The city center of GR sees the closure of popular restaurants in the middle of economic challenges
Large rapids, Michigan – The Grand Rapids city center has seen several bars and restaurants are constantly closing their doors in recent days, including Beacon Corner Bar and Rockwell Republic.
Drew Schneider, owner of Beacon Corner Bar, quoted the challenges in progress from the Covid-19 pandemic as a reason for closing.
“Day to to to be to-oxy, when it’s when nothing happens here, it’s … I think it’s more difficult to shoot a crowd,” said Schneider.
Daren Bower
He added that insufficient sales and the rise in seafood prices due to inflation contributed to the decision to close the establishment.
Rockwell Republic, a 17-year-old game in downtown Grand Rapids, also announced its closure. The owner Jeffl Lobdell said: “All the reduction in consumer demand, associated with considerably higher operating costs, forced the company to operate significantly for more than four years.”
Daren Bower
Dr. Paul Isely, associate dean of the Seidman College of Business of the Grand Valley State University, explained the broader economic factors in play.
“Right now, there are many companies that are struggling to cost; they are struggling with demand; they have trouble that consumers are changing, and not all companies will,” said Isily.
He noted that many customers have less disposable income to eat outside, which led them to eat less frequently or to choose cheaper options.
Daren Bower
ISELLY also underlined an additional challenge specific to downtown establishments: parking costs. “It makes them more difficult for them to survive. Because it increases the cost of being there,” he said.
Despite the fence of the Beacon Corner bar, Schneider continues to operate Sanchez Bistro next door and envisages future plans for the vacant space.
Daren Bower
“I am so kind to all those who have been part of Beacon and who want him to succeed. It is regrettable that this is not the case,” said Schneider.
Jeff Lobdell, owner of Rockwell Republic, published the following declaration:
It is with a heavy heart and a lot of sorrow that I have to announce the closure of Rockwell Republic.
Rockwell Republic, a beloved gathering place, opened in May 2008 and brought a mixture of American and Asian cuisine, high-end spirits and innovative craft cocktails in a chicago-esque atmosphere inside its 140-year-old historic building. Many attribute the opening of this company for helping to revitalize the HeartSide district of downtown Grand Rapids. During his 17th anniversary, Rockwell Republic received numerous prizes and distinctions and was known to have the best Happy Hour, the best sushi, the best Bloody Marys and the best brunch.
This decision, which I have planned for more than two years, has not been taken lightly, because the closure of a restaurant is a very difficult decision, especially when it involves many formidable staff who work hard and support each other like a family. And even if everyone will be offered a position in an affiliated place, this does not remove the bite to break these links.
Rockwell Republic, like many restaurants and bars in the city center through our state and our nation, have never completely recovered from the descending spiral created by the pandemic and the new dynamics of fewer people working in offices in urban areas that venture for food and drinks. In addition, a tendency to attend the end of the evening bars, less consumption of food and on -site drinks in restaurants, taverns, bars and pubs, and a tendency of less public socialization.
All of the consumer demand reduction, associated with considerably higher operating costs, forced the company to operate significantly for more than four years. As much as I like this brand and this place, the growing monthly losses could no longer be endured. With these huge budgetary challenges and the punitive commercial climate with which restaurants and full service bars face through our country, but especially in the city center, I unfortunately have no choice but to close.
I want to exercise my deepest gratitude to wonderful customers and incredible staff, who have all played an essential role in the special meeting Rockwell Republic. The relationships we have established, the unforgettable moments that we have shared, and the memories that we have created together will always be cherished.
Thank you, Jeff Lobdell
The city center of Grand Rapids sees the closure of popular restaurants in the middle of economic challenges
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