Chanpen Bar closing

[Bushcraft]

We see no option but to close Chanpen Bar right away - not so much because things have been quiet (that was expected), but because there is a water supply problem that we could not have foreseen, but which will be too expensive to fix for the return to be expected from the business.

Fah and I want to thank everybody who gave us their custom - by all accounts many people enjoyed the food and laid-back atmosphere at Chanpen.

Basically the mains water supply is metered and supplied from next door, not on our premises, a fact that was (apparently) not even known to the owners of the building (!) when we signed up for the lease. Next door has been quietly using water that we pay for, and bills have now turned from high to horrific. Caveat emptor, but there was no way of knowing beforehand. Rectifying this would cost a lot of money and installation work for a new water connection - the landlord typically refuses to contribute a single Baht to ensure a basic infrastructure for the premises he rents out - and in view of this upheaval and expense, plus lack of confidence in bars as a paying proposition nowadays, we're calling it a day while our investment remains relatively painless.

[berettakid]

I am really sorry to hear that, meet you guys i were looking forwards to it ! what will you do now?

[THE DRUNKEN DUCK]

sorry to hear that

 

talk soon

[Bushcraft]

I am really sorry to hear that, meet you guys i were looking forwards to it ! what will you do now?

 

I'm sure we'll run into each other when you're next here - just PM me and we'll meet up. I have my own income anyway, and Fah is a brilliant hostess/girl-manager who I'm sure will have no problem finding new work.

[atlas2]

That's unfair. Hope you get a fairer shake in whatever you do next.

[Greg_B]

What business is next door...?

[jacko]

What business is next door...?

A laundry?

[bigone]

sorry to hear this ron,cant you open up somewhere else,you and far put a lot of work into this venture

see you soon

bigone

[Funky]

Gutted for you mate good luck with the future and no doubt we will hook up on my next trip in November and have a good laugh over a few cold ones.

 

Take care Ron all the very best

 

[englishinsiam]

Ron and Fah have become firm friends since they opened. Not only were we training on the roof with ron but also were patrons of the bar on a regular basis.

 

Less stress for you now mate you can concentrate on your real business and Fah wont take long to find another job.

 

 

I'll be seeing you down Cherry in a couple of hours we'll have a beer and discuss training.

[surry]

Sorry to hear this Ron, maybe now a chance to step back and look at things,it will give you more free time to enjoy

 

yourself,more time at the beer garden,dont rush into anything,see you in november. Steve

[DP Gumbypgh]

No closing party where we are allowed to smash up the place after drinking the last of your beer?

If you any help in moving anything out give me a call.

[Ergodyne]

Sad news, i was looking forward to another of those excellent breakfasts soon.

If you decide on another venture, let us know here.

All the very best for the future Ron & Fah.

[GlynRhedyn]

We see no option but to close Chanpen Bar right away - not so much because things have been quiet (that was expected), but because there is a water supply problem that we could not have foreseen, but which will be too expensive to fix for the return to be expected from the business.

Fah and I want to thank everybody who gave us their custom - by all accounts many people enjoyed the food and laid-back atmosphere at Chanpen.

Basically the mains water supply is metered and supplied from next door, not on our premises, a fact that was (apparently) not even known to the owners of the building (!) when we signed up for the lease. Next door has been quietly using water that we pay for, and bills have now turned from high to horrific. Caveat emptor, but there was no way of knowing beforehand. Rectifying this would cost a lot of money and installation work for a new water connection - the landlord typically refuses to contribute a single Baht to ensure a basic infrastructure for the premises he rents out - and in view of this upheaval and expense, plus lack of confidence in bars as a paying proposition nowadays, we're calling it a day while our investment remains relatively painless.

Sorry to hear this but at least you both seem to be capable of riding the disappointment and good luck to you.

Who was paying for the water before you became the leaseholder? Seems like a spam to me.

Glyn.

[Obsession]

Very shortsighted of the landlord. And the next door business sound like bas****s if they won't pay for what they use.

Good luck in your next venture.

[bratpack]

Sorry to here about this Ron and Fah.

 

Hope we can meet soon and have a drink,maybe Drunken Duck wed evening.

 

Once again good luck and get us posted on your next venture

[capdagde]

Just happened on this Ron, no sign of a return trip so switched off a bit from PT and all things P and T really. The message to other BMs is "enjoy things while they last" and my message to you is "been there, done that, got the T-shirt, nicht wahr?"

 

Will tell "Flo" when she wakes up in the morning - snoring like hell through in the bedroom as I write...

 

Don't forget where you get the sausages from... (no, gents, it's not code, it's about the SAUSAGES...)

 

Mach's gut - but I think you know how... hug for Fah.

 

Andy Cap

[midlifecrisis]

I hope you guys can find a new location and begin again!

[Gary]

The water supply seems to be a minor problem. You could secure your own supply by buying a pump and a tank and have the water delivery truck fill the tank when needed. I wouldn't think that a bar would need a huge amount of water. Less than 20,000 baht would have you up and running.

[Skygod]

Ron,

 

Sorry to hear about the latest news. Just as you were getting settled in some b*****d goes and pulls the rug from beneath your feet.

 

Isn't it possible to put a meter on the incoming supply from next door and you pay them for the water used?

 

George

[teelack]

Thanks for the update Ron and I am pleased that I got there while it lasted. I am sure that you will be around in the future.

[Dr Mick]

It was a shock when you told me about this ,was wonderful talking to you this week ,so dont be to long before you come up to see me and lin

[Bushcraft]

Thanks for the very supportive comments chaps, they're highly appreciated.

I financed Chanpen not for my own benefit (a shared profit would have been welcome, but by personal inclination I'm better on the punter's side of the bar than on the owner's side), but to give Fah a business of her own and an outlet for her managerial skills, which are formidable. Never having been a BG herself, and actually disliking the whole scene, she's nonetheless one of those mother-type figures who have a huge heart for the girls but are quickly capable of coming down on them hard when they bullshit and lie. The girls love her for her efforts to train the promising ones up for cashier, mamasan etc., and to listen to the woes of all. Fah would be better placed in a large establishment which she can help to make great, rather than in a small restaurant/bar which does not promise to do well any time soon even without infrastructure problems.

The water problem is of course solvable with money, we've examined the options, but we've decided that the landlord's attitude bodes ill, and that the investment would still not ensure a good chance of success in the present business climate.

[ThaiLearner]

Sorry to hear about that Ron.

 

Will have a beer next time I'm in town

[onelilley]

Ron,

 

Just caught up with your news, it is impossible to work out Thai business logic when it comes to incidents like this, the landlord must be a complete f***head.

 

Like all your friends have already said, I'm very sorry all the hard work the two of you has put into your bar hasn't had a chance to develop for you both.

 

Looking forward to catching up late Oct.

 

onelilley...Mark.