Here is some food for thought.  

Some food concepts do about 60 to 70% of sales through the drive-thru now so want to shrink interior space so they pay less rent.  

Definitely food for thought.

This sort of just sounds like they're using your money to get a really great rate for the work they're already doing.Would it make sense to have them work for a deep discount to keep food on the table and split profits?

I'm not sure what happened between you and this prior landlord, but I hope that we can have a good relationship with each other as we move forward, out of respect for each other and our families who you and I work to put food on the table for.

Maybe throw in a small laundry soap vending machine...or even a food/soda vending machine. 

It isn't cash flowing, but I wonder if it's a good opportunity given that:1)  I'm paying $2600 rent each month anyway2) I could use my VA loan for a 0 down payment purchase of a ~$1.25M quadplex in SF3) Area is up-and coming w/ new Whole Foods, etc; chance for appreciation4) Long-term tenants in high demand area, no concern of vacancy5) The units are below-market rent (could likely increase at least $1500 total)Would greatly appreciate any feedback (please note, numbers below are approximate).

I guess it's like being a city food inspector and you know what restaurants you aren't going to eat at, even though everybody is raving about how good the restaurant and food is.

Homemade always looks homemade.

:)  I'm not terribly familiar with Denver but we normally eat at Watercourse or Native Foods... both vegan restaurants with (what I think is) wonderful food (not just salad).