the power of hear say!? and this site

Its quite amazing how word gets around fast in this community. One could do anything in the world within the restaurant community in Louisville and it would be posted on here faster than one could even say S&*! WE all need to recognize that things change, people move on and businesses get sold. I just want to say that before posting RUMORS about anything, just wait a few days or possibly a Pm back to get the real story (they always appear on here right? Use the PM button to ask questions directly!) It could be detrimental in any form to post such acquisitions that accuse independant restaurants closing or selling to corporate restaurants without knowing the truth. I post this is reference to Mojitos/Havan Rhumba. Fernando and his wife, family and partners are great people and to start rumors simply isnt fair. How in the world could anyone of their caliber(or any other locally owned restaurant) just abruptly sell to some crappy chain? The private owned restaurants are the ones who care about the food, the service and want the best for their "local public." How many times have ya' been into a chain and recognized "none of the staff really cares?" Im not bashing corporate at all, but its the truth, do you ever meet the owner, talk to the chef, be seated by the owners wife, lets just say this "be taken care of?" Fernando and his wife are "stand up" restauranteurs" NOT "sell-outs" Im upset they are leaving but, let them follow their dreams. If the opportunity knocks, would you do it? I'd say yes.

Keep it local

Thats all Folks!

Well said, Chris.

I would like to point out that many times the "rumor" may be created or perceived by the way a post is framed. This may in fact be a very good place to confirm or deny a rumor, but if you are unsure it may be helpful to frame the post as a question rather than a statement of fact.

[Robin Garr]

You make some good points, Chris, but let's clarify a thing or two here:

1. As a general rule, my preferred policy for this forum is just as you suggest: If you hear a rumor, check it out. THEN post it fast, before somebody sends a news release to the Gannett newspaper.

2. In the specific case of Fernando moving, the "rumors" were started by a new member who had never posted in this forum until she arrived here to open this topic. Many would consider it wise for a new member in any community to sit back and get a sense of the culture before jumping in, but we can't ensure that.

3. Speaking broadly, the many participants in this forum are, with few exceptions, passionate food lovers who strongly support Louisville's independent restaurant industry. We love our local eateries. We love to talk about them. And we claw hungrily for news about them. Yes, sometimes this leads to a rough patch where a false rumor is printed (and is generally knocked down very fast), or when news breaks before the PR agency can get the formal word out (too bad, so sad). Bottom line, however, is that local industry folks should be DELIGHTED to have a sizable corps of strong supporters working together here, beating the drum to SUPPORT our local dining community. In these tough times, now more than ever.