Moxie Java – Can Small Business Survive?
News brief

Will another Mission Viejo shop lose business to a national chain? Moxie Java, located at 28815 Los Alisos Blvd. in the Von's center, has managed to build its business against the odds. The location on Los Alisos is east of Marguerite, adjacent to the former Kmart site.

The retail center is home to numerous small businesses that have won customers through friendship and quality service. Loyal customers have also kept the Von's supermarket afloat, but they're disturbed by Von's plan to bring in Starbucks. A letter-writing campaign to Von's (Safeway) corporate office is apparently not dissuading its decision-makers from contracting with Starbucks.

Such national chains as Starbucks should locate where they can fulfill an unmet need -- not diminish growth opportunities for existing shops with local owners. Small business is the backbone of local economy, and it deserves community support. Readers can respond by, first, supporting Moxie Java and also by writing to Von's decision makers at business.ethics@Safeway.com Readers can call Safeway's toll-free number, 1-877-723-3929.