Menlo Park: Crowdfunding tries to save Nak's market

I've loved Naks and have for years. Sam and his wife ran a great little shop and I'm sure it was hard with all the bigger/new competition over the years. Having said that, since Sam retired it just hasn't been the same in terms of service or quality in my mind. I wish it can succeed and continue, but I don't necessarily agree with propping up a business for nostalgia sake.

This local gem has become more crack and chipped. Maybe with some polish I'd be willing to help display it again.

Let's help save this gem. We can patronize more often, raise funds, and provide constructive feedback to the son who might appreciate advice.

First, after visiting Nak's a few weeks ago, I was disappointed. It's simply not the same. It wasn't clean. The inventory was spotty and unappealing. The current operator apparently doesn't have the passion or vision to make this place work. Moreover, the formula that worked in the past may not work today. The local specialty grocers such as Draeger's carry much of the same things. The Internet fills the gap for the high cost, low turn over items. They should have gone out "on top" rather than let this "gem" rot.

Second, IndieGoGo is a terrible crowd funding site. It is rife with fraud. They do no meaningful checking for the fundraisers. When they find a campaign is fraudulent, they let it run anyway and refuse to refund any money. They say it is between with the fundraisers and the contributors. They only use their "good name" to facilitate the transaction. Even eBay protects consumers against fraud in the interest of protecting their identity. Not so with IndiGoGo. Proceed with caution.

@not so fast - that's why i suggested providing constructive feedback to the current owner. I do not find the same things at other stores, and especially not so conveniently on shelves or freezer and refrigerator.