Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of July, 2015: Many food suppliers/distributors are consolidating operations and killing jobs due to the collapsing grocery store and restaurant industries, as well as rising costs of food production, spread of disease and extreme weather.
The Greek debt crisis will affect olive oil and wine exports to the United States, which will result in higher prices.
13 states are now suing the Obama regime over the right to access their own water. The federal Clean Water Act’s Waters of the U.S. rule allows the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prevent farmers and municipalities access to water and goes into effect in August. The 13 states challenging the Obama regime are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.
Arizona: In Tucson, after eight years On a Roll Sushi restaurant shutdown. The landlord put the building up for sale and the restaurant owner is sure any new landlord will jack up his rent, so he’s getting out now as his lease is almost up. Haggen announced an undisclosed number of layoffs at their Grand Canyon State operations, due to “unprecedented” competition.
California: Torrance based grocery store chain Fresh & Easy announced it will shutdown 14 stores! Administrators said “…progress was not enough to bring their performance in line with the rest of the business.” This is on top of the 55 Fresh & Easy stores closed across several states earlier this year. In Newark, Raley’s grocery store suddenly shutdown, blaming “…decreasing number of customers and decreasing sales.” In San Jose, the owners of Palo’s said they’re being forced to close both their restaurants because “…our landlord has chosen not to extend our lease.” Albertsons-Safeway issued yet another layoff WARN for Pleasanton, another 14 people being let go in September. Beverage delivery company DS Services of America issued shutdown WARNs for Los Angeles and Pasadena, 320 jobs lost by the end of September! After 71 years of “Made with Love & Lard” Oakland’s La Borinquena Mex-icatessen shutdown. The owners also shutdown their La Snackeria operation. They said they need to retire to “catch our breath”. In Berkeley, after 18 years popular Pyramid Alehouse shutdown. The building is being sold-off and the owners of the Alehouse will focus on ops in Oregon and Washington. Even the rich and famous are cutting back spending. In Beverly Hills the upscale Hakkasan restaurant shutdown, the owners also admitted that their Las Vegas operation is losing money as well. In Oakland, after 40 years the owners of Bay Wolf restaurant announced they will shut it down in August. They want to retire, so they’re selling the property. In Los Angeles, after ten years Sushi Central shutdown due to the greedy landlord selling the property. In West Hollywood, after 41 years the French Quarter restaurant shutting down ‘officially’ for remodeling, but local news reports say the new owners might actually be tearing the whole thing down for some unknown construction project. Amy’s Baking Company shutting down. The owners blame the landlord for complaining about “weird odors”. In Wilmington, State Fish Company shutting down by September, 76 jobs lost. Washington based Starbucks shutting down two Bay Bread operations in September. The closure of Bay Bread’s South San Francisco and San Fernando bakeries will result in 171 people becoming jobless! In Brentwood, it was discovered by local newsies that Cafe Röckenwagner quietly shutdown. In Fullerton, after 20 years Steamers Jazz Club & Cafe shutdown. The owner admitted he’s been trying to sell the place for the past four years, apparently he finally sold it to a brewery. In Oakhurst, popular Grocery Discount Center shutting down in August. It’s blamed on the death of one of the owners. Locals say the business will be missed: “I have watched them feed the poor, pray for the hurting … it’s like a family here …”-Debra Burnett
Haggen began laying off 8-hundred employees and cutting work hours for the rest, after taking over 83 California grocery stores from the recently created Albertsons-Safeway (a total of 146 Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Safeway stores across the country were sold to Haggen as part of the Albertsons Safeway merger)! Grocery industry analysts say get ready for more changes from Haggen: “This is the biggest conversion in Southern California or anywhere else in the last 15 to 20 years. It’s going to be evolutionary to go through the transition and correct the pricing and everything else that comes up.”-Burt Flickinger 3rd, Strategic Resource Group
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) has revealed that Washington based grocer Haggen drastically reduced working hours for hundreds of cashiers. In San Jose, after 33 years Sousa’s Restaurant shutdown, the 73 years old owner sold out to property developers. The city of Garden Grove shutting down Joe’s Italian Ice by August. The city owns the land has has sold out to a hotel developer! In Berkeley, after 40 years Nabolom Collective Bakery shutdown without explanation.
Connecticut: In East Hampton, popular restaurant Governor’s Tavern shutdown due to water problems that an uncoperative landlord won’t fix. After 32 years the Red Barn Restaurant shutdown, no explanation. After two years the owner of S&S Sweet Treats shutting down her Torrington ice cream shop in September: “Essentially there is a lack of support for small businesses and a small business simply cannot exist without its community’s support.”-Tina Pesillo
After 15 years The Stone House restaurant shutdown due to “Recently, we lost one of our dearest shareholders. This loss has affected some of us greatly, and between the hardships we suffered and this loss, the opportunity that was presented by the unsolicited offer came at a time when some of us needed to rethink our lives and priorities.”-Dolores and Jim Quinlivan, owners
Stone House Restaurant shutdown after being bought out by the non-profit Rothberg Institute: “We were just going about our day-to-day operations when a realtor said someone was interested in buying this building. We weren’t actively thinking about selling, but this was an opportunity for us to get out before another storm hit and we were left with nothing.”-Peter Hamme, co-owner
Delaware: Pike Creek Coffee Roasterie announced that “Due to increasing health concerns of the owner, we are scaling back our business…”. The now bankrupt A&P grocery chain will shutdown two Delaware stores. Casino Dover Downs revealed it eliminated 48 jobs over the past three months, twice what it originally claimed: “When we cut those table games, it had a domino effect. We ended up not needing food and beverage workers, valet operators and other jobs that provided services during that same time period.”-Denis McGlynn, ceo
Florida: In Miami Beach, the restaurant L’echon Brasserie ended its Hilton Cabana Hotel operation. After 70 years Fox’s Lounge (aka Fox’s Sharron Inn) shutting down, property speculators are tearing it down to build a hotel. Restaurant Dockside Dave’s on Gulf Boulevard in Saint Pete Beach shutdown. Reports say the bad economy was making it difficult for the owners to run two restaurants. Vizen sushi restaurant shutdown. Critics said it was good but too expensive. Moore’s Stonecrab shutdown, reports say a new restaurant will open, a year and a half from now! In Lake Park, the only Dunkin’ Donuts with waitresses shutting down. The 53 years old uniquely rebelious Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant also served burgers-n-hot dogs and other things the other Dunkin’ Donuts joints don’t serve, but corporate communist weenie heads cracked down and are forcing it to turn into a plane ol’ boring Dunkin’ Donuts shop. In Tallahassee, after 30 years Tally’s Grille shutdown without warning, loyal customers lamented “We just came here for regular breakfast and saw the sign on the door. …don’t know what we’re going to do now!”
Georgia: In Columbus, after 20 years Millie’s International Market shutting down due to the owner’s health problems. Restaurant Timone’s shutdown: “Unfortunately, we’ve arrived at a tough crossroads, and I’ve decided to close Timone’s.”-Ron Eyester
Idaho: “We dodged a bullet last year. But we’re not going to dodge it this year. We’re going to go down.” so says southeast Idaho economist Ben Eborn who warns that the strong USD and 15 years long drought might finally kill off Idaho’s farmers. In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared more than 90% of Idaho’s 44 counties to be food production disaster areas because of the 15 years long drought! Never has the USDA declared an entire state a disaster area! Clearwater County declaring a state of emergency as the 15 years long drought has killed off 66.67% of the local wheat crop! The Idaho Barley Commission is asking other barely production states to unite to fight growing problems with the growing, selling and transportation of the crop. Idaho is the largest producer of barely in the United States. Idaho sees growing transportation costs hindering the competitiveness of U.S. barely and wants investments to “ensuring a more competitive transportation infrastructure to move barley and malt more competitively to markets across the country and in neighboring markets in Latin America.” In eastern Idaho participating farmers (a little more than 20) in the Thresher Artisan Wheat sustainability program reporting good results; 17% more bushels of winter wheat per acre than farms not in the program. 18% less energy used (fertilizer, electricity, fuel). Improved water efficiency by 17% and reduced greenhouse gases by 19%. General Mills started the program and reports say corporate farmer Simplot will join the program. In Meridian, after 26 years Miss Tami’s restaurant shutting down. The owner said the economy is forcing them to scale down to a catering/drive thru operation only. In Ketchum, after less than five years Main Street Market grocery store shutting down in August. The operators blame escalating rent: “The original five-year lease term is ending, and it did not make sense to extend the lease for the required seven-year commitment.”
The state Department of Labor reports that personal farm income fell 18%, and profits crashed 23% from the end of 2014! Economists say expect more crashing & burning: “We’re looking at soft prices for every crop in the state basically, except for beef. Cash receipts will be way, way down this year.”-Garth Taylor, University of Idaho
Illinois: Decatur based container shipper Trans Coastal Supply blaming GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) corn for forcing it into chapter 11 bankruptcy. Last year massive shipments of GMO corn from the U.S. were rejected by China, costing Trans Coastal Supply big money. They tried to sue the Switzerland based company that made the GMO corn. The 2014 lawsuit alleged that U.S. farmers, who grow corn for China, were sold the GMO corn by Syngenta even though China bans GMO corn. Farm vehicle maker Deere (formerly known as John Deere) continues to eliminate jobs. This time 160 people in Moline were rendered jobless without warning! It’s being called an “inventory adjustment shutdown”. Administrators say sales continue to crash, and they expect sales to continue to crash for the rest of the year. In Chicago, events organizer Red Frog Events laid off 29 employees. It’s connected to their takeover of D.J. National Food Service. General Mills shutting down their West Chicago food factory by 2017, at least 5-hundred jobs lost! This will be the 3rd General Mills factory in West Chicago to shutdown! It’s part of their Project Century plan to deal with crashing sales. Unionized employees said “…it’s all about money now.” Cyrano’s Farm Kitchen has been sold and will shutdown in August, the now former owner saying “I just need to move on.” In Peoria, “After more than 30 years of creating ‘smiles made from scratch’ for central Illinois, our last day of operation will be July 11.”–Apple’s Bakery In Skokie, after 50 years Jack’s Restaurant shutdown, the property is being sold so the owner can retire. The Bunge North America grain elevator in Fulton shutting down by the end of the month: “Fulton requires a significant investment in its barge loading equipment to keep it operating effectively. It would not be cost effective to make the upgrade based on market conditions…”-Deb Seidel
Deerfield based food conglomerate Mondelez International announced it will eliminate 6-hundred jobs in Chicago, as part of a new round of $130-million USD in ‘investments’ into “…four state-of-the-art manufacturing lines — ‘Lines of the Future’ — at….Salinas, Mexico.” In other words, automated bakeries. In Joliet, Glasscock Farm shutdown their corn growing ops. The owner said he had to sell most of the property as a matter economic survival: “…I sold the land at 125 times what my father paid for it back in 1959, and now I have an inheritance to put food on the table.”-Scott Glasscock
Indiana: In South Bend, pasta restaurant Ciao’s shutting down, the owner doesn’t know what he’s going to do. In Fort Wayne, after 39 years Abby Brown’s Candy Shoppe shutting down in August, due to the death of one of the co-owners. Dean Foods (aka Dean’s) issued a WARN saying it will shutdown its Rochester factory, 138 jobs lost in October! 58 years old Double 8 grocery chain shutdown its four grocery stores without warning: “…got a phone call at 6:09 telling me there was no need to come to work.”-Janice Anderson, former employee
“…we have Closed All of our Stores today, Thursday, July 23, 2015……Unfortunately, our declining revenues was too much of a challenge to overcome.”-Double 8 statement
Iowa: News reports out of Des Moines report skyrocketing egg prices, and turkey shortages, due to the H5N2 bird flu. Grocery chains Hy-Vee and Fareway report that while turkey prices are steady supply is crashing, forcing them to ration: “We just receive a percentage of what we normally get, then we allocate that out to our stores.”-John Turner, Fareway Stores
The price of eggs in grocery stores have tripled, and at restaurants diners are paying an average of 25 cents more per egg. One restaurant owner said the high price of eggs has jacked up the cost of making pancakes by $1,200 USD, per week: “It’s really starting to get pricey. We hope it will be a short-lived situation.”-David “Stoney” Stone, Waveland Cafe
Kansas: After less than one year the new owners of two years old YOLO Grill shutting it down because “…YOLO Grill hasn’t had the volume to support itself…” In Manhattan, the country’s oldest Pizza Hut shutdown after 55 years due to crashing sales. The franchise owner lamented “…in 1960….No one here even knew what a pizza was! Imagine that! But I don’t think I would have guessed how big Pizza Hut ….would get either.”
After 22 years Bella Luna Cafe shutdown. It’s being blamed on a recent death in the family and trying to run three restaurants at one time: “It’s not about money for me. It’s about being happy, and I’m not happy…”– Matteo Taha
Kentucky: Bankrupt food producer Gourmet Express was sold off, and now their Muhlenberg County factory is shutdown, at least 81 jobs lost. In Benton, after 40 years the King Brothers grocery store shutdown. Green Market Regional Food Co-op shutdown in Glascow: “…there’s just not enough people who are interested in this who are willing to pay the little extra it is to get it here in Glasgow. The people who have the money drive to Nashville or to Louisville and go to Whole Foods.”-Mary Stockler, co-op volunteer
Maine: A 45 years old Arby’s roast beef sandwich shop shutting down in Bangor, 20 jobs lost. There are now only five Arby’s in Maine. In Bath, after 57 years Gilmore’s Seafood shutdown, the owner forced to sell the property and blames the bad economy: “…it’s not been as good was it was in the late 80′s early 90′s….nowadays, it’s not the same. A two month gig in July and August, and the rest of the year isn’t that great.”-Ben Gilmore
Maryland: In Gaitherburg, Largent’s restaurant shutdown, the chef blamed “a variety of reasons”. After seven years restaurant Clementine shutdown. The co-owner said she’s focusing on catering only because it’s not a good time to run a restaurant: “…is the toughest business ever. It’s really, really, really hard. There are just so many moving parts, and we’re working so many hours. And our events schedule has really been picking up. You start to ask yourselves, ‘What’s going to give?’”-Cristin Dadant
Massachusetts: In Wayland, J.J. Mckay’s restaurant and Beyond Beans bakery shutdown. In Hamilton, after six years Winfrey’s Fudge & Chocolates shutdown “…due to the lack of parking and foot traffic.” In Somerville, after 46 years Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant and Music Club shutting down by 2016. The owner wants to ‘repurpose’ the property as a mixed retail-residential building.
Michigan: In Kalamazoo, sandwich shop Panini Express shutting down their City Center drive thru window because it “was hindering opportunities to expanded production for larger groups.” The Royal Park Hotel’s 11 years old Brookshire restaurant shutdown, because it became “passé”.
Minnesota: Golden Valley based food producer General Mills revealed Project Century, a plan to shutdown dozens of factories and eliminate 2-thousand 5-hundred jobs! General Mills also runs Project Catalyst, which has eliminated 8-hundred ‘white-collar’ jobs! Just last month General Mills announced a new Project Compass which will eliminate 725 jobs over the next 12 months, and is in edition to the other two projects! In Saint Paul, after 30 years the 7th Street Tavern shutting down by the end of the month. It’s blamed on crashing sales due to crashing customer traffic at the mini-mall location. Near Hastings, after about 60 years The Point restaurant shutdown. It’s been sold to convenience store/gas station operator SSG, who already owns the surrounding land.
Mississippi: In Hattiesburg, after 30 years restaurant Cuco’s shutting down in August. The owner blames a 2012 shooting incident which scared off customers, plus increased competition: “The shooting completely destroyed my business…..The other reason is that there’s so many other Mexican restaurants in town….I haven’t made any money on this place in a couple of years….I’ve been putting my retirement money in it, too.”-Ricardo Mussiett
Missouri: Canadian news reports revealed that Kansas City based Kansas City Southern Railway will layoff at least 110 people! It’s blamed on crashing shipments for the oil and agricultural industries. Bermuda based Bunge shutting down its cooking oil packaging factory in Bradley by 2016, about 210 jobs lost! Administrators are consolidating operations. General Mills shutting down their Joplin food factory, 120 jobs lost! It’s part of their Project Century plan to deal with crashing sales.
Montana: The USDA designated 15 counties as disaster areas due to the drought.
Nebraska: Be’ne Pizza and Pasta shutting down after 14 years. Canadian news reports revealed that Omaha based Union Pacific Railroad will furlough at least 1-thousand employees! Union Pacific is the largest U.S. railroad operator by sales. The Canadian news reports said it wasn’t just Union Pacific but several railroad companies across North America will be eliminating jobs due to crashing sales caused by the oil and agricultural industries: “The whole market is surprised at the rapid plunge….The challenge is trying to align the size of the network in real time with demand that’s shifting in surprising ways.”-Keith Schoonmaker, Morningstar railroad analyst
Nevada: Haggen announced an undisclosed number of layoffs across their Silver State operations, due to “unprecedented” competition. Grocer Fresh & Easy shutting down three stores in the Las Vegas metro area, by the beginning of August.
New Jersey: Dale and Thomas Popcorn issued a WARN saying they will shutdown their Englewood popcorn factory in August, the remaining 53 jobs lost. 56 employees were laid off a few months ago, the company is moving operations to Indiana. 37 years old Park and Orchard restaurant sold off and will eventually be shutdown by new owner. Food flavor additive maker Frutarom shutting down their North Bergen operations by August, 50 jobs lost. It’s blamed on the millions of dollars spent taking over British empire United Kingdom company FoodBlenders and Belgian company Taiga International. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) issued multiple WARNs saying eight Pathmark grocery stores will shutdown by September, a total of 867 jobs lost! Montvale based Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) now chapter 11 bankrupt busted (again) and will shutdown at least 25 stores and sell-off at least 120. The Montvale HQ building was put up for sale back in January.
New York: The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) issued multiple WARNs saying two Pathmark and three Waldbaums grocery stores will shutdown by November, a total of 472 food jobs lost in time for Thanksgiving! Gold’s Pure Food Products has sold-off its assets in Hempstead Village, 55 people laid off. After creating 40 jobs in the Rochester area, booze seller Constellation Brands laid off at least 11 people. In Canandaigua, Wade’s Market Center issued a shutdown WARN for September, 133 grocery jobs lost! In Brooklyn, after seven years the owner of restaurant Char No 4 announced they will shutdown, but didn’t explain why. After 13 years the Lit Lounge will shutdown by September, one co-owner blames Millennials who “don’t go out”. Turns out one grocer in The Big Apple is a Big Liar, but finally admitted to overcharging customers. Whole Foods Markets had gained the nickname Whole Paycheck because of their outrageous prices (it’s amazing that sheeple NYCers shopped there at all) and the executives in charge revealed that yes indeed they were overcharging customers. But don’t give those A-Holes a break, they called the overcharging “mistakes” and would have never admitted to it if it weren’t for the fact they were being investigated by the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs, who called it “the worst case of overcharges that they have ever seen.” And to top things, those evil Whole Foods Market execs went as far as to imply blame on their employees by saying employees will be retrained in proper pricing of food! The Department of Consumer Affairs also revealed that 77% of grocery stores in NYC are overcharging customers in some way, but since 2010 NYC has chalked up 8-hundred violations against Whole Foods Market, way more than any other grocery chain. Yeah right Whole Paycheck-Whole Foods, overcharging customers since 2010 is not the result of “mistakes”. The Commerce restaurant shutdown due to legal battles with the landlord. Seafood restaurant Barchetta shutdown. The Whiskey Soda Lounge shutdown due to “the fact it never really caught on”. In Staten Island, after 54 years restaurant supplier Twin Supply blaming the internet for the demise of their last brick-n-mortar store. The owners should know, they began switching to internet sales in 2000: “In 2002 we took our trucks off the road, we sold two buildings and began to concentrate on the web. A lot of major corporations, and major hospitals are our customers.”
Restaurant Associates issued a shutdown WARN saying 84 people will become unemployed by September due to loss of food service contract with Credit Suisse due to “Building Renovations”. Restaurant Associates issued a shutdown WARN saying 32 people will become unemployed by September due to loss of food service contract with The Brooklyn Museum. Depalino Restaurant Corporation is shutting down their City Crab and Seafood Company in August, 73 jobs lost. In Lockport, Donna Eick’s Restaurant shutting down, the family will focus on catering only. In Manhattan, Bis.Co.Latte shutdown their brick-n-mortar store, blaming greedy property owners jacking up the rent by more than 35%! Their handmade biscotti is still available over the internet. In Bushwick, the owners of Cain’s Tavern say they have to shutdown due to greedy landlord ( Cayuga Capital Management) jacking up the rent by an amazing 500% (something the landlord denies)! In NYC, after 23 years ‘biker bar’ (some reports call it a honky-tonk bar) Hogs & Heifers shutdown by the greedy landlord who jacked up the rent: “That is just not tenable for a business like Hogs and Heifers. I sell Pabst Blue Ribbon for $3. I still sell beer for $5 or $6. I am not a business that can sell a bottle of beer for $12 and margaritas for $15.”-Michelle Dell, owner
North Carolina: Harris Teeter shutting down their Monroe grocery store before the end of August, administrators calling it a “strategic” decision.
Ohio: Remke Markets announced they will not renew their lease on their Westwood neighborhood grocery store, 63 jobs lost by October. The two Canton Walmarts are ending their 24 hours shopping experience and will close for six hours every night. Overnight cashiers will be looking for new jobs. On Buckeye Lake, both The Copper Penny and the Sailor Joe’s restaurants shutting down. The owner blames it on crashing water levels in the channels that feed the lake, caused by state administrators who supposedly did it to make repairs to a dam. The owner regrets buying the restaurants just a few years ago: “They didn’t take away just the boating; they’re messing with people’s lives!….80% of our business is boats…”-Jeff Reed
After two years Crazy Mango Bar and Bistro shutdown. The restaurant was located in a plaza known as The Greene, which has become a revolving door for dozens of failed restaurants. In Cleveland, the owners of Indigo Imp Brewery announced “After months of analysis and discussions, we have decided to close Indigo Imp Brewery. … As many fans have noticed, bottles of Indigo Imp have been difficult to find for the last few months. … We have determined that the personal effort and investment required to sustain and grow the business is increasingly in conflict with our family life and personal goals.”
Oregon: In Hillsboro, Baker’s Burgers shutdown because fuel station operator Cain Petroleum Chevron needs the land. The USDA designated at least seven counties as disaster areas due to the drought. State administrators banned fishing of sturgeon, salmon, steelhead and trout due to dozens of mystery deaths. Researchers suspect the deaths are caused by low oxygen in the water and an explosion of the bacteria columnaris, both caused by the drought.
Pennsylvania: Non-profit Channels Food Rescue shutting down because “it is not a viable, sustainable business model any more”, according to executive director Vicki DiSylvester. The now bankrupt A&P grocery chain will shutdown eight Pennsylvania stores. A local TV station interviewed people about what they thought, many said they thought the A&P grocery prices were too high. In Berwyn, the Pathmark grocery store is shutting down. In Kennett Square, the Super Fresh grocery store is shutting down. After 32 years Dunning’s Grill shutdown. Restaurant Isabela shutdown due to family health problems. In Reading, Giant Food Stores shutting down its Rockland Plaza store in August, 90 jobs lost. Administrators say the crashing economy cannot support all their Reading area stores. It’s been revealed that at the end of June Mondelez International quietly shutdown their Roosevelt Boulevard and Byberry Road bakery, eliminating 350 jobs overnight! Mondelez International makes iconic products for Nabisco, Standard Brands and Kraft. The massive bakery is now for sale. In Lansdowne, after 85 years the Mar-Win Market grocery store shutdown, 35 jobs lost: “It’s definitely the economy. Everybody’s trying to watch their pennies…..It’s a multitude of everything.”-Kirk Fuessinger, owner
Rhode Island: After 39 years restaurant Rue de L’Espoir up for sale so the owner can retire. In Woonsocket, J’s Deli shutdown due to lack of employees, despite the fact the owner pays more than minimum wage: “Due to our repeated unsuccessful efforts to hire a full team of quality associates to join us at this location of J’s Deli, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend operations at this location only.”-sign on door
South Carolina: The Myrtle Beach Walmart is ending it’s 24 hours shopping experience and will close for six hours every night. Overnight cashiers will be looking for new work. In Charleston, after eight years Social Restaurant & Wine Bar being replaced by a restaurant targeting old fogy tourists: “The dynamic of this neighborhood has changed drastically. We’ve lost our late night. We’ve lost the younger crowd that helped keep the lights on. East Bay now has an older demographic that’s more touristy.”-Brad Ball, owner
Tennessee: After 36 years the Stock-Yard restaurant shutdown. In Hermitage, after 65 years Benson’s Market shutdown: “It’s just time that I got out of the business. It’s a tough business to be in right now.”-Richard Benson
Texas: In Dallas, World of Beer on SMU Boulevard shutdown. Black-eyed Pea in Preston Center shutdown, employees blame lack of parking for customers. In Arlington, Olenjacks restaurant shutdown. In Deep Ellum, BBQ joint Mama Faye’s shutdown. In Plano, after 117 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) Vincent’s Seafood restaurant shutdown. The owner blames steadily declining sales over the past few years. After 26 years Austin based restaurant chain Z’Tejas now chapter 11 bankrupt busted. The company is in debt by $9.3-million, and even owes the city of Austin more than $17-thousand for utilities! Administrators say they hope to sell-off their Cornbread Ventures, if they can’t then they’re shutting it all down forever! Canadian news reports revealed that Forth Worth based Warren Buffet owned BNSF Railway laid off an undisclosed number of employees, due to crashing sales caused by the oil and agricultural industries. BNSF is the second largest U.S. rail operator by sales. In the wealthy area known as North Dallas, The Dog Stop hot dog joint shutdown: “My lease is up and the landlords want to tear down this building. I don’t know where I am going to go after this. I put a sign in the window and people are very sad. They love to drive through with their kids. I didn’t know how much they cared until now.”-Yon Kim, owner of 13 years old hot dog eatery
Vermont: In Shelburne, Archie’s Grill shutdown, the owner sold out to Dunkin’ Donuts saying “It’s about me and my family, that’s what’s first.”
Virginia: Colorado based canning supply company Ball announced it will shutdown its Bristol factory by the first half of 2016, about 230 jobs lost! Ball Corporation joins dozens of other companies consolidating their operations in preparation for more economic crashing & burning.
Washington: The USDA designated 18 counties natural disaster areas due to the drought. Ag experts with Washington State University‘s agricultural program are warning that the extreme dry heat is shriveling the grains of wheat and barely, which will force farmers to sell their crops at a loss. Penryn Farm U-Pick berry farm shutting down because the evil insurance industry (specifically State Farm) threatened to cancel their home insurance. State Farm has labeled the hobby farm (which doesn’t make enough money to cover the actual costs of growing the berries) a “business” and wants the owners to pay for more costly business insurance. In West Seattle, Eats Market Café being shutdown by Westwood Village Mall management: “The mall management has decided not to renew my lease. This is a huge loss not just for me but for my wonderful staff and for all of you, my favorite customers. We have all become a family over the last 10 years and it truly breaks my heart to have to say goodbye.”-Toby Matasar
Wisconsin: In Superior, after 16 years Joe’s Pagoda restaurant shutdown. And Too Big to Jail banks forcing Norm’s Beer & Brats to shutdown by refusing to renew the mortgage (debt financing). The owner hopes to find a new location. Once again food producer ConAgra killing jobs, this time they’re shutting down one of their two Ripon cookie factories, 285 jobs lost by the end of the year! In Greenfield, Doctor Dawg restaurant shutdown. After nine years the Tulip Restaurant shutdown.
“If we weren’t a food desert before, we certainly are now!”
Farmers told to “dispose” of crops if hit by floods! Against federal law to sell flooded vegetables!
Drought turning fresh water poisonous, lake water killing pet dogs!
U.S. Food Crisis, June 2015: “…there’s not a light at the end of the tunnel anymore.”