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Uptown coffee shop closing at end of monthJul 04, 2010 (The Montana Standard - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The Blue Luna, an Uptown coffee house, will serve its last drop July 31. After about 18 months in business, Dean McElwain has decided to move on to something else. "I'm walking out, I'm not being chased out," McElwain told The Montana Standard recently at his store, 124 S. Main St. McElwain admits he was "stretched too thin" and needed more capital to keep the business profitable. He started the business -- his first enterprise -- in February 2009. The Montana State University-Bozeman graduate said he went into the business with a low-cost model. However, he said he lost his focus and started expanding into live music events too early. The costs of hosting musical events were more than he expected. "I studied business; I didn't know anything about the music industry," he said. McElwain said he should have concentrated more on advertising and promoting his business. As owner-operator, McElwain said he was operating and serving throughout most of his run. He attempted to bring on an employee, but it became too costly. "I was living off my tips," he said. McElwain thanked his loyal customers, and doesn't blame Butte's economy for his decision to close. "This is not a failure of this town. I've had lots of support here," he said. He owns most of the furniture and equipment, which he plans to sell. McElwain will remain in Butte. He may pursue a master's degree. He's not closing the door entirely, though, on the coffee house business. "I may try it again someday," he said. Reporter John Grant Emeigh may be reached via e-mail at [email protected] To see more of The Montana Standard, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.mtstandard.com. Copyright (c) 2010, The Montana Standard, Butte Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail [email protected], or call 866-280-5210 (outside the United States, call +1 312-222-4544). |