Another one bites the dust.
I was sorry to learn this evening that the Courthouse Grill has closed.
I had great hopes for it as the new worldwide headquarters of the Woodstock Chapter of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. I did retrieve the Groundhog Club banner from the front window where it was proudly displayed for the few days between Linda’s accepting it and the closing.
You may remember that Linda’s arm got a $5,000 twist, when the Liquor Commission socked her last year with the water bill for the time between the closing of the previous business and her purchase of the restaurant. What can a liquor license applicant do but accept whatever a Liquor Commission says will be the way it’s going to be? It’s pretty hard to operate a restaurant without a liquor license.
But that wasn’t the downfall. And the weakening economy doesn't seem to be responsible for the closing. I don’t have the whole story yet, but it seems there may have been a $290,000 loan on assets of the restaurant of which she was unaware at the time she purchased the business. After eight months of wrangling with that lender, the end arrived.
This causes me to wonder about the due diligence done at the time of the sale. A purchaser expects to know the complete financial picture, but who does the checking? Some wise wag once said, “Trust but verify.”
Sort of makes that $5,000 look like only a pin prick, doesn’t it?
Good luck to Linda, wherever she lands. And to all the employees who stuck with her.
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8 comments:
Well its about time for that pinhead's (George Huene I mean) restaurant to close. Did they expext to sell the same food that you could get at angelos or anywhere else with a 300% profit tacked on to it? And the most expensive drinks in the town. Maybe if they lowered prices to become reasonable and realize who they are serving they would still be in business. The economy had nothing to do with it. If you were ever there at least a year ago you would know this day was coming.
I don't normally publish remarks like these of "ace" that show such disrespect and which do so anonymously. However, it's important to clarify that George Huene did not own or operate the Courthouse Grill during the last year. The current owner worked hard to make a go of this restaurant.
There is little to compare between the Courthouse Grill and Angelo's. Being in the restaurant business is expensive, and tricky. You have to charge enough to cover operating and fixed expenses, and then you try to have something left over for your own investment and time.
I'll venture a guess that "ace" works on a salary (no ups and downs in pay; no business-investment risk).
You have a lot to learn about me little man. I'll venture a guess that this whole blog shows such disrespect. You should apply for your blog to become a comic strip. Everbody needs a good laugh now and then.
Bummer
Seriously, "little man". Ace (I love that he considers himself an "ace".) has some issues. He needs a hug.
I laughed at ace's "little man" comment. He must have an inferiority complex to use such a phrase and hide behind "ace".
I think you're right; he needs a hug. I'll check down at the Woodstock Depot after hours and see if I can line up one of the guys to give it to him. I'm certainly not going to.
hahaha, you make me laugh gus. you were the one that needed to be hugged as a kid. do i need to bring up the whole picture in the park fiasco?
I also like how you consider yourself an "advocate". you are by far not even close to being one.
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