Albuquerque Journal

Desperate measures

Business tries crowdfundi­ng to survive constructi­on

- BY MARTIN SALAZAR JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

While many business owners along the Albuquerqu­e Rapid Transit route are keeping track of promises made and whether they are being kept, Richard van Schouwen isn’t one of them.

Van Schouwen, co-owner of Winning Coffee, just around the corner from Olympia Cafe, was aware of the opposition to ART, but he figured his coffee shop would be fine given its proximity to the University of New Mexico and the fact that it has been a popular fixture for 20 years.

These days, a handwritte­n sign hangs near his cash register announcing the “Save Winning Coffee” Indiegogo campaign that has been launched.

“We’re very much in trouble,” van Schouwen said, adding that he and his business partner, Sandy Timmerman, have already met with staff to let them know that they might have no choice but to sell or shutter the business.

They are now trying to raise $30,000 on Indiegogo, a crowdfundi­ng website, to help them weather the economic storm that has resulted from ART.

Van Schouwen said the constructi­on has altered both vehicle and foot traffic. He said many don’t want to walk across Central Avenue, because they think it’s dangerous.

He said he’s hoping that ART invigorate­s the area once it’s completed, but businesses will have to survive the constructi­on phase in order to reap those benefits.

Van Schouwen is planning a block party in April to celebrate the unique, independen­t businesses along Central.

“If people would just consider the fact that there are so many great places up and down Central,” he said.

 ?? MARLA BROSE/JOURNAL ?? Richard van Schouwen, one of the owners of Winning Coffee, has resorted to crowdfundi­ng to get through ART constructi­on.
MARLA BROSE/JOURNAL Richard van Schouwen, one of the owners of Winning Coffee, has resorted to crowdfundi­ng to get through ART constructi­on.
 ??  ?? Charles Akkad, owner of Olympia Cafe, talks Thursday about ART constructi­on on Central Avenue.
Charles Akkad, owner of Olympia Cafe, talks Thursday about ART constructi­on on Central Avenue.

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