A delay in the release of the "Guide to the Good Life in Berkeley," a free book with coupons and information on local establishments that is circulated throughout the city, has strained businesses, some local merchants say.

The guide, first produced in 2001, promotes the business of hundreds of Berkeley establishments each year, ranging from hotels to restaurants, said owner and publisher Ivan Kreger.

Copies of the guide are typically available during the first weeks of the fall semester at UC Berkeley and are often read by freshmen who are just discovering businesses in Berkeley.

This year, however, due to production problems, the guide is expected to come out almost 10 weeks after the start of school, Kreger said.

Local business owners say this delay has detrimentally affected their revenues.

Anthony Tasoulinh, owner of Sufficient Grounds on Durant Avenue, said his business thrived last year because patrons used coupons from the guide. The cafe earned back an additional 20 to 25 percent of the $600 invested in guide space.

This success easily persuaded Tasoulinh to double his order this year, paying $1,200 for four coupons and a small ad space.

However, because this delay comes at a time in the semester when the volume of customers is traditionally highest, Tasoulinh said he has experienced a 30 to 40 percent decrease in revenues compared to last year and has lost roughly $20,000 since August.

"I rely on (Kreger's) promise and his business for my business, as do ... other business owners who don't have the funds to wait around for inconsistencies," Tasoulinh said. "We have a responsibility to our clients that can never be broken."

Kreger said he could only apologize for the delays and said that they were unavoidable. He did not say if he would offer merchants a credit or rebate to make up for the publication delay.

Actor Orozzo, owner of Cafe

Durant, said his business has received 30 percent less student traffic because they are unaware of the cafe's existence. He added that at least one person each day inquires about the whereabouts of the coupons.

"It's really affecting my business," Orozzo said. "We used to receive 20 to 30 coupons a day."

For students such as UC Berkeley sophomore Mack Levine, the coupon's discounts played a decisive role in where he and his roommates ventured to eat during their freshman year.

"They do get you out of the room to check out local businesses and restaurants to see what's out there," he said.

Kreger said the guide is successful due to its broad offerings, profitable investments by businesses and people's desire to save using the discounts.

"I really enjoy doing the book and I love the city of Berkeley," he said. "I look forward to continuing our relationship well into the future."

Kreger said he plans to release 80,000 guides this year and will make an announcement when his guides are near distribution.

But some business owners said the guide might arrive too late to relieve their financial strain. With rising food costs, rent and property taxes, Tasoulinh said his business is having a difficult time making money.

"I can only pray I can get some of the revenues back," Tasoulinh said. "I'm not in the position to place blame, I just want to fix it. I did everything that I can. How do you rectify this?"

Tags: GUIDE TO THE GOOD LIFE