Let's Start with Current Business & Reason For Sale:
This is the Owners' FOURTH Retirement, which began about 13 years ago when
they relocated to Ellijay from Florida. And they've worked the entire time!
They say this next retirement is going to be the real deal. So it isn't that
the business isn't doing well - it's just that they don't want the business
anymore. They actually closed up shop last year during the peak Apple
Festival Season, because they didn't want to deal with the crowds. For
the past 13 years they have focused almost exclusively on the Antiques
Business.
Trade Possibilities:
Over the 13 years they have been in business, they have seen plenty of
competition come and go - but because of their excellent location, they still
remain. The last couple of years their hearts really aren't in it any
more though - and it's time to move to "The Ozarks" for that last REAL
retirement. If they can't sell the place, they are open to a trade for
property in the Ozark Mountains area. They figure that if they move,
they might as well trade for an asset that is more local to where they are
going. This isn't to say they wouldn't consider other trade
possibilities, but that's the prime consideration. Naturally, a
straight sale is the primary goal. They are open to all possibilities
that make sense - full trade, partial trade for down payment, etc...
Business Possibilities:
I'm just going to through out some random business / revenue possibilities
based on owners 13 years of experience and thoughts here......Billboard
Advertising Revenue: The big 75' - 85' high existing billboard that
overlooks the Highway has huge potential income value. Owners have been
approached many times over the years to rent out the 4 "Faces" of that sign.
In good economic times they can fetch upwards of $1000 - $1500 per face.
The side lot has never been developed for billboards, but Gilmer County has
very lax signage regulations, and erecting/renting a billboard on this high
traffic area is a guaranteed money maker.
Restaurant / Bar: Because of the location along the river front, in
the city limits, the rear portion would make a great restaurant/bar/deli.
Would tie in nicely as traffic generator for other businesses to be developed
onsite.
Individual Shops / Office Space in "Mini Mall": Because of the
layout, you could sub out plenty of space to separate business entities.
Side Lot: Opportunities here are pretty much limited only to the
imagination. Could be developed out into buildings, shops, restaurants.
Low impact ideas include a "River Tubing" spot, which would actually have
amazing income potential. This section of the Cartecay would make for
great lazy summer day floating on the River, and because of it's high
visibility along the "Apple Festival Corridor" it is almost guaranteed to be a
winner. If you want a business model reference - take a look up in Helen
Georgia. They do an enormous volume of Tube rentals per day - it's
always packed, and the crowds offer built in side revenue streams for food,
shopping etc... 1000+/-' of river front in the city limits just offers a
wide variety of commercial development possibilities.
Location, LOCATION, LOCATION:
It's a good one. Very visible, high traffic area located along the
main traffic artery for people coming or going to the north or east of
Ellijay. See our Aerials & Map Section. |