pen & Jen. Why do it if that's your feeling? What do you think my feelings are? I thought I've been very clear about my dedication to the concierge program. Bob and I have slaved over this community service for over ten years, and we're proud of what we've accomplished. | ||
| Smarty Jones Citizen Username: Birdstone Post Number: 988 Registered: 10-2005 |
thank you for the update (and for the service)! this is very interesting to us newer residents, who weren't around for the development of the service. | ||
| drewdix Citizen Username: Drewdix Post Number: 1214 Registered: 7-2001 |
Art, Thanks for continuing to clarify. Your posts simply leave many unanswered questions. To suggest that I have an ulterior motive is really a shame. I represent only me. Over & out. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 8399 Registered: 5-2001 |
Drew - I'm right there with ya, buddy. Art- perhaps part of the problem is your research company. For example, I don't know who told you I commute, because I don't. But my partner does. And neither of us get home until late and I would love to use some services (dry cleaning is the only thing that I don't have issues with). I know that one problem is that the choice is usually between catching the jitney or using a service. How could you afford to do research? Well, basic knowledge of market research techniques (a tool used by most successful businesses) would tell you that you are not measuring hundreds of advertisers. Polling and focus groups by qualified researchers can actually be pretty cheap. I know that I don't have to tell you that all businesses have high and low cycles and that when things are low, the best thing to do is look at the reasons and consider what changes need to be made. Examine the core customers, what their needs/utilization are versus what is offered. Strategic business planning and all that nonsense. It seems that when people think "train station", they think "Pen & Jen", "Manny" or "Joyce". "Concierge" is not the first thing. It makes me think that the concierge brand needs some work to become "top of mind". But, what the hell; I'm not the one losing money on it, so why should I care? I do get perplexed as to why anyone who asks a genuine question or makes asuggestions gets pegged as the "enemy" or shot down. Like the B&B, there are people who want the concierge to succeed, but god forbid anyone offer a suggestion. | ||
| Smarty Jones Citizen Username: Birdstone Post Number: 993 Registered: 10-2005 |
Whether you realize this or not, Greenie, your way of offering suggestions comes off extremely aggressive and rude toward the people in this thread that you are directing your ire toward. Why so mean? Something else going on? | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 8402 Registered: 5-2001 |
Well, first we need to differentiate: there is "ire" and there are "suggestions". I rarely mix the two unless it is something along the lines of "why don't you blow it out your •••?" But, come to think of it, I think that there has only been one time in the history of MOL that I've said anything so downright pedestrian. I am tenacious, which is how I prefer to think of myself. You know, the old "men are tenacious leaders/women are aggressive bitches" thing. Why so mean.... I'll have to ponder that and get back to you. As for "something else going on", could you be more specific? I have a lot going on. Please focus the question. | ||
| Smarty Jones Citizen Username: Birdstone Post Number: 994 Registered: 10-2005 |
It was a general question.....otherwise stated "Are you being mean because you have an issue with the concierge, that you haven't revealed on line? Or is it just a generally grouchy demeanor today". 6 left. | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2777 Registered: 5-2001 |
Smarty save your 6 for better, smarter posts like you did with the analogy in soapbox. I believe you are way off base here. When Greenetree wants to show her ire you'll know it. I didn't see any of what you're suggesting in her posts; nor in Drew's. Which is why they both agreed to leave this thread. Is there history? You bet. Is that relevant here? Not for Greenetree and Drew. I'd bet a lot of money on that. Oh and when you do come back with your real name please own up to your prior great posts. I mean it. No ire intended. | ||
| Smarty Jones Citizen Username: Birdstone Post Number: 996 Registered: 10-2005 |
Good advice. I likely misinterpreted. DOH...just wasted another post! 4 left.... | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 8404 Registered: 5-2001 |
Oh. No issue with the concierge. It had just started when we moved here & I thought it was really cool. I tried to use it a lot while I was commuting, but the services were never quite what I needed. Then, it expanded, but I found that I could either catch the jitney or go to the concierge, but didn't have time for both. Some of the services required that you get to the station a little early in the morning to order, but if you took the jitney, there wasn't time before the train came. Nine years ago, the main traffic seemed to be film development or dry cleaning. I'd like to encourage my Beloved to take advantage of some of the services if it would make our lives easier. For example, the addition of the Township services is great. It wasn't that way in the beginning. There was a drop box for mail to the Town, but you couldn't get pool passes or parking permits there. To be honest, when I ask my neighbors and friends, most agree that it is great in theory, but not practice. You used to be able to order food or groceries. I don't know if you still can, but it didn't seem to be used very much, as people were just as likley to run to Kings or Bill & Harry's when they got off the train. It didn't save all that much time and there was no extra fee for picking it up at the concierge. OTOH, since the cafe, then tea house, opened up, it seems like there has been a lot of activity at the station and that it has become the gathering point that was promoted (I believe by Art) a few years ago. Art used to be open for hot dogs & drinks during summer concerts in the park. I get the sense that the vision and the reality are not reaching symbiosis. There are two ways to go: try to force a round peg into a square hole or make a plan based consumer willingness-to-pay. I think the idea of entertainment, refreshment and services at the train station is great. But something sounds like it is broken and it seems that the best way to fix it might be to start with "what do peole want and how can we do it" rather than "why we can't do X so we will do Y" . No more grouchy today than usual. Count carefully; I've gotten caught up in issues and blown by milestones without realizing it. |
