Never mind that no chain store could compete with the service and selection at my favorite wine store, or that BevMo already exists within the market area - or that the building BevMo would go into is Menlo's long-time chain store central with Big 5, Staples, formerly Chili's, etc. One thing made evident at planning commission hearings was that our neighbors preference for Beltramo's will not change.
Coming on top of the similarly unnecessary hit pieces against a council candidate by Dave Bohannon, this new boldness by business owners to buy a city decision is starting an tacky trend in our town.
To the Beltramo family: you have nothing to fear from another wine/liquor store, any more than Safeway's liquor dept or Trader Joe's or the existing Redwood City BevMo. If BevMo thinks it can make money in Menlo Park and help fill and empty building, let them give it a shot. If what we hear is true about stacking the deck at council, forget it - there's no need to embarrass your employees or the town on Tuesday evening.
