Thursday, May 10, 2007

More from the Star on the Kahn's Split

The Star has more today on the split between Jim Arnold and Joe Husar including what will happen with Kahn's Katering and the Carmel store. Apparently the spilt was fueled by Husar and Arnold's differing opinions on the image and brand of the Kahn's name. From the Star:

Kahn's Katering made its name providing upscale, personalized high-end services. But the new Kahn's Fine Wines & Spirits store on Keystone, which Arnold built recently to replace an older store just blocks away, didn't reflect that image, Husar said.

Arnold didn't return a call seeking comment.

Husar said Kahn's Fine Wines & Spirits resembles a big-box superstore, with wide aisles, neutral colors and fluorescent lights. "Catering has been growing for a long time, and my mindset had been to keep staying along the lines of the premium quality, high-end store, and I felt that the superstore was the opposite direction," Husar said. "How do you tie in a superstore with premium catering?"

It's too bad they didn't get a chance to talk to Jim since he obviously has a different opinion and has high hopes for the new store on Keystone. Frankly, I'm not sure I agree that the high end Carmel Store and more casual warehouse-style Keystone store couldn't have co-existed quite peacefully under the Kahn's name. As a customer, I appreciated the difference. Those of us who live downtown don't trek up to the Carmel store on a regular basis just because it's nicer. Husar says he hopes they'll still remain golfing buddies. I suspect regardless of their personal issues, both will continue to grow their businesses.

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