2 KC Institutions that desperately need updating

There are two--count 'em, two--Kansas City retail institutions in the area that have locations that are in such really awful condition, it's difficult to believe how neglected and downright ugly they are.

The first is Berbiglia's Liquor stores.

The two stores that are ironically closest to the city's most prime retail space, the Country Club Plaza, are a couple of the best, worst examples of ugly retail spots in the city. The first is on Westport Road, just to the West of Southwest Trafficway while the 2nd is at the corner of 45th and Madison.

These 2 stores are dumps. It's stunning this company has the nerve to keep these ugly, rundown retail facilities open. It looks as though they only want to sell to alcoholic street people. Without updating this place, they have a lot of nerve keeping it open. It's an insult to the customers who come through the door. I should think the Berbiglia family is or would be embarrassed by these really awful eyesores, should any still be around, as I believe they are.

Both have what must surely the original linoleum vinyl tile flooring when the shops were opened, they look that bad. They're way overused and neglected. You'd think they'd be an embarrassment to the owners of the chain but clearly they're not. They've been in this condition for years and to date, it appears they have no regard for their stores and, worse, no respect for or appreciation of their customers. They simply want to suck all the money and profit from the stores they can and never update. The customers they seem to be catering to would be the alcoholics off the street. If this isn't the customers they want, they should invest in their stores at least enough to make it clear otherwise.

Their store out on 75th Street, near State Line makes it clear they know they wouldn't have clients without also having a nice-looking, attractive, comfortable store, too.

The second local company that sorely, sorely needs updating and a bit of investment are the two Winstead's restaurants.

Have you been in lately?

Sure, the hamburgers and fries are just as they ever were... but that carpet?

It's not only badly worn in the main path areas but it's downright filthy. Whatever shades of mauve it used to be is now a deep, dark, dirty brown. It is beyon not pretty. It doesn't give you the feeling you've walked into a clean restaurant, certainly. And it's true at both the Plaza location and the one out West on Shawnee Mission Parkway, near I-35.

If the owners are smart, they'll one day put in new carpet, then give the staff a bit of a refresher on great service and have a kind of "Grand re-opening" so it gets them some notice and--shock of shocks--free press, media attention and advertising. Imagine that--helping your business and sales by investing in it.

Both of these businesses need to do just that and the sooner the better.

In each case, would it cost the company to update? Sure, you bet it would.

But would it also pay the respective companies in media attention and increased sales?

I think it absolutely would.

Here's hoping.

Links: http://www.berbiglia.com/

http://www.winsteadssteakburger.com