We Suki Suki

[Jack]

Doria here...
I'd really love for you to clarify this statement b/c it sounds like you're saying we're expensive.

I realize I'm risking incurring the wrath of several Buzzers for the second time in this thread, but I have to chime in:

Doria, the reason it's perpetuated that you're expensive is that you kinda are. That's not to say your food isn't worth it; when you consider the Berkshire pork and organic veggies and whatnot, your food is a pretty good value.

The problem is that not everybody cares about the fancy ingredients -- or at least, doesn't care about them enough to pay the premium, and you're not getting their business because your food is too good. I myself, for example, tend to end up at Publix where I can get a foot-long sub for $4.99 on sale (with non-Boar's Head meat).

Now, I don't blame you if you don't want to compete in that market segment. But I really wish some place in the Village would, and (to get marginally back on-topic) I was hoping this bahn mi shop was that place.

[Flower Lady]

Doria here...
I'd really love for you to clarify this statement b/c it sounds like you're saying we're expensive.

I realize I'm risking incurring the wrath of several Buzzers for the second time in this thread, but I have to chime in:

Doria, the reason it's perpetuated that you're expensive is that you kinda are. That's not to say your food isn't worth it; when you consider the Berkshire pork and organic veggies and whatnot, your food is a pretty good value.

The problem is that not everybody cares about the fancy ingredients -- or at least, doesn't care about them enough to pay the premium, and you're not getting their business because your food is too good. I myself, for example, tend to end up at Publix where I can get a foot-long sub for $4.99 on sale (with non-Boar's Head meat).

Now, I don't blame you if you don't want to compete in that market segment. But I really wish some place in the Village would, and (to get marginally back on-topic) I was hoping this bahn mi shop was that place.

But we do have places like that. Sonic, McDonalds, we had the Australian Bakery, there's Happy Donuts, and also Burger Win and even more places. 

[TraciDeb]

It's called Blimpie. There's one on Moreland. 

[Hoodrat]

Doria here...
I'd really love for you to clarify this statement b/c it sounds like you're saying we're expensive.

I realize I'm risking incurring the wrath of several Buzzers for the second time in this thread, but I have to chime in:

Doria, the reason it's perpetuated that you're expensive is that you kinda are. That's not to say your food isn't worth it; when you consider the Berkshire pork and organic veggies and whatnot, your food is a pretty good value.

The problem is that not everybody cares about the fancy ingredients -- or at least, doesn't care about them enough to pay the premium, and you're not getting their business because your food is too good. I myself, for example, tend to end up at Publix where I can get a foot-long sub for $4.99 on sale (with non-Boar's Head meat).

Now, I don't blame you if you don't want to compete in that market segment. But I really wish some place in the Village would, and (to get marginally back on-topic) I was hoping this bahn mi shop was that place.

So now I guess it comes down to if Jack wants to buy a $4 sandwich from a local joint or drive a couple of miles to get one for $.99 less.  Lee's is better, Q is local, Publix does not have them.  As for me and people with common sense, when I am on Buford Hwy i will buy from Lee's.  However, when I am working from home I will buy from Q.  What is the freaking big deal.  Some of you people need hobbies.  Q does not have to justify you anything.  You just have to make a decision of whether to go there or not.  Sounds like you already made up your mind.  I have always wondered how anyone on Buford Hwy makes any money, but have always been happy to partake in the crazy prices.  I can't speak to this because I am still wondering, but I can tell you one thing....you are not going to get a sandwitch of the same size and price anywhere outside of Buford Hwy or a chain.  So, there you have your two choices.  Much love the UC, I am not sure how you got dragged into this.

[Allyson]

The problem is that not everybody cares about the fancy ingredients -- or at least, doesn't care about them enough to pay the premium, and you're not getting their business because your food is too good. I myself, for example, tend to end up at Publix where I can get a foot-long sub for $4.99 on sale (with non-Boar's Head meat).

But...more and more people do.  Watch Food Inc and tell me that dollar you're saving on your Publix sub is worth it. 

UC food is a high quality food made with love.  It's sold at a fair price and it is worth every penny and then some.

[DrPhilPhreak4Jesus69420]

Doria, the reason it's perpetuated that you're expensive is that you kinda are. That's not to say your food isn't worth it; when you consider the Berkshire pork and organic veggies and whatnot, your food is a pretty good value.

The problem is that not everybody cares about the fancy ingredients -- or at least, doesn't care about them enough to pay the premium, and you're not getting their business because your food is too good. I myself, for example, tend to end up at Publix where I can get a foot-long sub for $4.99 on sale (with non-Boar's Head meat).

I got your back here, Jack.  I agree 100% with all this, except the part about eating at Publix.  I'd rather have the UC Sandwich and pay a little more. 
I don't see how having a discussion on prices is a bad thing here.  It's a sliding scale and we understand that.  I for one, want to understand why places charge what they charge.  It's the same if it costs less or more.  When I'm eating my $2.00 Bahn MI on Buford, I understand it's mostly bread, some herbs and a little inexpensive (cheap) meat. I understand that they make money on volume, cheaper rent and labor costs.  As with any retail, it's about finding your market. 
But I'm not going to assume that just because a sandwich is $8 on a menu, that means I will get $8 enjoyment out of it.  Many times, that just means the establishment needs to get $8 for it to break even/make money.  Their costs generally doesn't concern me.  But someplace I trust, like UC, I know the prices are fair and in the case of the Dogwood, cheap.  But someplace I don't know nothing about and I don't know their background, I'm gonna want to question why the prices are where they are.

[Cap'n Ken]

Doria, the reason it's perpetuated that you're expensive is that you kinda are. That's not to say your food isn't worth it; when you consider the Berkshire pork and organic veggies and whatnot, your food is a pretty good value.

The problem is that not everybody cares about the fancy ingredients -- or at least, doesn't care about them enough to pay the premium, and you're not getting their business because your food is too good. I myself, for example, tend to end up at Publix where I can get a foot-long sub for $4.99 on sale (with non-Boar's Head meat).

I got your back here, Jack.  I agree 100% with all this, except the part about eating at Publix.  I'd rather have the UC Sandwich and pay a little more. 
I don't see how having a discussion on prices is a bad thing here.  It's a sliding scale and we understand that.  I for one, want to understand why places charge what they charge.  It's the same if it costs less or more.  When I'm eating my $2.00 Bahn MI on Buford, I understand it's mostly bread, some herbs and a little inexpensive (cheap) meat. I understand that they make money on volume, cheaper rent and labor costs.  As with any retail, it's about finding your market. 
But I'm not going to assume that just because a sandwich is $8 on a menu, that means I will get $8 enjoyment out of it.  Many times, that just means the establishment needs to get $8 for it to break even/make money.  Their costs generally doesn't concern me.  But someplace I trust, like UC, I know the prices are fair and in the case of the Dogwood, cheap.  But someplace I don't know nothing about and I don't know their background, I'm gonna want to question why the prices are where they are.

Very well stated (same goes to Allyson). There's price and then there's value. In the stock market, nobody (with any sense) looks at the dollar price of a share of stock to decide if it's expensive. There's something of a similar (but not really) dynamic in restaurants.

Maybe a price point of $8 - $10 for lunch isn't practical for a lot of people to pay every day, but that doesn't mean when you do pay $8 - $10 for lunch what you're getting is "expensive". You have to look at the value of that specific meal. I think Urban Cannibals is a bargain - I'd imagine their challenge is keeping their price points down in the "what people think lunch should cost" range because the focus there is so much on quality ingredients.

Likewise I figure We Suki² is starting from that "made with love" position and aiming for a price point that's competitive with Buford Highway + gas + time. At $4 a pop, having a small, inexpensive space is probably a large part of how Q thinks that will work.

Ultimately, if you get that $8 worth of enjoyment from an $8 meal or $4 worth of enjoyment from a $4 meal, it's really not "expensive".

[Fawkes]

Why is that? What was your point?[/b]
Inquiring minds want to know...

Wow, overreact much? UC is expensive, but I've never minded that (kinda my point in my posts) .
I can tell you that you just lost one customer pretty much forever... the food is good and Cal is lovely ( ) but I won't be darkening your door again, it just isn't worth the Doria attitude problem.

[urban cannibals]

Well hot dog, I guess I will jump into this because, well, I've got a lot of free time on my hands right now.

I really enjoyed the sandwiches that I got at We Suki Suki. Q is lovely and while a little all over the place (seriously, that woman vibrates with energy), she makes a mean sandwich and is so friendly and sweet -- I actually really enjoyed talking to her during the wait for my sandwich. She earned my money and then some.

I like the little invisible wall around the village and it keeps me in quite often, that is not to say that I don't enjoy a Buford Highway excursion, it's just that I don't get out there that often so I don't really know where to go or what I am doing. If Fig and/or Dr. Phil wanna take a field trip out there and willing to let me join along for the ride (ride, not drive, get anxious when I drive somewhere I am not familiar with) then I will be more than happy to go. Right now though, I am happy to have someplace local to satiate my cravings.

Q does use local organic ingredients so that is going to drive up the cost a bit. But it's not like you are paying Urban Cannibal prices. It's $4 for a filling sandwich from a very sweet and chatty lady. The appearance of the store right now? Eh, I say give the woman a minute. Not everyone can open up a restaurant with the financial backing that Elder Tree had. It's a work in progress.

So, to conclude -- I just repeated a lot of what others have already said, I want to be invited on the next Buford Highway field trip, Q is quite sweet and lovely, and if anyone is being bullied you can come to me for a hug. 

Wow, I just got on line and thought I would take a look around the BUZZ and this is what I see. I (Calavino) would like to say first, Q and her boys have been eating at our store for the past year so this is no reflection on her only what you just said. I have said before and I will say again, It takes 3 to 4 $3/4 tacos/sliders to make one of my sandwiches if that, sometimes, if you break them down, even more than that. Now, I guess I have to add to the list that if you take any bahn mi from any where and break it down meat/filling/bread ratio and set it on a scale next to mine (on average over a pound each at least, some of them are two pounds when all is said and done) you would have a sumo wrestler next to say, a samuri, still muscular, but, a lot leaner when it comes to the filling. I charge 8.99 for a sandwich with berkshire pork, smoked gouda cherry peppers and apple horseradish sauce on H&F bread and only $6.99 for a house roasted(about 1/2lb) meat sandwich with organic mixed greens, organic tomato and onion with a bag of zapps or dirty chips....none of this is cheap and I charge exactly what a restaurant is supposed to charge based on food cost percentages. A bahn mi is basically a couple of thin slices of pate (I make pate, I know how much it cost) with some slaw/veggies on very good but very big bread. That, does not cost a lot to make and therefore does not cost a lot to purchase. Now, again, nothing towards Q, just a defense of our business against this unnecessary post about our prices, I know our rent and labor costs compared to (because I know how much it is) the rent of the 400 sq ft next door. Her prices are in line for what she sells and her overhead, ours are in line with what we sell and our overhead. Show me someone that makes and sells what I make for $4 out of a space 4 times as big and 4 times higher rent, 4 times higher utilities and with actual full time labor costs and I will show you someone out of business in a month or, someone with a trust fund.

And, really, have you had sandwiches at other places similar to UC? We have, and I can tell you, we do not charge what they charge and there is a lot more between the slices here than most places like ours. We have paid $10.00 for a tuna on stale white with wilted iceberg and then paid extra for a bag of lays, we have paid $12.00 for roast beef 1/4lb at best with a slice of cheddar and a thin layer of mayo on a small roll and then an extra $4 for 4oz of under cooked under seasoned potato salad at another place. And, then there is this, how much is a burger and fries anywhere in the village? Is it really cheaper that what I make? Because, that is about as close as you are going to get  if you are going to compare how much food you actually get for your dollar. I am proud of what I/we do here and I/we work my/our ass/es off keeping these doors open in this neighborhood, so.......we have done a lot for the Eav and, by the way, we have worked really hard to not step on any toes by not selling what our neighbors sell, we do not sell books because we have a book store, we do not sell kitcheny gifts or cards or candles because we have a gift store down the street, what we do have in store we take in on consignment from those stores so that they will still get the money but we still have things we are expected to sell in our type of store, we do not sell coffee except on the weekends because we have a neighborhood coffee shop............
Calavino

Seriously? You are harping on literally three words in what was otherwise a light hearted post? That was not meant as a slight towards you or your business. Your sandwiches cost more and we get why they cost more. No need to get up in arms about an off hand remark. If you would prefer, I can change it to you are not paying Highland Bakery Prices (which are about the same as yours) and still tell people it is a $4 sandwich and to calm the cuss down.

Yep.

We are harping on the three little DISPARAGING words. If you get why they cost more that must mean that you also get that there is no reason to have compared two completely different sandwiches and the prices of said sandwiches. You can not compare The Highland Bakery or UC with a bahn mi shop and have it be a fair comparison. Compare like kind with like kind or at the very least include a little info with your "off handed remarks" when you say something that could turn people away from a business. "It's not like you are paying UC prices." seriously, how do you think that sounds to anyone reading this post that does not already know that our sandwiches are 2 to 3 times bigger therefore twice the price. The Buzz does not live in a bubble, anyone searching East Atlanta or any business in East Atlanta is sure to stumble across the things you say (and do all the time) we get new customers saying that is where they read about us all the time.
And, really, "up in arms" exactly what would you or anyone else do if someone posted something like this about them or their business? It's not like you said, well, I know UC sandwiches are twice as big but I can't afford to eat there all the time so it's nice to have a cheaper albeit smaller alternative in the hood. Or, any number of other things you could have said that would not have implied that we are over priced.
Calavino

[vigodas-pants]

Well hot dog, I guess I will jump into this because, well, I've got a lot of free time on my hands right now.

I really enjoyed the sandwiches that I got at We Suki Suki. Q is lovely and while a little all over the place (seriously, that woman vibrates with energy), she makes a mean sandwich and is so friendly and sweet -- I actually really enjoyed talking to her during the wait for my sandwich. She earned my money and then some.

I like the little invisible wall around the village and it keeps me in quite often, that is not to say that I don't enjoy a Buford Highway excursion, it's just that I don't get out there that often so I don't really know where to go or what I am doing. If Fig and/or Dr. Phil wanna take a field trip out there and willing to let me join along for the ride (ride, not drive, get anxious when I drive somewhere I am not familiar with) then I will be more than happy to go. Right now though, I am happy to have someplace local to satiate my cravings.

Q does use local organic ingredients so that is going to drive up the cost a bit. But it's not like you are paying Urban Cannibal prices. It's $4 for a filling sandwich from a very sweet and chatty lady. The appearance of the store right now? Eh, I say give the woman a minute. Not everyone can open up a restaurant with the financial backing that Elder Tree had. It's a work in progress.

So, to conclude -- I just repeated a lot of what others have already said, I want to be invited on the next Buford Highway field trip, Q is quite sweet and lovely, and if anyone is being bullied you can come to me for a hug. 

Wow, I just got on line and thought I would take a look around the BUZZ and this is what I see. I (Calavino) would like to say first, Q and her boys have been eating at our store for the past year so this is no reflection on her only what you just said. I have said before and I will say again, It takes 3 to 4 $3/4 tacos/sliders to make one of my sandwiches if that, sometimes, if you break them down, even more than that. Now, I guess I have to add to the list that if you take any bahn mi from any where and break it down meat/filling/bread ratio and set it on a scale next to mine (on average over a pound each at least, some of them are two pounds when all is said and done) you would have a sumo wrestler next to say, a samuri, still muscular, but, a lot leaner when it comes to the filling. I charge 8.99 for a sandwich with berkshire pork, smoked gouda cherry peppers and apple horseradish sauce on H&F bread and only $6.99 for a house roasted(about 1/2lb) meat sandwich with organic mixed greens, organic tomato and onion with a bag of zapps or dirty chips....none of this is cheap and I charge exactly what a restaurant is supposed to charge based on food cost percentages. A bahn mi is basically a couple of thin slices of pate (I make pate, I know how much it cost) with some slaw/veggies on very good but very big bread. That, does not cost a lot to make and therefore does not cost a lot to purchase. Now, again, nothing towards Q, just a defense of our business against this unnecessary post about our prices, I know our rent and labor costs compared to (because I know how much it is) the rent of the 400 sq ft next door. Her prices are in line for what she sells and her overhead, ours are in line with what we sell and our overhead. Show me someone that makes and sells what I make for $4 out of a space 4 times as big and 4 times higher rent, 4 times higher utilities and with actual full time labor costs and I will show you someone out of business in a month or, someone with a trust fund.

And, really, have you had sandwiches at other places similar to UC? We have, and I can tell you, we do not charge what they charge and there is a lot more between the slices here than most places like ours. We have paid $10.00 for a tuna on stale white with wilted iceberg and then paid extra for a bag of lays, we have paid $12.00 for roast beef 1/4lb at best with a slice of cheddar and a thin layer of mayo on a small roll and then an extra $4 for 4oz of under cooked under seasoned potato salad at another place. And, then there is this, how much is a burger and fries anywhere in the village? Is it really cheaper that what I make? Because, that is about as close as you are going to get  if you are going to compare how much food you actually get for your dollar. I am proud of what I/we do here and I/we work my/our ass/es off keeping these doors open in this neighborhood, so.......we have done a lot for the Eav and, by the way, we have worked really hard to not step on any toes by not selling what our neighbors sell, we do not sell books because we have a book store, we do not sell kitcheny gifts or cards or candles because we have a gift store down the street, what we do have in store we take in on consignment from those stores so that they will still get the money but we still have things we are expected to sell in our type of store, we do not sell coffee except on the weekends because we have a neighborhood coffee shop............
Calavino

Seriously? You are harping on literally three words in what was otherwise a light hearted post? That was not meant as a slight towards you or your business. Your sandwiches cost more and we get why they cost more. No need to get up in arms about an off hand remark. If you would prefer, I can change it to you are not paying Highland Bakery Prices (which are about the same as yours) and still tell people it is a $4 sandwich and to calm the cuss down.

Yep.

We are harping on the three little DISPARAGING words. If you get why they cost more that must mean that you also get that there is no reason to have compared two completely different sandwiches and the prices of said sandwiches. You can not compare The Highland Bakery or UC with a bahn mi shop and have it be a fair comparison. Compare like kind with like kind or at the very least include a little info with your "off handed remarks" when you say something that could turn people away from a business. "It's not like you are paying UC prices." seriously, how do you think that sounds to anyone reading this post that does not already know that our sandwiches are 2 to 3 times bigger therefore twice the price. The Buzz does not live in a bubble, anyone searching East Atlanta or any business in East Atlanta is sure to stumble across the things you say (and do all the time) we get new customers saying that is where they read about us all the time.
And, really, "up in arms" exactly what would you or anyone else do if someone posted something like this about them or their business? It's not like you said, well, I know UC sandwiches are twice as big but I can't afford to eat there all the time so it's nice to have a cheaper albeit smaller alternative in the hood. Or, any number of other things you could have said that would not have implied that we are over priced.
Calavino

But it's not like you are paying Urban Cannibal prices

Or, any number of other things you could have said that would not have implied that we are over priced.

These two statements are not saying the same thing.  Fact= your sandwiches are more expensive.  NO ONE said (well, maybe barring Jack) that your sandwiches are over-priced.  You must be sensitive to this to jump to that conclusion and respond so strongly.  As several commenters have already stated, your sandwiches are great and are fairly priced, and anyone seeing the comment your are so strongly responding to are also seeing these comments. 

I really think you two are reaching here.

[urban cannibals]

no, darlin, my point was that if the comment had not just been "it's not like you are paying UC prices" that makes it sound like two things that are the same are being compared and one is WAYYYY more expensive than the other. What I/we have clearly stated was that if there had been a, I know you get what you pay for but UC is not always in the budget. I was very clear that it was the lack of further information left it sounding like we were over priced. being more expensive than something that does not have as much or as many ingredients is a given. If I made the same bahn mi as Q or Buford Highway and I charged $8 for it, well then to say simply "it's not like you are paying UC prices would be fair all by itself. I/we defended ourselves and then people jumped in. I then had to defend myself for defending myself because I was told it was just an off handed comment? Do off-handed comments not do just as much if not more damage that well thought out comments?
All we did was ask for and give clarification since it was not in the original post and if you have not had our food and just came across this post t would come across as UC is over priced.

And, Fawkes, how was Doria's post any different than my post? I am certain I was more defensive of my food and how much it is worth and had more of an attitude in my post than she did.
Cal

[jdmoor3]

Anyone can do a search on the Internet, stumble across the Buzz, read my three word phrase about UC and think "Dear heavens, I shall never go there ever. Screw them and their Urban Cannibals prices." Know what else they can see? Your complete and total overreaction to this whole thing? Also they can see other posts where Doria has lashed out at her customer base and in so many words called us ignorant white folk. Oh and they will also see this-- I stopped going to UC awhile go and not just because of the way Doria has continually insulted her customer base on here (seriously Doria, you need an account not attached to the UC name) but she has been rude to me a number of times when I have been in the store and the last straw was when she was rude to my mother and barked at my little sister about busing her plate-- which she was going to do but was about to run to the car to get my mom something. I'm sorry, you embarrass my little sensitive sister like that in your restaurant and you can guarantee that I walked out of there that day vowing never to go back. Because of your reaction to my three little words (coupled with a long winded pm to boot) I am airing what problems I really have with UC, and it sure as shit is not the price.

Good Day.

[scotL]

 

[urban cannibals]

Why is that? What was your point?[/b]
Inquiring minds want to know...

Wow, overreact much? UC is expensive, but I've never minded that (kinda my point in my posts) .
I can tell you that you just lost one customer pretty much forever... the food is good and Cal is lovely ( ) but I won't be darkening your door again, it just isn't worth the Doria attitude problem.

Not overracting.
Two people from the Buzz came onto our Facebook page and said we were too expensive.
Wanted to know if this person had anything to do with it.
I guess they thought we wouldn't know who they were b/c of their avatar names but we figure these out pretty quickly.
We know your real names and what most of you look like b/c it's important to us.

And it doesn't hurt to know who someone really is when someone wants to anonymously be a jerk to us thinking we won't know who they are.

So, Brad, my response + tone was no different than Calavino's.
I defended my business. You call it "attitude". I call it not taking people's crap.

You just don't like hearing certain things from me as evidenced from the "back and forths" we've had on here from time to time.
But, you know, you've had really heated "back and forths" with Calavino, much worse than the ones you and I have had and yet...

Why is that? Inquiring minds want to know.

See what I did there...

[Fawkes]

I don't hide behind my avatar, but it is extremely bad form to use someone's IRL name here. Kinda violates the "safe space" so thanks for that.

I don't think I've ever mixed it up with Cal as you've described, but if I did we always came back to good terms...
And that's clearly not going to happen with you, I can assure you.
I've supported your music, and your business, but you are willing to throw down and go straight to red teeth and claws with people. Were you stung as a child? WTF?

It's a helluva marketing plan.  Now, I'm going all...