Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

For those of you living in the Esentepe area, this is to let you know that BLUE DREAM supermarket will close at the end of September. Tumay (owner) told me today that 1001 will take it over.
He wants views on what people would like to see in the Mardo shop (next to Şença supermarket). Do you want it to stay as a Mardo but actually open daily; would you prefer a small cafe selling home-made produce to include, cakes, olive oil, humus, salads etc or something completely different. If you have any thoughts on this, please tell Tumay directly. Many thanks.

Why not offer the public both Sue?

Should be sufficient room to do both.

In a perfect world, yes, but this isn't. He obviously needs to focus on something that will sell in volume and therefore be profitable.

I belive Tumay wants to open a business that bring in the most money. I suggested a bar (no food) like Roots. I know some people hae expressed a wish that there were more "bars" not cafes/restaurants.

I hope people will call in and tell him their views.

how about a Chinese restaurant ???

or maybe an indian

Coffee/pastry shop similar to Danos?

Lizzie, there is a perfectly good Indian restaurant (albeit staffed by Pakistanis) less than 5 kms east of the Blue Dream supermarket. Further, there are at least 4 other restaurants within 4 kms to the west of said establishment. More 'eateries' in that small area wedo not need, nor can they survive - IMHO.

tomsteel
you need a sense of humour

A Ya Beles type of store selling fresh fruit and veg would be good, No need to travel into Girne then!

Whatever is opened it needs to be staffed by friendly and customer oriented staff. Getting staff seems to be the big problem and hence the current Mardos has had long spells of being closed in the Summer when it should do the most business. If it continues as a Mardos they need to become like the other franchises and offer a range of teas & coffee, cakes (Mardos do lovely ones) and a variety of breakfasts/snacks to attract both Cypriot and ex-pat customers plus make it an all year round business. Free WIFI is a must too.
However, whatever is offered they also need to allow the business to build up - too many seem to expect an instant customer base. Personally, I think there are plenty of bars and restaurants around but few coffee/snack bars in the Esentepe area.

Lizzie, over 6 years here has almost deprived me of freedom of thought, let alone a sense of humour! LOL.