July 4 closings? Really?

[Robin Garr]

I heard, er, saw a rumor on Facebook that some local eateries might be closing on July 4, even though it's a Friday ... and even in NuLu where it's also First Friday trolley hop.

This seems unlikely, but could it be true? Can anyone confirm, with specifics?

Got an e-mail from Varanese saying they were closed.

Last week Hiko-a-Mon told me they would be closed, but today they opened up on Open Table, so that may have changed.

We have family coming to stay with us, and I've been searching restaurants. Among those closed are Clover Lane, Bistro 1860, Provence, Corbetts, Decca, Dish, Equus, Henry's Place, Jeff Ruby, and La Coop. I found those from Open Table, as none of these are listed for Friday, but all pop up for Thursday and Saturday.

I also got an email message the other day from Selena's and they will also be closed on Friday. They will reopen on Saturday. They are also going to have another Boil next Wednesday, the 9th with shrimp, softshell crabs and frogs legs, crabs and frog legs can either be sautéed or fried!

Got an e-mail from Varanese saying they were closed.

John closes every year and spends a ridiculous amount of money and time on the community. You'll find us after sunset in Washburn Park.

I know it has the potential for being a big income day for restaurants but I think it's great that they are closing. A "reinvesting" in family and community time.

You'll find us after sunset in Washburn Park.

Now I now who is to blame for keeping me up all night.

The J. Gumbo's on UL campus is closing because
1. It's summer and my customer base (students) is already down by 60%
2. It's a long weekend that starts tonight at 4pm for many people.
3. It's picnic holiday so many will be hitting grocery stores for steaks and potato chips, not restaurants.
4. With a long weekend, you get lots of travel to visit friends and family elsewhere, so you lose a lot of locals.
5. Most of my neighbors (restaurants) are also closing, so I can risk being the only port in the storm, or I can take a cue from people who have been in business here longer than I have.
6. It never hurts to give employees a holiday off to spend time with family.

The numbers are on the side of closing for us.

[Robin Garr]

closing because ...

Thanks for sharing the insider's perspective, Ronnie! Good to know.

The J. Gumbo's on UL campus is closing because
1. It's summer and my customer base (students) is already down by 60%
2. It's a long weekend that starts tonight at 4pm for many people.
3. It's picnic holiday so many will be hitting grocery stores for steaks and potato chips, not restaurants.
4. With a long weekend, you get lots of travel to visit friends and family elsewhere, so you lose a lot of locals.
5. Most of my neighbors (restaurants) are also closing, so I can risk being the only port in the storm, or I can take a cue from people who have been in business here longer than I have.
6. It never hurts to give employees a holiday off to spend time with family.

The numbers are on the side of closing for us.

I agree with Ronnie, most picnic holidays, Memorial, Independence, and Labor Day, even Father's Day are excruciatingly slow. Unless you are within a tourist area or by a lake, it makes financial sense to close. Not to mention the positive good will with employees.

6. It never hurts to give employees a holiday off to spend time with family.

The numbers are on the side of closing for us.

Obviously you have to look at it from a business perspective but in my mind this should have been the number one reason.

Personally I think more places (and not just restaurants) should close on the "traditional" holidays...Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day...and don't get me started about working on Thanksgiving (or as they are calling it in retail "Black Thursday" Closing and giving your employees some -quality- time off is just the "right" thing to do.

Taking it one step further, while you won't see me drinking from their -whole- pitcher of Kool Aid, I think places like Chik-Filet and Hobby Lobby have it right when they are closed on Sunday.

[Robin Garr]

I think places like Chik-Filet and Hobby Lobby have it right when they are closed on Sunday.

How does that work out for their Jewish and Muslim employees? Or do they get around it by limiting their hiring to those washed in the blood of the Lamb?

I think places like Chik-Filet and Hobby Lobby have it right when they are closed on Sunday.

How does that work out for their Jewish and Muslim employees? Or do they get around it by limiting their hiring to those washed in the blood of the Lamb?

While they do have employees who are of many faiths (and even some Gay employees in some locations!), these employees get to have Sundays off, as that is what 100% of the franchisees (and corporate owners) believe.

Everyone knows by now about their opinion of Gays, but someday read about what you have to go through to be a franchisee - amazing! (in few words, it's a multi-year vetting that involves multiple interviews with your children and (most importantly) your minister to be sure you are a practicing Christian)

I think places like Chik-Filet and Hobby Lobby have it right when they are closed on Sunday.

How does that work out for their Jewish and Muslim employees? Or do they get around it by limiting their hiring to those washed in the blood of the Lamb?

I like it when a place has built-in day off and are closed. Lots of restaurants close on Monday's. Usually for non-ideological reasons.
I remember a time when almost everything was closed on Sundays. I never really considered it because of religion, although it may have been the intent. It was a day for everyone to unplug and enjoy family time. That was also back when 9-5 Monday through Friday was the normal work week.
Here I go waxing nostalgic again!!!

I think places like Chik-Filet and Hobby Lobby have it right when they are closed on Sunday.

How does that work out for their Jewish and Muslim employees? Or do they get around it by limiting their hiring to those washed in the blood of the Lamb?

I like it (not) how you automatically -assume- my remark was meant/made in some religious context Just for clarity, it was not. I really don't care -why- Chik Filet or Hobby Lobby...or for that matter Joe's Diner, Tattoo and Oil Change close on Sunday, I just happen to think it is the one day of they week where for whatever reason people would appreciate NOT working whether that is because of religious beliefs or simply to recover from a hangover.

I agree with you Rick. I loved being closed on Sundays, it was a day to sleep. Sadly, Free Market Capitalism killed that back in the 80's, so now you have to be open or risk losing share.

Steve,
I apologize. My list was not intended to reflect priority. My priority is always on having a day off.