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The Ferndale music cafe that has been in the spotlight over the past five years for its support of local artists, initiatives to support local autoworkers and its recent longest-concert-ever event, tentatively plans to close its doors at the end of March.
AJ's Music Cafe has been a popular spot downtown to stop in to hear a local musician sing or hear poetry readings, for college students to study and local artists to hang their work.
But owner AJ O'Neil says he can't keep up with rising costs as business slows down. He says he is working 70-hour weeks and trying to maintain $3,100 rent on income of around $250 a week the past four years.
“And I'm not complaining. I'm just saying I can't keep doing that. I'm real proud of what we've done here and I love the city, I love the people,” he said. “It's not about that. It's about being able to survive.”
'It's been five really great years'
Since it opened in April 2007, AJ's has offered up its venue for various fundraising concerts, broke the world record for longest concert and in 2008 gave out free coffee to anyone who signed a promise to only buy an American-made car.
“This is like a cultural institution that's leaving the city because it's not humanely possible to work under the conditions,” said O'Neil, who has been running the shop with the help of his brother, Dennis O'Neil. “I've really enjoyed it. It's been five really great years.”
Though AJ's has gained much media attention over the years for its charitable events and initiatives, O'Neil said that doesn't necessarily mean business is good.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. It's a community service place. It's not like a typical business,” he said, adding that AJ's has become a sort of “living room” for the community. “We did some great things here. There's nothing to hold our head down about.”
Local artist Dennis Bruce Spencer started hanging out at AJ's as a patron and more recently has been involved with helping O'Neil improve the shop. Serving as art curator, he helped bring in artists for art on the walls and he and other local artists have helped clean and paint the cafe.
“It was the kind of place where people like me would hang out,” Spencer said, explaining why he wanted to get involved. “People in Ferndale need a place like that to hang out.”
But Spencer said he thinks the cafe needed more upkeep along with menu improvements and that O'Neil's focus on political issues may have gotten in the way.
“That didn't do anything to help his coffee shop,” he said.
O'Neil announced in November that he is running for a congressional seat in Michigan's 9th District.
Spencer said it would be a “shame” to see the business close but that he understands why it would.
“Most people that hang out there don't anymore,” he said.
One door opens when another closes
O'Neil said he has other opportunities on the horizon, including a couple of tentative offers in other communities that he isn't ready to discuss.
“One door opens when another door shuts. That's kind of the way I'm looking at it,” he said.
As he looks back on the past five years in Ferndale, O'Neil said he is proud to have served the community and work on events that “put a face on the economic realities that really lent to the recovery that we're at today.”
“That's just a wonderful tribute to this town and to my participation in it. It feels good,” he said. “I don't know what else to say except thanks, it's been great. Time to go to the next step.”
Jennifer M. Cline
9:54 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
This is very disappointing to hear. It's an amazing spot, with so much potential. AJ has accomplished some really cool things in the spot, but unfortunately the location isn't well maintained. Generally speaking, the employees didn't take pride in their work space. A place like that needs invested employees, willing to put in the extra effort.
I can only hope that the next tenant gives that space the love and attention that it needs. Not to say that AJ didn't - he obviously has a serious passion for that cafe with all of the work he has put in to it.. But someone needs to take over with a strong business sense, an image for what the cafe can become.. They need to hire people that are willing to strive to a goal.. And they need remember the history of that place and the artist potential it has.
Tim Bencsik
9:20 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Not to be negative, but! "the employees didn't take pride in their work space. A place like that needs invested employees, willing to put in the extra effort." They need to hire people that are willing to strive to a goal.. "And they need remember the history of that place and the artist potential it has".
Good Luck! What color is the sky in your world? The American work ethic is not all that, and American priorities are dysfunctional. Maybe 1 in 100 might be enthusiastic; and that is very generous in my estimation. HISTORY? Congress people dont even read a bill they are passing; what makes you think some kid is going to be anything different? We have a lazy, self serving culture who wants others to foot the bill for their folly! It's called POLITICS...
Chris Johnston
10:25 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
employees are everything in business. At the WAB, the emory, and The Loving Touch we have an abundance of fantastic employees continually impress all of us. And that's just the current staff. Throughout the years we have had far more invaluable people that we have had the pleasure to work with than those who didn't make the cut. And the best part is that many of them, past and present, are Ferndale residents.
To get back on the subject of the article, I wish AJ all the best. He has always been so supportive of this community. If he takes his enthusiasm elsewhere he will certainly be missed, but it's comforting to know he'll be spreading it elswhere. Good luck AJ!
Tim Bencsik
12:03 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Been to the WAB... Chicks take their sweet old time because they think so highly of themselves, or just too important?
The EMORY, the male bartenders are very good; but it is called tips! Un declared tax dollars???? Now, I know it is owned by the same owner. AJ's,,, No tips, no incentive! Location is not up dated or functional! It just is not going to make it.... Any more than the economy; it started with BUSH and went into high speed with OBUMMERNOMICS..........
http://www.usdebtclock.org/
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5232639329002339531#
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSRbBpDiDeE&feature=related
Nate
11:15 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Good luck Aj in all you persue.
Brian Clark
1:08 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
This is a shame. I hope we don't end up with a chain restaurant, and I hope Ferndale's landlords aren't going to price all of the uniqueness out of the city. Best of luck to AJ!
I don't recall having bad service at AJ's, but it was never very busy when I stopped by. The employees were always attentive and would bring things out to my table.
I've had good experiences at the WAB, Emory, and Loving Touch too.
What does it take to stay in business? It seems incredibly difficult to generate enough revenue. What makes a coffee shop like Bean and Leaf so (apparently) successful?
Tim Bencsik
1:47 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
It's called CAPITALISM! Build a better Mouse Trap, and not a Rat Trap and you will proffit. Artsy Fartsy does not attract the money; it attracts the starving painters and craft shows, and a POLITICAL biased that drives people away! What was that saying, "don't discuss politics, sexual prefrence or religion at a party"?
I hope it is a great big chain restaurant? One with legal money and a fair menu to draw good people here; not some snooty over priced place.... Rosies is a fine business plan... Maybe Mr. B's will move down? I doubt it; too much crime!
Not enough police and lack of parking due to many factors; and if we did have parking, it would be a reef for predators to prey on those who come here to visit...
One more empty building till public saftey is restored!
Lucas Zdenek
3:25 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I'm still waiting for @Tim Bencsik to provide an answer to all these questions he keeps raising. It seems as though you have plenty of criticism of our lovely little city, but no ideas about how to fix all of these crime and parking problems. Let's get a little more balance @Tim, what would you do to make things work?
I love AJ's. It's artsy and the owner is eccentric, that is what makes it unique. I also love that Ferndale has a lot more small business than large chain stores. These are the reasons I moved here and they are the reasons I plan on staying here for probably the rest of my life. I love this city for what it is and for its potential. AJ's was a part of that and, while it will be sad to see him move on, I am sure some new creative business owner will find his spot to be a welcoming and profitable shop.
Tim Bencsik
4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
REPLY TO LUCAS Zdenek: I think this sums it up! LOL...
As far as the CRIME! Well that has been addressed; as well as the liberal spending spree here! MORE POLICE. LESS PLAYING WITH TAX PAYERS MONEY AS A TOY....
About Lucas
I'm vegan. I attempt to conserve in every way possible. I'm incredibly Liberal. I run a couple of blogs, one of which deals with my own small scale attempt at Urban Farming right here in Ferndale.
http://www.veganurbanfarmer.blogspot.com
Tim Bencsik
4:18 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
DEAR LUCAS, I guess you have to understand how a LIBERAL thinks!? If you want to call it thinking?
For those who don't; here is a prime example. translate that into our economy and Ferndale and here you go bro. Just on a local level; if it penetrates at all? Which I doubt!
http://conservatives4palin.com/2012/01/video-canadian-talk-show-host-destroys-obama-over-keystone-decision.html
Ferndale Resident
4:58 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I hate the terms "liberal" and "conservative". They're very divisive and I've found they cause nothing but trouble among people. Further, the terms make it easy to attack a person, rather than an idea.
To the point, I admittedly haven't had AJ's, but I know several people that have, and are big fans of his cafe. Me? I won't miss it much. That said, I know many others who will. It was a big part of this community and it's surely inspired others to get into music and for that, it will be missed.
In regards to the customer service and the design issues it may or may not have had, who cares? People were going there. It worked. To me, it sounds like more of an issue of a greedy landlord than a man who didn't care about his business. Just my two cents.
Tim Bencsik
5:05 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Its called CAPITALISM. If you don't like it, too bad... The Landlord, well, that is his business, and his risk.... He can do that can't he? Land of the Free????
AJ could not make it work; end of conversation! Free Market... If he had made it, everyone would be conspiring to call him a businessman and a schollar.... Now he did not, and now the pitty party starts.... BOOO HOOO
LOL
Ferndale Resident
5:28 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
There's a difference between Capitalism and price gouging. "Land of the Free" only extends so far. When gas prices are bloated, the government steps in and stops it. There should be little difference here, but that's neither here nor there. With all due respect, something tells me you'd be playing a different tune had this been your business.
Brian Clark
5:32 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Can we stay on topic and stop insulting people? Is that possible? We should be allowed to express opinions without being mocked and insulted.
Regardless of the reasons why a business has to close, people should be allowed to be sad or disappointed (or happy). We should be able to share thoughts and memories. We aren't all emotionless robots merely acknowledging the market data input.
For some people, these local businesses mean a lot. They make a town a special place. Losing them can be like losing a friend. It should be acceptable to have feelings, to ask questions.
For others, that must not compute. All they can output are mockery and insults.
Tim Bencsik
6:22 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Well, you don't know the context; and life is not lived out of context! AJ laid in bed with the LIBERALS, and now he is paying the price! sO IS OUR ECONEMY! And if you don't like the price, you can always go somewhere else! DEFINE Price Gouging! You can't, because it's a fee market! Business is business, and if AJ was rolling in the $$$$, all would be good and fair/OK. But since he had a bad business plan, poor timing, and a President destroying a economy; the land lord is blamed for all his failure. Typical Libral BS with no accountability. GIMMY, GIMMY, GIMMY... It is Darwinism in revers! That to you must not compute??? And you all can comment all you want; just as I too may! It's not one way; your way and not mine! This is my badge of Honor; being different; or is that not OK in Ferndale? I say to you all; BAAA, BAAA, BAAA. SHEEPAL
Linda Baker
6:56 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I'm sad to hear that AJ's will be closing - my experiences there were always positive from the service to the food and especially to AJ himself. He was one of the first to offer a helping hand when Ferncare was just an idea and helped us raise our first $ for our clinic. We will be eternally grateful to him and certainly wish him the best - I personally will miss stopping in periodically and always getting a warm welcome from the owner personally and knowing that there was someone ready to jump in and offer their assistance to so many of our non-profits or up an coming entertainers and artists of all kinds.
Thank you for your 5yrs of hard work AJ and know that you will be missed and that you have been appreciated by many.
Jerry Smokes
11:57 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
AJ was a shameless self promoter who served Kroger brand coffee, FACT. Not at all surprised to see him go.
One gimmick after another with that clown. He would still be in business if he had hired a chef, roasted his own coffee, redesigned with a clean modern look, and stopped being a douchebag making the business an extension of himself.
If your rent is 3,000 a month you need to gross 10,000 just to survive. You can't do those numbers slinging kroger coffee in a town with Torino, Java Hut and Charzano, FACT.
Hope the space becomes a restaurant or an art gallery.
G-Money
2:02 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
I always thought it cool that there was a place like AJ's for the arts and music. I even took part in it a couple of times. But by the lack of any type of real effort to get any attention for its business, I assumed that it had a way of doing very well for itself business-wise.
I see I was wrong about that. But I dont think it was because of any political affiliation he has that the business was failing. It just seems he did not have much business savvy. He could have just hired an experienced manager to run the place with him (he still can), and it could have done much better, turned a bigger profit, and he would not have had to work 70 hours a week.