“Manny Nemer, owner of Manny’s Pub and Aroma Coffee and Tea, claims that the University of Akron isn’t offering him enough to relocate his businesses across the street. The university has already offered Nemer approximately $1 million for his two E. Exchange Street properties.”
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Manny Nemer, owner of Manny’s Pub and Aroma Coffee and Tea, claims that the University of Akron isn’t offering him enough to relocate his businesses across the street.

The university has already offered Nemer approximately $1 million for his two E. Exchange Street properties. He claims it will cost him double that to move the coffee shop and the bar into another location.

That seems a bit steep. Actually, that seems a lot steep.

But, he’s in a pretty good bargaining position. He has two properties that the university wants. Desperately.

The question is, just how desperately does it want that property? Will UA cave and sweeten Nemer’s deal to avoid going to court? Maybe not to the tune of $2 million, but perhaps Nemer is employing the aim high rule of negotiating.

And, why would one aim high? To set the stage for the best possible outcome, that’s why. As they say, Go high or go home.

But this is Negotiation 101 stuff. Surely UA administrators know that.

The university has deep pockets. Who wouldn’t want to get their fair share, given the circumstances?

Lest you get the wrong idea, Nemer has long insisted that this isn’t about money. This is all about principle.

Sure it is.

Some students are rallying behind Nemer and his cause. Several dozen marched across campus last week to protest the university’s attempt to take Nemer’s properties through eminent domain.

Don’t tell us that students at the University of Akron are apathetic. They’re active. They’re involved. They care.

About Manny’s Power Hour.

One student was quoted in the Akron Beacon Journal, eloquently speaking about community and tradition and how university expansion is transforming the landscape. He then asked, What’s it mean to go to college if you can’t go to a college bar?

He’s marching because this is about having a college bar? Keep in mind, this student is 28. And, apparently, this knucklehead supports having the university pay $2 million for Nemer’s properties.

We don’t.

Nemer has done a good job of portraying himself as a victim, as David against the mighty monolithic Goliath in this battle over his property. And, if it weren’t about money, as he says, we might feel a little more sympathetic toward his position.

However, that’s all this is about.

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