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Editor:

In response to W.H. Smith’s letter (May 4) about opening a restaurant, the requirements to open a restaurant are many and complex.

It isn’t as simple as “hiring a chef or two.” It requires:

• A city business license and tax ID

• The business must be registered with the Secretary of State

• Certificate of occupancy

• Food handlers permit

• Sellers permit

• Health permit

• Catering business license

• Passing a Food Safety Manager Certification exam Also included in start-up costs are overhead items such as:

• Insurance (liability/property/ worker’s comp)

• Monthly rental/site fee

• Payroll

• Equipment/supplies

• Purchase of food This list is incomplete but gives a basic idea that opening a restaurant is not that simple or cheap.

Outside restaurants have already determined it was not feasible to open a restaurant in Leisure World.

I suggest that those people who want a restaurant in Leisure World prepare a pro forma to present to the GRF Board that includes a business plan with costs and realistic location of the facility.

GRF is not in the restaurant business for a reason.

Nancy Davison Mutual 3 Editor:

I’m writing to commend (Library Operations Assistant) Heather Kaveney at our Leisure World Library. Recently, she was assisting a client, and the computer screen asked him for a credit card number.

She asked him, “Is that OK?,” and he said “Yes,” so she allowed the client to complete his work.

But within just a few minutes, Heather returned to him and asked, “If the site is free, why do you need to provide credit card information?”

He thought for a minute and then decided “You’re right.”

Now I can’t predict the future, but she may have saved him from fraud or identity theft by encouraging his caution.

I’m thankful for the Leisure World Library staff and their cheerful assistance.

In this case, Heather deserves our praise for service above and beyond the call of duty!

Kathy Ryan Mutual 2