Dear Family, Friends, and Loyal Customers,

I want to first start by saying thank you to each and every one of you who has patronized my business since opening 3 months ago. It’s truly been an experience that I sometimes can’t even explain.

As I look back on my journey to open NOTES, I realize I had to make several decisions based on assumptions and current situations. I now have more experience and a better understanding of the true level of effort to run an establishment like NOTES. And like any good business, I’m here to make adjustments!

On your next visit, you’ll notice some price increases on the menu. There were multiple reasons that factored into this decision.

Business Expenses

NOTES is a small business with large expenses. I self-funded everything from my first inventory stock of wine to the famous orange couch and boxwood grass wall in the entrance. Increased prices will allow me to continue to purchase necessities for NOTES from new wines to toilet tissue.

There are some expenses that are variable for NOTES, and there needs to be extra working capital to account for them. And quite honestly, rent, light bills, and inventory are just a portion of expenses. There are music licenses, business insurances, and many other fees incurred that require additional revenue to cover.

Marketing

While I’m pretty decent, albeit “good”, at handling social media for NOTES, there are many other untapped resources for marketing. Being a new business, I’m encouraged to get my reach far and wide, as many of you have suggested. And that costs money. Additional revenue from NOTES will help with new marketing efforts that will pay off for themselves.

New Inventory

Replacing empty bottles is different from buying new ones in ‘wine bar land’. Extra revenue will give me the funds to be able to bring in new wines and at different price points. Additionally, ordering anything less than a case of a certain wine will typically incur a fee per bottle that I have to pay. NOTES needs to be able to afford to essentially front the costs for a lot of wine. Beyond that, wine prices fluctuate. Today’s price isn’t tomorrow’s price, and NOTES needs to be able to pick up the costs for certain wines that are always served.

Events for the Community

February was a great testament to putting on community events and the overwhelming positive response. Those events can continue to grow and be great with extra revenue to make them better. Having a safe and creative space with good wine and music in the Spring area is something I want to continue to nourish. Additional revenue can improve the level of ‘awesomeness’ and enhance each future event at NOTES.

Booking Musicians

It’s called NOTES for a reason! Booking quality musicians and paying them a fair rate for their performance is something I prioritize. I’d love to bring in all kinds of musicians and instrumentalists, and that takes a good amount of money to not rely on the performance day’s anty.

Having live music on both Saturday and Sunday is the goal, so NOTES needs the revenue to accomplish that.

Sustainability and Growth

Lastly, it’s really important for NOTES to be financially stable in order to eventually afford employees as it grows. Many times you see not only me, but my husband and 2 kids with me at NOTES. This is not sustainable regardless of how cute it is. I always want to be an involved, hands-on business owner. But I also understand it’s not sustainable nor preferred for me to continue to try and grow NOTES as I also work every shift.

And trust me, a growing NOTES is a good thing for all of us!

The level of effort to run each shift is much more than anticipated. Additional revenue will be needed to hire quality staff to provide you with the same level of service you’ve come to expect and love at NOTES.

Thank You for Trusting Me

NOTES is still the same fun, homey place you’ve grown to love. This price increase is a way to ensure I’m able to keep it open for you to continue to enjoy. I hope you all understand and continue to visit with family and friends. I look forward to seeing you all at upcoming events and karaoke nights!

With much love,

Ashley R