Lisa MacKechnie
Feeding Hills, MA (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal
Vesuvio LLC
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Startup
Location:
Springfield
Industry:
Hospitality
Year Founded:
2010
Number Employees:
10-50 people
Business Stage:
Growth (profitable)
Entity Type:
Limited Liability Company
Description:
Carpaccio was a new medium-sized restaurant located in the Little Italy section of the South-End neighborhood of Springfield, Massachusetts. The business has been sold, and the new owners have rebranded it as Blackjack Steakhouse. It is approximately one block from the Basketball Hall of Fame. MGM has been voted in and will be erecting an "inside - out" casino covering several acres on the Springfield riverfront. This restaurant is in the footprint - one and a half blocks outside the casino's planned acreage. See (URL removed)
People have associated this very traditional and historic area of the South End neighborhood with some of Springfield’s most memorable and finest establishments and businesses. Most of the neighboring businesses have been in business for decades.
It is located in the expanding heart of an area that has been recently revitalized in downtown Springfield. Several million dollars were spent on new roads, sidewalks, and lighting. Many neighboring buildings have been overhauled and have new tenants. The outlook for the future of Springfield is promising.
Developers are continuing to build around the immediate area surrounding the Basketball Hall of Fame area; including (but not limited) to new banks and medical offices. The area is in need of a warm and friendly place with excellent food; a place where you always know you will get the best of everything. Nothing on our menu is over $25.
Blackjack Steakhouse has hired restaurateur Michael Ratte, who has a previously established reputation of offering a large repertoire of unique ingredients and recipes. His 31 years of experience in the local hospitality industry and his reputation among the general public is invaluable to Blackjack Steakhouse.
Lisa MacKechnie, who was the founder and Managing Partner, was responsible for all of the finance and accounting functions while she owned it (when it operated as Carpaccio Trattoria through the sale date in December 2014). Lisa has 15 year years experience as an accountant in several industries, and her financial control skills was invaluable in getting Carpaccio to a successful open. She dealt with 4 insurance claims, SBA Disaster Assistance, and persevered through governmental roadblocks to ensure her business investment did not fail before selling it to investor Mark Laramee.
She also has over 12 years of experience in the New York City and local restaurant and hotel industry, in managing, bartending, and wait staff positions. In a restaurant or hospitality environment, this combination of experience is a strength that is both rare and extremely important for the success of the venture.
The restaurant is located at 904 through 912 Main Street, with the back patio adjacent to the restaurant located directly behind theses addresses, at 145 William Street. The patio parcel is separately owned with a separate lease, and is possibly available for sale. The liquor license covers both parcels. Currently, Lisa MacKechnie still holds the liquor license.
Vesuvio LLC has assets on its balance sheet, which consists of cash, kitchen equipment, and dining room furniture needed for operations. These assets were contributed by Lisa MacKechnie, the managing partner.
It also carries the leasehold improvements for the life of the lease options renewal periods. (One 5-year term was just renewed. Two additional 5-year renewal options remain.)
The patio is currently in final construction, but some adjustments could be made if the right partner or investor is found. All other leasehold improvements have been completed (interior remodeling and construction inside the four walls of the building). Despite the lease stating that Vesuvio was not responsible for repairing the damages to the building as a result of the insurance claims (6/11 tornado, etc), Vesuvio did settle all claims and make all repairs to get up and running. Landlord problems are non-existent.