With the Chapala government looking at upscale weddings and other high-profile events as a way to increase tourism and jobs in the area, the Reporter wondered if expats might think of other business that the area lacked.
Reporter staffer Stephen Woodman took to the streets of Ajijic to ask area expats what they think.
“If you have a good restaurant I think that can make a go because of the foreigners in the area,”
Stan Baker, originally from Canada, eight-year Lakeside resident.
“I would probably start an art supply store carrying things that I can’t find anywhere in Mexico,”
Linda Dunn, originally from the U.S., five-year Lakeside resident.
“I would probably start a store selling organic food,”
Sandie DeKeyser originally from the U.S., one-year Lakeside resident.
“It’s very hard for us to earn a living here, so I’m not sure I could start a business here even if I wanted to,”
Mike Sanders, originally from the U.K, 13-year lakeside resident.
“Starting a business here is nigh on impossible. It’s a bureaucratic nightmare. Everyone is out trying to make a buck doing their own thing and the government is not helping.”
Lynn Gilbank, originally from Canada, seven-year lakeside resident.
“What I would like to see is more supplements and vitamins being allowed across the border. I’d like to see stores with these available,”
Patricia Wagoner, originally from Zimbabwe, two-year lakeside resident.
“I think we need a coffee shop in the plaza,”
Monica Petrowitsch, originally from Canada, four-year lakeside resident.
“We have a lot of doctors, a lot of dentists and vets. I think we need a bookstore, with both English and Spanish,”
Bob Moore, originally from the U.S., 14-year lakeside resident.
“I think ballroom dancing would be great. It’s something I would like to see here,”
Joan Whyte, originally from Canada, 10-year lakeside resident.
“I’d start a pot shop for when they legalize it,”
Jeff Jones, originally from the United States, two-year lakeside resident.
“I think I would find some land and build small bungalows for independent living within a small community. There are huge numbers of elderly singles who want to have their own little home but need the support of a community,”
Libbie Colterjohn, originally from Scotland, 20-year lakeside resident.
“I’ll tell you what we don’t need, and that is any more chicken places! Better quality sheets and towels would be nice. Just recently I had to get on Amazon and order a fabric shower curtain,”
Hattie Matsumoto, originally from the United States, nine-year lakeside resident.