07/21/2017
Thank you all for taking the time to read and get the story. We have decided to partner with Motomart with the transition from Dandy Inn to their new store. It was a hard choice for us to decide to close our doors as you know. Business is tough on small business owners, now more than ever and it's only getting harder. We wanted to address a couple of the concerns, questions, and comments so far regarding this decision to sell to Motomart.
'Why Motomart?'
We were approached by a local business who is based out of Belleville IL who was interested in our corner. They have gone above and beyond what is asked of them to do. We have spoken with them about interest in building a Welcome to Fairview Heights sign on the corner that includes some of the bricks from our building.
'Won't this cause more traffic'
I do not believe so. If anything i believe it will help assist with a smoother transition on this corner and the light due to them being able to put exits further back on both access points to the road. But main reason I believe traffic will not increase is due to gas stations not being what we call "destination" locations. People drove +45 minutes away from Dandy Inn to eat there. Customers do not drive +45 minutes for a gas station. Gas Stations only capitalize on what traffic is already there. Personally not once have i sat there and said "oh, I'm almost empty on gas, i need to make sure i drive +25 minutes to edwardsville to go to that one gas station." Plus moving the building back from right off the corner will allow easier and a safer intersection. As it will allow traffic and emergency vehicles better view on what traffic is coming and give better area of vision.
'Isn't it a historical building?'
No, it is not. The site is a historical site if anything. The original building was a log cabin trading post in the mid 1800's. The second building was the Ridge Prairie Saloon which was a stage coach stop/pony express stop which was rumored to have had Abraham Lincoln stop by there. This building that exists today which was built in 1933 which was owned by another family. in 1977 our family bought the property and expanded the parking lot, and added the beer garden and many other features like the playground. Over the years the location has seen many changes and additions to the building. This is the 3rd building at this location. The VFW building in Fairview Heights was an older building, still not labeled as historical building. End of the day, the site and location has seen much, the building itself is not historical despite the many stories that we have.
'Can't someone remodel and keep the building?'
Yes sure someone could. It would cost them a small fortune in that single adventure alone to make it more accommodating and bring back up to modern standards and codes. This is the main reason most businesses won't want to keep the building, at the end of the day its business and it has to make financial sense. Thus causing it not to be cost efficient.
'Isn't there a gas station right across the street?'
There is, but due to its small size, cramped parking, and the location of its exits cause a couple issues. That location is not only hard/impossible for bigger vehicles, campers, boats, RVs, trucks to enter and exit as well as even more challenging and dangerous to be able to get gas and other convenience items from the store.
'What will happen to the gas station across the street?'
This is a tough one, as we don't know. But I can speak from a business aspect of welcome to freedom of business. Businesses either adapt, grow, or close due to competition. It is not a bad thing, it is part of business. No one ever came to us when a new restaurant opened down the road a couple blocks asking "But what about Dandy Inn? Won't this hurt their business and make them close?" It is ever growing times that get harder and harder.
'Does the city need another gas station?'
I believe it does. Fairview Heights has always been a city of business. It's where people drive from all around to go to the mall, restaurants, and other location attractions. But those days are changing and making times even harder. Currently the City of Fairview Heights has been having hard times due to the lack of retail business due to online shopping and businesses closing. I believe we need every dollar that we can get out of our current business taxes and accept new businesses willing to invest into our lovely city to help sustain the City of Fairview Heights and keep the residence from ever getting forced into paying a City Realistate Tax/Utility Tax
We truly believe that this is the best decision for not only us as after 40 years of running a small business we can finally take a step back and relax. We believe it best for the corner as well as Motomart is a family owned group that is wanting to put a welcome to Fairview Heights sign that has the buildings old bricks built into it. Best for the City of Fairview Heights with the increase of revenue to help in these struggling times of financial hardships as well as the residents where they can have a nice clean family owned gas station that is not only more well stocked and with a restaurant built into it, but also allows them to easily access it while pulling a trailer or a camper.
As a life long resident of Fairview Heights I want to acknowledge that the city has always been great to work with over the years (Such as mayor, council members, workers, and residence). We have an outstanding police department and fire district. We have beautiful parks and good roads. All this is a result of tax dollars received from businesses. To keep the city growing and thriving we must always be looking for new businesses to invest into our city.
We will always remain a part of the community. We have spoken with motomart as well regarding the bricks of Dandy Inn to stamp and date them and sell them for a couple dollars each and donate all the money raised to a local Fairview Heights charity. Sadly the reporter never mentioned that
Thank you,
The Dandy Inn
