thomas giarrano

marietta, GA (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal

the garage

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Location: marietta
Industry: Entertainment
Year Founded: 2008
Number Employees: 1-10 people
Description: We are located in Marietta, Ga, 15 minutes nw of downtown atlanta, ga. We have developed a business plan to expand the use of our existing building located in a revitalized downtown area, to include a multiple use live music (URL removed) club will have food service and a liquor license. The building was built in 1940 as the first Pontiac dealership in the city, with over 7000 sq ft of usuable space, plus a 3000 sq ft outdoor enclosed court yard for additional use. There will be a larger performance venue and a recording studio, all under one (URL removed) 3000 sq ft courtyard will also be utilized as an event venue that can be rented out for small to mid-size affairs. Currently the building houses 2 other family businesses; including an antique, fine art and interior design gallery and a full body and paint shop that does restoration work on classic vehicles. This is a very "artsy"m bohemian area. we are located 2 buildings down from the art museum and a block and a half from a revitalized downtown area that includes many restaurants, theatres, live entertainment venues, art galleries, including a 1920's theatre called the Strand that has been completely renovated as an entertainment center and is opening this month, november, 2008. The Theatre on the Square is a nationally recognized venue for original plays. There are dance companies and national theatre companies that have committed to using the new Strand theatre as their home venue. This new entertainment center we are planning will be managed by one of the members of our family that has over 10 years of music/entertainment experience. This experience covers the gamut of performing, producing/recording, as well as many other aspects of the music/entertainment business. He has been very involved over the years in the Athens, Ga music scene and has worked with many in the indie music scene in Atlanta. There is a great need for a venue/club in this area. Many people of the correct demographic have moved into this area and are starving for a venue to support, that will showcase regional and national acts, so they do not have to travel as far. All anecdotal market research indicates tremendous support for a venue like this. The purpose of having the recording studio here is to encourage the creative process among local up and coming talent, and giving them a showcase through the club for their music. The family member managing this business has supported the creative process for many such talent, from music recording to album cover design and all photography. He has won awards and recognition for his talents in this regard, and developed a reputation and relationships that will help aid the success of this venture. We are looking for startup capital, in the area of 50k to 100k. We have already invested our own capital in the initial stages of renovation of the building and its systems, which has cost us out of existing funds around 50k. We borrowed an additional 10k which is down to 6k and is scheduled to be paid off in 2010. We need the additional funding to complete the buildout and finalize the initial setup. We believe with the need in the market, coupled with the revitalization of this exciting downtown area and its arts and entertainment capabilities and connections, the potential for an excellent roi is there. WE would be excited to add an equity partner(s) who is looking for above market returns.