The Redding Roadhouse, a town landmark restaurant for almost 30 years (and before that) at 406 Redding Rd., is closing its doors, the restaurant announced this week.
"We have tried to negotiate with our landlords but have been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with them," the restaurant said in an online announcement (for an extended excerpt of the announcement, see below).
"Accordingly, without a new arrangement, the unfortunate results are the closure of a small business, the demise of an iconic restaurant and Redding landmark, and, most importantly, the loss of 30 jobs."
According to an article in the Redding Pilot, the landlord said negotiations failed between the restaurant owners and landlord to buy the property, then rent payments stopped in February.
One of the restaurant owners said that they found problems with the property when they investigated it further, then the two sides couldn't reach an agreement on the price, according to the article.
The owners have referred to a 30-year history for the Roadhouse, but an eatery and bar may have existed on the site much earlier, according to a Patch article from 2011:
"'It’s been said he used to come into this when it was an old stagecoach inn-type place and write in the tavern,' [said Donna Roberts, then one of the co-owners]. 'There’s no proof of that, though.'”
"At one point, the building [...] was known as the Mark Twain Inn, offering travelers a place to lay their head. Over the years, the inn became a biker’s hangout, Roberts said."
Closure announcement
The restaurant posted this farewell message online:
"Dear friends & fans of the Redding Roadhouse—
"We write with news that is hard to believe and unfortunate for all. After almost 30 years of business, the Redding Roadhouse will close its doors this coming Saturday night, May 17, 2014.
"We have tried to negotiate with our landlords but have been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with them. Accordingly, without a new arrangement, the unfortunate results are the closure of a small business, the demise of an iconic restaurant and Redding landmark, and, most importantly, the loss of 30 jobs.
"In our two years of ownership, we have connected with so many wonderful people and felt truly welcomed by the community that we sought to give back through our work and partnerships with the Mark Twain Library, the local schools, and other civic and charitable organizations.
"We have helped raise money for important and dear causes, as well as supported the local economy by purchasing from our friends at Holbrooks, Sport Hill, The Hickories, and many more fantastic local and artisan businesses.
"We have helped create lasting lifetime memories with our event guests that we were so fortunate to host.
"Everyone at the Redding Roadhouse is truly grateful for the support we have received the last few years and look forward to our future endeavors. We have made great friends and hope that their support will cary on through whatever comes next.
"For the rest of this week we will be open at 4 p.m. for Happy Hour and dinner will be served. We will begin limiting our menu and have arranged to donate remaining inventory to the CT Food Bank and other food pantries in the area.
[...]
"Please join us this coming weekend for a last hurrah! Milton plays Friday night with special guest Dylan Connor. Stuntfish will close out the night on Saturday. Drinks will be plentiful and well-priced. As they say ... 'It's no good tomorrow!'
[...]
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