What Were They Thinking at Peggy Kinnane’s?

This article was submitted to the Daily Herald as a letter to the Editor. The letter was never published in the newspaper or on-line.

The Three Day Music Festival sponsored by Mr. Derek Hanley of Peggy Kinnane’s appears to have been a colossal bust. Although nothing has been printed the personal accounts of the St. Patrick’s Three Day Music Festival indicate a stupendous business miscalculation.

The overhead cost for the Festival had to be huge judging by the tent size. Who exactly was Mr. Hanley trying to target as customers for this overpriced event? Why would many people pay $50, $45 or even $40 for admission only to see bands that will likely perform free this summer? Does Mr. Hanley know there are St. Patrick Day events all over Chicago? Does he understand that The Village and the residents are trying to survive a deep recession and are financially hurting?

A Tenth Anniversary customer celebration was a good idea. Peggy Kinnane’s has long been central and a favorite in downtown Arlington Heights. However, please do not alienate or insult your potential client base by planning a celebration few can attend. The Festival appeared to be a thinly veiled attempt to make large profits under the guise of an anniversary celebration or St.Patrick’s Day. Fortunately, the market swiftly punishes such poor business decisions.

Peggy Kinnane’s has been touted as vital to downtown Arlington Heights revitalization. Although blatant examples of miscalculations such as the Three Day Music Festival may help explain the high vacancy and turnover rates in downtown Arlington Heights.

Hopefully Mr. Hanley will be able to provide positive leadership in the future toward downtown re-development. But after this St. Patrick’s Day Celebration it is unlikely he can count on being nominated the 2011 Business Leader of the year