South Bayview Bulldog Admin

Starbucks loses name from new logo

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The evolution of the Starbucks logo left to right, the original 1971, 1992 re-make and January 2011 withiout the name. The new, all-green logo lands as Starbucks plans to expand the number of branded products it sells outside its own cafes. “Even though we have been and always will be a coffee company and retailer, it’s possible we’ll have other products with our name on it and no coffee in it,” Chief Executive Howard Schultz said on a webcast. Does that make it for you? Some will call it being too smart by half.

Goodbye Cheaters, Hello Chablis

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Cheaters, the notorious hangout and strip joint is to be replaced by an LCBO outlet. Cheaters. at Yonge Street and Manor Road, was a source of grief for residents for decades. The place operated briefly under the name Mystique but finally closed in 2009. Since then it has sat vacant. But recently (right) a sign went up saying the liquor board will open there.

Joe Fresh opens on Fifth Avenue

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Canadian entrepreneur Joe Minram is opening a Joe Fresh store in New York City and the move has caused great excitement. The publication Stylite says: “Joe Fresh is an entirely different fashion animal — namely, one that is sold at over 300 stores across Canada, most of which can most easily be described as grocery stores (Loblaws). Basically, imagine an independent clothing line with the inherent buzz of Target’s Go.” Check story here. Also see Trish Stuebing’s blog

Is there a $50 billion business plan?

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Everyone has heard the thrilling Facebook story. Goldman Sachs has injected money into the social network which raises its value, on paper at least, to some $50 billion. Much further down in the story is a chilly draft of air however. Facebook may be able to generate $2 billion in revenue this year. Established companies whch are now valued, on paper, at less than Facebook, will earn ten times that much. Of course Facebook has stunning access to its audience. Nonethless, it would be nice to hear about the business plan.

Sandwich shop and bistro “Ino” is now “Two Doors South”

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The shop which for decades was Whimsical House, and then became Ino for a few months, is now Two Doors South. The quick change came as the result of some “tweaking” of the concept, according to the management. The shop is owned by the Amaya Indian food interest, and is named as it is because it is two doors south of the Amaya takeout location.