Two popular local eateries closing
Two popular local eateries will be closing, one possibly permanently, the other potential for one year. Each has its unique reasons for closing, but both, are a trending pattern of challenges to the restaurant industry in general. Both ma and pa places and national restaurants alike are feeling the quasi-post-pandemic troubles due to changes in lifestyle, rising food costs, low inventory, supply demands, and worker shortages. Topp Hat’s Kickin’ Chicken will be closing for at least one year as the result of family health issues and Barbs Country Kitchen because of what is currently hurting the hospitality industry in general. Both businesses were always visibly busy.
A press release was issued on June 4 from owner Bob Bowman, that made the announcement to the community letting people know about the closure, “ATTENTION TO ALL OUR BARB’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN
FAMILY!!!! It is with great mixed emotions of sadness, frustration, anger, and pure disgust, that Barb and I, after much prayer, discussions, and sleepless nights are announcing that due to situations out of our control: health issues, continued rising costs of goods sold, and the inability to obtain the goods needed to operate efficiently we are CLOSING BARB’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!!!!
“We have thoroughly enjoyed our business and have literally poured our hearts and souls into this business for over the last 2 and half years. It’s literally ripped our hearts out to announce this!!!
“This is not an easy decision we make, and as we have stated to our friends and family, it’s not because we couldn’t sell groceries and meals, it’s due to us not being able to keep up with rising costs and prepare and sell our food at a proper profit margin. Prices increase faster than we can keep up.
“So with all this being said, we want to tell each and everyone that came into our lives, You meant the world to us and WILL ALWAYS BE PART OF OUR FAMILY!!! WE WILL GREATLY MISS YAL!!! THIS ISN’T GOODBYE. JUST SEE YA LATER!!! MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YAL!!! BOB AND BARBARA BOWMAN.”
A number of loyal patrons expressed disappointment and support on social media. Susan Holden Youngker said “I’m so sorry, bless y’all’s heart!! Richard and I just moved here from AZ a year ago and have enjoyed eating at your restaurant. It’s always very good… Again, I’m so sorry.”
On June 1, Topp Hat’s Kickin’ Chicken announced, “We are sad to announce we will be shutting down operations for at least a year to care for our son Donovan. Donovan is recovering but the road to healing is still an ongoing battle. Sometimes, the things we can’t change ends up changing us in the end. Please continue to follow our Facebook page to be notified of upcoming events and Saturday pop-ups in the community.
“We treasure the relationships built with our customers over the past three years. You made us a successful business with a FIVE STAR rating on both Google and Facebook, and we thank you for your loyalty and support. This fantastic journey wouldn’t have been possible without you.”
Amy O’Rear Stewart, a customer, shared on social media that they, “had been a WONDERFUL addition to Atlanta’s food industry. Lots of prayers for you all. For healing for Donovan and strength for your family. I know this was a decision not made lightly. We’ll all be here for the grand reopening whenever that may be.”
The hospitality industry is reeling to find workers to keep doors open for both local and national restaurants. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, “Leisure and hospitality lost 1 million workers in November 2021, but 1.2 million people were hired into the industry that same month. In fact, leisure and hospitality have maintained the highest hiring rate of all industries since November 2020 at 8.1 percent. This is compared to the national hiring rate of 4.4 percent.” One popular local restaurant, not wanting to be named has said that this is one of their biggest challenges to staying open.
Also, in addition to the common, food shortages, “A recent National Restaurant Association survey revealed that 95% of restaurants in the US had experienced considerable supply delays or shortages in recent months, which is concerning. Remember that equipment, such as ovens, has become almost impossible to secure, and some crucial pieces take six months to come in,” notes Forbs.
The National Restaurant Association reported that “everything, from proteins to dish soap to fryer oil, packaging materials, and in some cases, even replacement parts for kitchen equipment, is in short supply. And, when a restaurateur can get his or her hands on those items, they can’t seem to get enough of them and are paying much higher prices for what they can get.” Many industries have been restricted to purchasing limited quantities at higher prices. 50Kitchen reports that “restaurant owners are finding themselves stuck in hard catch 22 situations. If they have to pay increased rates for ingredients, they either have to stop making certain menu items or increase the prices. Both options can quickly cause a decrease in sales. Another issue is that restaurants are struggling to make a profit. Running a restaurant during good economic times is difficult. After 2020 it is becoming more and more challenging.
“Most restaurant owners would tell you that weekend profits have to pay for weekday losses. Many restaurants struggle to break even on a Tuesday night, but sales made on a Friday can help cover that. The new issue is that these increased ingredient cost margins have decreased profits throughout the week. Many restaurant owners have had to close certain days, shorten hours, or find other solutions to handle the fact that they are not gaining a wide enough profit margin between the cost of the ingredients and their sales.”