Sapporo on 4th Street Closed "Until Further Notice"

As my partner and I were heading to the Louisville Palace last night to see Weird Al (fabulous show as always), we wanted to catch a quick bite to eat beforehand. Our first choice was Sapporo as we were in a sushi mood, but alas, the restaurant was dark and a sign was posted on the door advising that they were closed "until further notice" and suggested dining at the Highlands location. This was apparently a recent development, as their Facebook page makes no mention of the closing, and diners had continued posting up until 6/19.

Usually the language "until further notice" translates to "closed permanently in this location." I don't really understand why restaurant owners do this. In my opinion, if a restaurant is closing permanently in a particular location, then just say it. Why the prevarication?

So, is this yet another case of overreaching landlord forcing out tenants due to increased rents or what? Or is it something as simple as a physical plant failure? Inquiring minds want to know.

Pondering aside, we went next door to Safier Mediterranean Deli. The food was quite tasty, abundant, and affordable.

Weird, we just ate there a few weeks ago. We were down there on a Saturday Night at prime time though, about 7 O clock or something, and there was barely anyone in the restaurant. Maybe it just didn't do good business there??

You have to be a special kind of restaurant to survive in that complex. Seems to be either feast or famine depending on what kind of convention/ events are in town. I think the perfect model is the Brazilian restaurant. It can go from just a few tables to a packed house with little effort.

[Robin Garr]

Pondering aside, we went next door to Safier Mediterranean Deli. The food was quite tasty, abundant, and affordable.

Did Marketplace cross your mind, or did it just seem too upscale for a quick meal? I think I would have erred in that direction even if we ended up with just cocktails and an app.

Going slightly on a tangent, Safier is fantastic. Robin, do yourself a favor and try their Chicken (or beef) shawarma, if you haven't already. Best $5.50 you may ever spend, trust me. If I could grill chicken that tasty I may never cook anything else.

[Robin Garr]

Going slightly on a tangent, Safier is fantastic.

Noted, and thanks, Steve. At the same time, Marketplace seems more like a destination for a date night ...

Sadly, just as 4th St was gaining some mojo, it took a turn in the wrong direction. Theater Square has weeds growing in it now; Cunningham's has torn paper in the windows hanging every which way; Sapporo now closed, and store fronts yet to be filled.

I called Cunningham's listing agent a few weeks ago to request that they send someone down to at least reapply the paper in the windows. Of course, "yes, we'll take care of it" wasn't taken care of. Can someone please tell the folks at Kindred to at least fence the area around the square to give signs of a future work site, instead of a scruff zone.

That all said, when just a short while ago I was proud to bring someone down 4th St, now I would rather avoid it for the time being. Visitors wandering around the area will get the impression of a place going downhill, rather than upward, which we know is the case.

Did Marketplace cross your mind, or did it just seem too upscale for a quick meal? I think I would have erred in that direction even if we ended up with just cocktails and an app.

My date wasn't inclined for anything particularly fancy (or expensive). We don't usually do cocktails (he doesn't drink alcohol at all and I am only occasionally in the mood for a margarita of the fruity variety).

As for me, I was hungry to the point of being hangry. We ran into friends who were also going to Safier, so we thought, "Why not?".

I had the vegetarian platter (choice of 4 items from a list). I had stuffed grape leaves, rice, spinach pie, and falafel. The platter came with pita and tahini, all for $10! My date and I split an order of pita with hummus. He had the fried tilapia. For a little bit over $30 (including tip) we basically waddled to the Palace for the show. I've discovered that I can eat a lot of Mediterranean food without coming away with that nauseated, stuffed feeling that American food will give me. We don't go downtown that often, but I plan on going back when we're in the neighborhood.

I also agree with the above post about how that block seems to be going downhill. Cunningham's and Sapporo aren't the only disappearing acts. Yafa Cafe also closed. With the Mercury Ballroom and the Palace Theater in that block, it seems short-sighted to not bring in some good, less expensive eateries for pre-concert crowds.

[Robin Garr]

We ran into friends who were also going to Safier, so we thought, "Why not?"

Makes sense to me, Terri! I just saw your post and thought, "Whoa, what about Marketplace?" But thanks for explaining your thought process. I can't quibble, and it sounds like you ended up with a fine meal.

Speaking of 4th St., say what you want about 4th St Live, but the recent announcement is good news. It looks like a few local people may even make there way down there if all comes to fruition as announced. With the arrival of the Embassy Suites, Hilton Gardens, and the future Omni, Covention Center, and Starks Building development 4st St Live is pretty low hanging fruit for making money in the not so distant future.

http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/n ... tment.html

Speaking of 4th St., say what you want about 4th St Live, but the recent announcement is good news. It looks like a few local people may even make there way down there if all comes to fruition as announced. With the arrival of the Embassy Suites, Hilton Gardens, and the future Omni, Covention Center, and Starks Building development 4st St Live is pretty low hanging fruit for making money in the not so distant future.

http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/n ... tment.html

I saw that same announcement about 4th Street and thought to myself "I Wonder How Much Is It Going to Cost Taxpayers"! Seems like everything it happens down there ends up costing Louisville taxpayers a small fortune and they never get any return on their investment. While the announcement makes it sound like a couple of the restaurants will be run by local chefs I really wonder if is what is going to happen? Even if they are I wonder if it will be enough to attract locals to the venue instead of just visitors to Louisville.

Speaking of 4th St., say what you want about 4th St Live, but the recent announcement is good news. It looks like a few local people may even make there way down there if all comes to fruition as announced. With the arrival of the Embassy Suites, Hilton Gardens, and the future Omni, Covention Center, and Starks Building development 4st St Live is pretty low hanging fruit for making money in the not so distant future.

http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/n ... tment.html

I saw that same announcement about 4th Street and thought to myself "I Wonder How Much Is It Going to Cost Taxpayers"! Seems like everything it happens down there ends up costing Louisville taxpayers a small fortune and they never get any return on their investment. While the announcement makes it sound like a couple of the restaurants will be run by local chefs I really wonder if is what is going to happen? Even if they are I wonder if it will be enough to attract locals to the venue instead of just visitors to Louisville.

Perhaps I'm too optimistic. But the article states that "A majority of the $6.8 million investment will come from the restaurant operators."

Much of this and the projected concepts remain to be seen. However, it is a different 4th St Live today than it was a decade ago. There is some serious density in the making and a whole different investment environment than before. In 3 years, when all the projects are up and running, there will be unprecidented foot traffic in that part of town. The Omni and Convention Center alone come in at more than $450 million. Add the Starks and whatever else with building turnovers and you have an area that doesn't have to beg for fast food franchises to fill the gaps.

Perhaps I'm too optimistic. But the article states that "A majority of the $6.8 million investment will come from the restaurant operators."

Normally the only kind of restaurant operators that can put up that kind of money to outfit a new restaurant are the big chains. Local restaurant operators would have a very hard time coming up with anywhere near that type of money. That's one of the reasons that I'm skeptical of what type of restaurants are really going to be there.

Perhaps I'm too optimistic. But the article states that "A majority of the $6.8 million investment will come from the restaurant operators."

Normally the only kind of restaurant operators that can put up that kind of money to outfit a new restaurant are the big chains. Local restaurant operators would have a very hard time coming up with anywhere near that type of money. That's one of the reasons that I'm skeptical of what type of restaurants are really going to be there.

I guess it also dépends on how we do the accounting. For example, Beam was reported to be investing $5.2 million into their Urban Stillhouse on 4th St. As for local investments, I think the stakes are being raised in general. For example, the Doc Crow group is investing about $3.2 million in their 2 new projects on the riverfront (part of which is coming from Steve Poe at Riverpark Place). Boombozz reportedly invested $600,00-$700,000 into the new St Mathews location. So I guess we'll just have to wait and see. But I still think that a 4th St Live location will turn out to be expensive, yet potentially very viable in the next few years.

I hope the new operators took note of the bad experiences other local restauranteurs have had with Cordish and negotiated some more favorable - or at least more dependable - terms on their lease.