Off-topic, but location specific- Looking for a financial advisor

[divingbiker]

Hummus and vegetables and pita is vegan, and I'd be satisfied with that!

Oohh, I want you to buy it so I have a reason to head up that way.

[Kalidurga]

Oohh, I want you to buy it so I have a reason to head up that way.

Yeah, I'm really excited about the prospect of this, too

I am pragmatic enough, though, to realize that it may be nothing but a pipe dream. Right now, I'm just gathering info to be able to decide whether or not to pursue it. But I appreciate any fingers you care to cross for me (in addition whatever advice I can get)!

[Zen]

It's Shepardstown, there's a nice bike/ped dedicated bridge to the C&O from there, I'm right over the mountain. What more reason do you need?

Looky here -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUH8a4xFVrY

[7rider]

Wow.
Step away for a moment to go to an appointment and look at what I miss!
How exciting, Tam!! And nerve-wracking, too!!!
My financial advisor is in Massachusetts - not much help there - but is affiliated with Ameriprise. Since they're nation-wide, maybe they could help you out. Dunno. I've been happy with my guy, but I don't know if I could tell you I know enough to say he's good or bad. Seems to do right by me, tho. The site may help you with some questions to ask, too.

[Kalidurga]

Zen, that stretch of the C&O has always been one of my favorites, and proximity to Shep'town is only one of the reasons why. That switchbacked path down to the canal is fun. Cool video

Regina, the financial advisor I dealt with years ago was with Ameriprise (then American Express). He seemed good, but talked a little over my head. I'll probably check to see whether they have someone else closer to me, since I do have an account with them. Good idea to check the site for questions to ask, I hadn't thought of that.

[redrhodie]

Have you run a restaurant before? It's really, really, REALLY hard work. BF is a line cook, and the last job he had was in a fabulous restaurant. The chef/owner had years of experience cooking at the best restaurants in RI and NYC. He had a creative menu, youth, energy, a seemingly ideal location, and a wife who helped manage the operation. He continually got fantastic reviews in our local magazines and newspapers. Yet even he, who had all the skill, talent and knowledge to run a restaurant couldn't make enough money to live on. It failed in 3 years.

Sorry if I'm a bubble burster, but my main regret in life is that I didn't discourage my mother's idea of buying a bagel shop when I knew it wasn't a good investment. It ruined her in a number of ways (financially, psychologically, physically), and she didn't recover. I honestly think the stress of that stupid shop took years off her life. I'd hate to see anyone suffer the way she did.

Now, if you know what you're doing, and it looks like a money-maker, more power to you! There are restaurants that make money. I've just seen the other side more often, and thought you should consider the consequences before you dive in.

[Kalidurga]

redrhodie, that's exactly why I'm trying to be pragmatic. I've heard all sorts of nightmare stories about the restaurant biz and I'm very concerned about what my options would be if I bought the place and it flopped. But, on the other hand, there are places that do become sucessful and established (albeit with a ton of blood, sweat & tears). So I'm taking as much time as I can to explore this before I make any commitment. There's also every chance that it'll end up sold before I make a decision, in which case I'll be sure to let the new owners know what my expectations are as a regular customer

[redrhodie]

Yeah, I figured you're going into this with your eyes open, but I'd thought I'd add my $.02 anyway.

It does, however, look like a really nice place. I'm sure I'd eat there all the time if it was in my town. But, it's open A LOT of hours. I can see why they don't have time for life.