Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of September, 2014: 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.

It’s been revealed that the draconian cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps) will affect only four U.S. states: Michigan, Wisconsin, New Jersey and New Hampshire. The rest of the states say they will use their own taxpayer’s money to make up for the federal cuts. The cuts come at a time when there are record numbers of people needing food help. The cuts were passed by Congress and signed by the Obama regime. And administrators of SNAP say across the U.S. ‘white’ people are getting the most help for buying food (43%). 

California: Cereal maker General Mills announced they will shutdown their 67 years old Lodi factory by the end of 2015, 430 jobs lost!  Administrators blame crashing cereal sales.   In Whittier, Kroger announced it will shutdown yet another Ralph’s grocery store, 62 jobs lost in November. Kroger has been blaming the increase health insurance costs for employees, forced by Obama Care.  Egg supplier Moark announced they are ending operations in several cities by November, 187 jobs lost and the price of eggs will continue going up!  In Fullerton, MBM Foodservice warned it will shutdown in December, 76 jobs lost.

Colorado: In Wheat Ridge, after 26 years Gold’s Corner Grocery store shutdown.

Florida: In Miami, after 44 years Miami’s Best Pizza shutdown. The property owner pulled the rug out from under the restaurant owner’s feet, by renting the building to somebody willing to pay far more in rent.   It was revealed that Reilly’s Westshore Taphouse shutdown “…due to circumstance beyond our control between the city of Tampa and our landlord.” Kerry’s Nursery lost 51 hectares (128 acres) to foreclosure! The nursery was planning on growing medical marijuana under the recent law, but for some odd reason the state government has yet to approve any applications for growing the potentially money making crop.  In Myrtle Beach, after only a few years the Celtic themed Tilted Kilt pub shutdown, despite having 17 years to go on their lease! According to local reports the franchisee owner sold out to somebody else, and company administrators refuse comment.  In Jacksonville, after 68 years Fred Cotten’s BBQ shutdown, the current owner-operator revealed the U.S. economy has always sucked for him: “The financial aspect of this, I cannot continue to absorb it. I’ve never made a profit here in 14 years, and that’s the truth!”-Bill Cowart, took over restaurant in 2000

Georgia: In Atlanta, after two years Dough Bakery vegetarian restaurant suddenly shutdown. No reason given by the owners.  After 60 years the iconic Zesto Drive-In restaurant shutdown, the family owners say they were forced to sell by greedy property developers.  In Augusta, artificial sweetener maker Nutrasweet announced they must halt production and kill 200 jobs due to tough competition from  imported artificial sweeteners!

Illinois: In Geneva, after 35 years the owners of the ‘health’ food store Soup to Nuts announced they will shutdown in October.  In Alton, a Dairy Queen shutdown.  The franchise owners said sales were so bad it wasn’t worth it to renew their franchise license.  The Illinois Policy Institute reports that the number of Prairie Staters whose incomes have crashed, and therefore should qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps), has hit 745-thousand. The institute says for every one person who loses a job at least two adults go begging to the government for food.

Indiana: In Fort Wayne, the owner of all three Papa Murphy’s take-n-bake pizza joints announced they will shutdown in November!  Local news reports say employees blamed the lack of sales.  Also in Fort Wayne, after more than 50 years iconic Atz’s Ice Cream Shoppes shutdown without notice! Local news reports say the family business took an economic nosedive three years ago, when they were forced to shutdown their Kendallville ice cream factory.  County tax assessors say the family now owes several thousands of dollars in property taxes.

Kansas: Farm equipment maker AGCO tried to blame their factory shutdown and killing of at least 111 jobs on the embargo against U.S. farm equipment by Russia, however, ag analysts say it’s really the suck-ass economy: “With depressed crop prices, farmers don’t want to spend money, and large equipment dealers like John Deere, like AGCO, are starting to see the effects, and they’re being proactive.”-John Jenkinson, The Ag Network

Kentucky: In the Nulu district of Louisville, Taco Punk shutdown.  The owners blame road construction which “decisively cut off easy access for downtown workers to NuLu during the crucial lunch hours. … It is clear that the situation in NuLu is only going to get worse…”

Maine: Anti-2nd Amendment Pepsi shutting down their warehouse ops in Portland and Augusta, about 100 jobs affected!  Pepsi says the bad economy is forcing them to consolidate operations.  In Portland, after 25 years vegetarian Pepperclub-Good Egg Café shutdown. Local news reports said the owner had “…anticipated a very profitable summer….but numbers dipped this summer to levels I have never seen!” The owner also blamed steadily increasing rent: “I’m so confused as to what happened. I know the city has reached a saturation point. I was looking at places that were $35 a square foot and I just about fell over!”-Melissa Sawyer

Maryland: In Hagerstown, Sheetz Fresh Food Made to Order shutdown.

Massachusetts: General Mills announced they will shutdown their Methuen yogurt factory, 144 jobs lost!

Michigan:  In Rochester Hills, the Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe shutdown. In Saginaw, after nearly 40 years the Ponderosa Steakhouse shutdown without notice, or reason given.

Minnesota: It’s been revealed that of the 18 Roundy’s Rainbow grocery stores that were up for sale, nine failed to sell and were shutdown, and two that were sold were shutdown by the new owner (Jerry’s Enterprises), nearly 1-thousand jobs lost!  Minneapolis based food giant General Mills revealed its profits for its fiscal 1st quarter crashed 25%! They will continue with job killing.

Mississippi: In Biloxi, after two years the Margaritaville Casino and Restaurant shutdown. Attorneys for the casino said the property owner refused to allow the building of a hotel, which was part of the original plan.  In Long Beach, Rouses Supermarket shutdown.

Missouri: In Ladue, after nearly 70 years Spicer’s toy and candy store shutdown, they couldn’t afford the new lease.  In Florissant, after 95 years (surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) Yacovelli Restaurant shutdown. In Saint Louis, California based Hamburger Mary’s shutdown due to the landlord losing “…the building in foreclosure, and the bank is now forcing us out in order to sell the building.” 

Nebraska: British empire Canada based Agrium laid off 33 people at their fertilizer and feed factory in Fairbury. They’re shutting down their zinc sulfate ops, local news reports said company administrators refused to say why.  In North Platte, after five years Margie’s Bar and Grill shutdown.

Nevada: In Reno, after 27 years Scolari’s Food & Drug Company announced it will shutdown in October, 48 jobs lost.  Company administrators said the bad economy was forcing them to “streamline” ops.

New Hampshire: In Merrimack, reports that after 11 years Swan Chocolates reduced their cafe hours to the public.  The owners said they needed to get back to creating new eats, and they can’t do that while running a full time retail eatery.

New Mexico: In Clovis, after 46 years family owned grocery store Stansell’s Thriftway shutdown.

New York: In Canton, kitchen utensil maker Corning is now asking its newly hired employees to voluntarily quit! In the middle of August Corning hired on 40 new employees, but now says a sudden, and huge crash in sales is forcing them to cancel their plans for expansion. In Jamaica (at the JFK airport), LSG Sky Chefs warned it will shutdown by January 2015, at least 139 jobs lost and 200 jobs to be transfered!  In Binghamton, anti-2nd Amendment Pepsi warned it will shutdown their bottling factory in November, 74 jobs lost. In the same city dairy distributor HP Hood also warned they will shutdown in November, 32 jobs lost.

North Carolina: I warned back in February that iconic cereal maker Kelloggs (aka Kellogg) was about to launch its job killing operation Project K. Local news reports say Project K has begun with the first victims, numbering 161, to be made unemployed in January! The job killing under Project K is said to last until 2018! Company officials say they’re hopeful they can cut their costs by $475-million over the next four years, meaning they are not optimistic about any economic recovery!

Ohio: In Cincinnati, after almost six years the owners of the Mainstay Rock Bar announced they will shutdown in October. There was no official reason, but rumors say the building is being renovated.

Oklahoma: In Tulsa, Reasor’s announced they will shutdown a grocery store within the next two months. It could be blamed on Reasor’s takeover of two competing Food Pyramid grocery stores.  After 11 years LaDonna’s Fancy Foods store shutdown.

Oregon: In Portland, Produce Row Cafe beer bar shutdown: “It is with a heavy heart that we close Produce Row today for an indefinite hiatus. We understand this is a surprise for many and know that we could not be more grateful for all of your support over the last 40 years.”

Pennsylvania:  In Shamokin Dam after 50 years of eats, the owners of Tedd’s Landing restaurant announced they’ll shutdown by November, due to the suck-ass economy.  In Hazleton (Hazle Township), Archer Daniels Midland killed 90 chocolate maker jobs after being taken over by evil food processor Cargill. Local news reports say the remaining 118 Umpa Lumpas are in limbo as Cargill has made no announcement about what they’re going to do with their newly acquired chocolate factory. Cargill administrators say they are in the middle of a $440-million deal involving taking over food factories around the World. Their plan is to consolidate operations, which means massive layoffs, possibly in the thousands.  In Lemoyne, after 18 years Bob’s Bagels & Philly Style Hoagies shutdown.  In Robesonia, food distributor Associated Wholesales now bankrupt busted and already selling off its assets.

Rhode Island: After 31 years French restaurant Basil’s of Narragansett shutdown because the greedy property owner refused to reduce the rent. Local news reports say the owners of the restaurant were active in supporting the community.

South Carolina: In Columbia, hope is lost for the Harvest Hope Food Bank. They have to layoff ten employees, and reduce hours for the other 78. The operators of the po-folks food non-profit claim it’s not because of decreased donations, rather demand for food has skyrocketed, and they had some equipment breakdown which must be repaired.  In Eutaw, after 29 years Chef’s Choice Steakhouse shutdown: “These are difficult times. Financially, steak prices are really high. It is hard to make ends meet. It was a tough decision for us to make.”-Dareen Bell Connor, co-owner

Tennessee: Bread & Company shutdown their West Nashville restaurant, due to being unable to pay the rent.  Massive food producer Cargill announced they’re shutting down a Memphis corn mill in January 2015, 440 jobs lost!  Cargill A-holes, I mean administrators claim the mill is “underutilized”.  In Chattanooga, Ferrara Candy announced they are selling off their factory, 95 jobs affected.  They already killed 100 jobs prior to the announcement!  At one point the factory employed 450 people, back when it was owned by Farley’s & Sathers.

Texas: In Round Rock, after only nine months Curly’s Carolina BBQ restaurant shutdown.

Utah: In Saint George, Iowa based Blue Bunny shutdown an ice cream factory, 100 jobs lost! Company administrators claim they must consolidate operations back to Iowa to “remain competitive” in this suck-ass economy.

Vermont: Guild Fine Meats sandwich shop shutdown.

Virginia: In Troutville, after 32 years the Waffle House shutdown. The restaurant owners claim they are moving to a new location that can increase profits, in other words the old property owner wants more rent.  In Richmond, after 38 years Buddy’s Place announced it will shutdown in January 2015.  The owner blames the greedy landlord for demanding more rent.

Wisconsin: In Green Bay, The Urban Frog restaurant warned it might shutdown, due to the death of the owner.  In Milwaukee, iconic home and industry food canning supplier Ball announced they will kill 24 jobs in November. They killed 74 jobs at the same factory last year. Company administrators blame it on crashing sales to corporate food producers.  In La Crosse, Hooters restaurant shutdown. Restaurant administrators said it’s not worth it to renew the lease.

U.S. Food Crisis, August 2014

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

The Carolinas HealthCare System announced they must kill at least 100 jobs in North and South Carolina by the beginning of 2015,  due to Obama Care!  Reduced insurance payments as a result of the so called ‘Affordable Car Act’ will cause the hospital system to lose at least $110-million USD in their fiscal 2015 year.

California: Yet another video game maker killing jobs, this time Rohnert Park based S2 Games. Administrators admited it was due to “mismanagement” of the company.  In Lancaster, Obama Care killing at least 99 jobs with Antelope Valley Hospital in November.  In Los Angeles, Too Big to Jail Bank of America announced they were laying off an additional five people in November.

Colorado: The Denver International Airport announced 650 ramp and baggage employees will be laid off due to the ending of a contract between United Airlines and SkyWest Airlines!

Florida: What housing market recovery? In Tampa, British empire United Kingdom based Too Big to Jail HSBC announced it will kill 83 mortgage jobs between now and April 2015.  In Boca Raton, an office building worth $23-million is now in foreclosure!  The buyer, who is listed as City National Bank, missed a payment (although they deny it).  It turns out the property was formerly owned by Too Big to Jail Bank of America!

Georgia: In Atlanta, after two years Dough Bakery vegetarian restaurant suddenly shutdown.  No reason given by the owners.

Hawaii: In Honolulu, city administrators announced the end of city trash services in January 2015.  City admin says they cannot afford to  update their trash trucks.  An inept reporter for Pacific Business News actually stated that city trash service is “free”.  Obviously he’s never had to pay a ‘property tax’ bill!

Louisiana: The third best ranked hospital in the Pelican State, Saint Francis Medical Center, announced 300 healthcare workers will become unemployed!  Administrators blamed Obama Care, referring to it as “Major market shifts in the health care industry”.

Massachusetts: Boston based Macworld magazine stopped hardcopy publication. An undisclosed number of employees now unemployed.

New Mexico: In Albuquerque, after only a few months and tens of thousands of dollars in renovations the Azul Burrito shutdown.  The owner blames the city for road construction that literally killed off business by destroying parking.

New Jersey: In Atlantic City, it’s confirmed the Taj Mahal casino shutting down in November,  more than 28-hundred jobs lost!

New York: NYC based producer of crappy entertainment shows like American Idol, Core Media Group (not to be confused with CoreMedia CMS), laid off an undisclosed number of employees including their president.  That Which Cannot be Named is refusing to stop Obama Care from killing 58 mental and physically disabled  healthcare jobs at the  Jewish Board of Family and Children Services.   Forest Laboratories issued a WARN saying it will shutdown ops in Commack, Hauppauge, Farmingdale and NYC.  Mid 2015 has been given as the shutdown date, at least 123 employees affected!  Forest Labs was taken over by Actavis.

North Carolina: Wisconsin based National Tissue Company shutting down their King factory by Xmas, at least 40 jobs lost.  The bad economy is forcing them to consolidate ops.

Ohio: In Cincinnati, after almost six years the owners of the Mainstay Rock Bar announced they will shutdown in October.   There was no official reason, but rumors say the building is being renovated.  Dow Chemical shutting down their 55 years old, and “indispensable” Findlay factory in time for Xmas, 70 jobs lost.  In the 1960s the factory employed 494 people.   The reason for the factory shutdown is that a 2010 state tax incentive expired!  By the way, the same factory also got $2-million in federal tax credits in 2010, however, company administrators say they also spent $7-million upgrading the factory to make chemicals for solar panels.

Pennsylvania: In Robesonia, food distributor Associated Wholesales now bankrupt busted and already selling off its assets.  Apparently Obama Care doesn’t want men having sex as a legal drugs pushing company that makes money off of penis dysfunction, Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, laid off 200 employees!  Company administrators directly blamed the new taxes created by the so called ‘Affordable Care Act’, and warned more layoffs on the way as they are now moving their U.S. operations to Canada!

Tennessee:  What housing market recovery? In Memphis, the Memphis Area Association of Realtors report that home sales have dropped 24.7% from August 2013 to August 2014, but it could be because prices have gone up 11%.  In West Nashville, after 12 years the Hillwood Strike and Spare Family Fun Center was shutdown by the greedy property owner: “Through several attempts to negotiate a new lease on our building, our standing in the community, with our customers and the thousands of lives that are affected with our closing was no match for the money they could make otherwise.”-Larry Schmittou, fun center owner

Texas: Houston based Waste Management is at it a gain.  Reports say a new round of layoffs could hit 700!  It’s blamed on the recent $1.9-billion sale of its failed waste-to-energy operation.

Virginia: At Naval Air Stations Virginia Beach and Norfolk, taxsucking California based military contractor URS warned 208 people becoming unemployed if they lose their contract in October!

Washington DC: The U.S. Air Force revealed they’re laying off 214 junior officers by Xmas!

West Virginia: Struggling Patriot Coal announced an additional 360 coal miners to become unemployed!  In June they laid off 75 coal miners. Back in April they laid off 100 miners!   Company administrators blame it on “The combination of increasing EPA regulations, mild summer weather and low natural gas prices has resulted in thermal coal pricing at levels below operating costs at many Appalachian mines.” They also warned of more layoffs after they conduct a new two month review.

05-08 September 2014

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security…That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

British empire owned Canadian Too Big to Jail TD Bank canceled their plans to expand into New York and Massachusetts, on top of that there are reports they’ve quietly shutdown 14 U.S. offices over the past two years!

Arizona:  Navajo Nation Oil and Gas laid off eight people: “Because of decisions by prior management, the company has incurred significant additional costs and must reduce short-term spending.”-Louis Denetsosie, current CEO

California: Beacon Economics reports that Golden State exports of petroleum and coal products dropped by a third in July.  The six county Metrolink is experiencing a crash in riders and revenue.  Local news reports say the administrators of the unreliable public transportation service (aka Metro-Late) raised the price to ride so high that many people found it cheaper and more reliable to buy a car and drive to work!  In Irvine, British empire Australia based insurance company QBE North America warned it will kill 68 jobs in November. What housing market recovery?  Discover Home Loans warned it will kill at least four jobs in November.  In Los Alamitos, Aramark Management Services warned it will kill 51 property-facility management jobs in November.  In Sacramento, Anthem College shutdown, it’s due to Anthem Educations bankruptcy which is linked to federal law violations.   In South San Francisco, legal drugs maker Exelixis warned it will kill at least two jobs in November.  In Oceanside, after more than 11 years road construction killed off Ocean Sky Beads.  The owner said the new road and sidewalks killed off 75% of her business: “I knew it would be bad, but didn’t know it would be horrid! I lost way too much and can’t make a living anymore here.”-Dee Layden

Florida: It was revealed that Reilly’s Westshore Taphouse shutdown “…due to circumstance beyond our control between the city of Tampa and our landlord.”  Kerry’s Nursery lost 51 hectares (128 acres) to foreclosure! The nursery was planning on growing medical marijuana under the recent law, but for some odd reason the state government has yet to approve any applications for growing the potentially money making crop.  A family feud in Palm Beach County threatens to put 906 hectares (2240 acres) and five companies into foreclosure!  It involves the Scardina family.

Illinois: Another women’s clothing op going down.  After six years Le Dress clothing store shutdown, the store owners blamed the landlord for jacking up the rent.

Michigan: In Rochester Hills, the Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe shutdown.  In Detroit, New Center’s University Hotel shutdown.  The hotel was bought in 1987 for $100-thousand USD, but now owes $83-thousand+ in back due taxes! It was foreclosed, but was mysteriously removed from upcoming auction action.

Missouri: In Florissant, after 95 years (surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) Yacovelli Restaurant shutdown. In Saint Louis, California based Hamburger Mary’s shutdown due to the landlord losing “…the building in foreclosure, and the bank is now forcing us out in order to sell the building.”

Nebraska: British empire Canada based Agrium laid off 33 people at their fertilizer and feed factory in Fairbury.  They’re shutting down their zinc sulfate ops, local news reports said company administrators refused to say why.

New Jersey: Trump Entertainment Resorts (no longer connected to Donald Trump) now bankrupt busted, for the 4th time!  They’ve already killed off 3-thousand+ jobs this year, and their Trump Taj Mahal is rumored to be the next casino to be shutdown!  Recycler Green Sky Industries shutdown without warning in Clifton, 100+ people now unemployed with nowhere to go!  The company had laid off employees prior to the sudden shutdown.  Administrators would only hint that it was caused by new governmental regulations and the fact that the World’s largest buyer of recyclable trash, China, is no longer buying trash from the U.S.!

Ohio: It was revealed that after 45 years Cooper & Kowalski, Toledo’s 4th largest law firm, began shutdown ops back in July.

Oklahoma: In Tulsa, Reasor’s announced they will shutdown a grocery store within the next two months.  It could be blamed on Reasor’s takeover of two competing Food Pyramid grocery stores.

Pennsylvania:  In Shamokin Dam after 50 years of eats, the owners of Tedd’s Landing restaurant announced they’ll shutdown by November, due to the suck-ass economy.  After 10 years Colorado based Graebel Van Lines shutdown their Pittsburg Leetsdale Industrial Park ops.

Rhode Island: In Providence, the Boston Sports Club exercise joint shutdown.   It’s part of the New York based vulture capitalist owner’s (Town Sports International Holdings) plan to shutdown at least nine fitness centers.

Tennessee: In Memphis, after 70 years Wiles-Smith Drug Store shutdown, the family owners said they can’t compete with ‘big box’ stores.  Bread & Company shutdown their West Nashville restaurant, due to being unable to pay the rent.

Texas: In McKinney, North Texas Job Corps Center shutting down in October, 240 jobs lost! North Texas Job Corps Center sounds like a place to find a job, but local news investigations discovered that people aged 16 to 24 were being abused or doing illegal drugs, and at taxpayer expense! Fluor Federal Solutions killing 79 jobs in October, they’re connected to the evil North Texas Job Corps Center.   What housing market recovery? In Temple, maker of laminate products for homes or business, Wilsonart, laid off 57 people: “Today, Wilsonart International announced that it will eliminate certain positions throughout its North America operations as part of a strategic restructuring.”

Washington:  God really hates the Seattle based mega-church known as Mars Hill.  More job killing as church administrators announced they are consolidating their 15 church operations, and laying off 40% of their employees.  Church leaders blame it on declining attendance, a massive drop of several thousand per week since the beginning of 2014!  I know what happened; the rapture!  And those evil church leaders were left behind!

Wisconsin: Roundy’s shutting down three Pic-n-Save stores, 226 jobs lost in November!

04 September 2014

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security…That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013

Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of August, 2014: 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.

Alabama: In Dothan, after three years Dakota Coffee Works shutdown. The owner blamed skyrocketing costs of operations and crashing sales: “We’re about to run out of gas! Right now it’s doing about 50% of what it needs to do.”-Ron McGhee

California: The new owners of Orange County based 36 years old French restaurant chain Mimi’s Cafe announced they will kill 24 restaurants in Arizona, California, Utah and Florida! Apparently the new hand cut French Fries (which Mimi’s chiefs spent 60 days in France learning how to make!) are so labor intensive that they’re losing money.   In Chatsworth, Switzerland based food producer Nestle issued a WARN saying they were killing 353 jobs in October!  In Santa Barbara, after 40 years the iconic Circle Bar B dinner theater horse ranch shutdown.   In Sacramento, after three years doughnut shop Doughbot shutdown. The two owner-operators said “…these last few years have been…..incredibly difficult. We’re simply burned out.”  In San Diego, Stingaree nightclub warned it will shutdown in November, 111 jobs lost! Owners claim it’s only temporarily, for six months of renovations.  In Laguna Beach, The House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer warned it will shutdown by the end of October, 58 jobs lost.   In Cayucos, after more than 20 years highly praised Hoppe’s Garden Bistro shutdown.   In Yuba City, Valley Fine Foods laid off 30 employees. Company officials hope the layoffs will be temporary.  In San Francisco, after 22 years Woodward’s Garden restaurant shutdown. For an unknown reason the lease will not be renewed.

Colorado: In Grand Junction, Graff Dairy shutdown. Local news said employees blame the bad economy for a crash in sales.

Connecticut: In Norwalk, after 30 years Cosmo’s Pizza shutdown. The owners say city construction caused a 60% drop in business!  After 15 years Anna Donte Italian Restaurant shutdown.

Florida: In North Palm Beach, Panama Hattie’s Seafood House shutdown by the County government, 45 jobs lost. County officials say the restaurant failed to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines for numerous code violations.  In Santa Rosa Beach, after only one year Bud and Alley’s restaurant shutdown.  In Miami Beach, another restaurant done in by a greedy landowner. Andreas Schreiner of Pubbelly Restaurant Group said their PB Steak restaurant shutdown because “…the rising costs of real estate would not have allowed us to continue to operate PB Steak without raising our prices, which would go against our commitment to our customers, to be a local, everyday eating establishment.”

Hawaii:  In Honolulu, after only five months Meatball Hawaii restaurant shutdown with little warning by the greedy property owner, the restaurant owner said “Our lease has been bought out. Today is our last day.” 

Illinois: Oak Brook based McDonalds now saying there is no economic recovery! The iconic fast food restaurant told investors that sales are only getting worse! Company officials say their most promising restaurants, in Russia and China, are now under attack by the respective governments, and sales in the U.S. continue to go down!   After 100 years (and surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) Jelly Belly Candy laying off 66 employees as the company moves its Illinois operations to California.  In Chicago, Forever Yogurt shutdown two brand new stores! Company officials blame lawsuits from property owners like General Growth Properties (GGP).  Moline based farm equipment maker Deere (formerly known as John Deere) announced they will kill more than 600 jobs in Illinois, Iowa and Kansas! Some inside reports say it’s more like 1-thousand jobs killed! Company officials blame crashing sales.  In River North, after only two years the Tavernita restaurant shutdown, without notice. The owners lost their booze license, and allegedly owe hundreds of thousands in unpaid taxes, although restaurant reps claim the taxes were paid. In Streeterville, after a year of promises ‘organic’ grocery store Mrs Green’s Natural Market canceled plans to open a new store. Company officials blamed the bad economy for “timing and logistical” problems.   In Schiller Park, despite supposedly making a comeback from bankruptcy, Hostess shutting down a bakery already, 400 jobs lost in October! One union official exclaimed to local news media “We were shocked!” The Schiller Park bakery is credited with creating the Twinkie.  In Champaign, Kraft Foods laid off an additional 56 employees.  Also, Kraft Foods revealed their inexpensive Jell-O brand is in trouble, with steadily crashing sales. Company officials think it’s because their 100+ years old cheap dessert has no nutritional value.   In Hinsdale, after nine years Cosi restaurant shutdown by the property owner, with little notice. News reports say property owner MDC Properties was shutting down all businesses on their Hinsdale properties: “They are de-emphasizing their corporate stores and focusing on their franchises. It’s panning out that way across the country.”-Tim Scott, Hinsdale economic development director

Indiana: In Franklin, Indigo Duck restaurant announced they’re shutting down in September. The family owners blame the death of the founder last year, and the fact that their lease is expiring and they can’t renew.  In Indianapolis, the Incredible Buffet and Fun Center shutdown.   In Thorntown, reports that Railer’s IGA grocery store shutdown.

Iowa: In Sioux City, after 85 years (and surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) the Green Gables restaurant shutdown. The family owners say they cannot survive this so called ‘recovery’.   Agricultural equipment supplier Demco Products laid off 26 employees, due to crashing sales.    In Waterloo, tractor maker Deere (formerly known as John Deere) killing 460 jobs, due to crashing sales! That’s on top of the previously announced Deere layoffs in Illinois.  In Urbandale, the Incredible Buffet and Fun Center shutdown, 75 jobs lost.

Kansas: In Hesston, maker of farming equipment AGCO laid off 24 factory workers and cut the hours for everybody else. It’s blamed on crashing sales. Company officials warned that more layoffs will be forthcoming. Union officials believe 80 more workers will become unemployed.

Maryland: In Hampden, Breathe Bookstore and Cafe shutting down by early October.

Massachusetts:  Tewksburry based Market Basket grocery stores killing jobs in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Any striking worker that refuses to come back to work is now fired.  In Cambridge, after 39 years the Dolphin Seafood restaurant shutdown.  In Mansfield, after 31 years Sweet-N-Crafty Italian ice cream shop shutdown. Local news reports said it was the second oldest business in the area, and had donated a lot of money over the years to the community.  In Springfield, JT’s Sports Pub shutdown: “Unfortunately we have not been able to secure a new lease with our landlord so it’s brought an unfortunate end for us. With the casino coming, he has bigger aspirations and feels he could get far more rent.”-Keith Makarowski, owner

Michigan: After 46 years The Wolverine Food & Spirits shutdown. The property was sold to make way for a 24 hours gas station.  After five years cooking school Ann Arbor Cooks shutdown. Hard Luck Candy vodka company ceasing operations. Detroit Zen Center restaurant stopped serving lunch due “to lack of interest”.

Minnesota: Food producer Cargill continues to kill U.S. jobs, this time 169 IT jobs will be outsourced to a company in India!  The owners of well liked Santorini restaurant shut it down with out notice. The only official statement from the family indicated they were forced to sell out.

Missouri: 66 dairy workers suddenly unemployed after Hazelwood Prairie Farms Dairy laid them off without notice. Company officials say the bad economy is forcing them to change their business ‘model’.

Nebraska: In Grand Island, farm equipment maker CNH Industrial America announced it will kill 238 jobs by November! They blame crashing sales.   In Omaha, McKenna’s Blues Booze and BBQ shutdown.

New York: In Salamanca, a Parkview Supermarket grocery store announced it will shutdown in December, 72 jobs lost in time for Xmas.   In NYC, Food Emporium #36-719 announced it will shutdown in November, 76 jobs lost.  ARAMARK Business Dining Services announced they are shutting down in October, 28 jobs lost.

North Carolina: Peat moss distributor Sun Gro announced it will shutdown in September, 16 jobs lost.  Penguin Drive-In restaurant now chapter 11 bankrupt busted. This is the third attempt to file bankruptcy for the restaurant since last year, the first two attempts were thrown out of court. Lowes Food shutting down four grocery stores! Company officials said it’s necessary in order for them to build a fancy new store.

Ohio:  In Cincinnati, after only a few months Kiji teppanyaki restaurant shutdown without notice.   In Columbus, Pennsylvania based Giant Eagle grocery store on West Fifth and Grandview avenues being shutdown. Company officials did not give a date or explanation.  Fruit Growers Marketing Association says don’t expect any peaches in your grocery store: “There’s not much to talk about with the peach crop because, frankly, there isn’t one! There might have been a few farms down south by the Ohio River that weren’t affected, but for the most part this year was a disaster!”-Bill Dodd, Ohio Fruit Growers Marketing Association

It wasn’t just the fruit that was lost: “…as a result of last winter’s frost we lost most of our older peach orchard. We lost the trees themselves!….we lost 60% of our trees….”-Martha Mora, Johnston Fruit Farm

Oklahoma: In Tulsa, Folks Urban Market shutdown. The owner implied it was the greedy property owner saying “…some bad circumstances beyond our control….I’m very upset!”   In Oklahoma City, Homeland grocery store shutting down a second store, this time 55 jobs will be lost: “…we could not justify expending capital in this store.”

Oregon: Cooperative Pendleton Grain Growers selling off six AG Supply stores and one Pendleton Automotive Service Center. They hope the stores are sold off by September. Latest news reports say the co-op is not having luck finding buyers, which means a lot of people will become unemployed.

Pennsylvania: In Plymouth Meeting, after 20 years Kansas based Houlihan’s Restaurant and Bar shutdown. Company officials basically said their Plymouth Meeting location wasn’t worth it anymore.  In Lancaster, after three years Fork-n-Spoon Cafe shutdown.

Tennessee:  Memphis based Fred’s Super Dollar announced they will shutdown 70 stores by the end of 2014, hundreds of jobs lost! Company officials said it’s their way of raising cash to buy up pharmacies!  In Jackson, after 43 years Market Fresh grocery store shutdown. In Oak Ridge, after four years Snappy Tomato Pizza shutdown: “We have really tried to hang on; however, things appear to continue to go downhill for us…..Unfortunately, the sales have not been what we need to keep the business going while the new and upcoming retail centers continue to draw business toward the other end of town.”-franchise owners

Texas:   In Houston, Haven restaurant shutdown. The owner sold out to competitors, blaming the outrageous rent he was paying.  In San Antonio, after five years restaurant Tre Trattoria (aka Tre Downtown) shutdown.   In Austin, El Lago Mexican Foods canceled their plans to expand operations and shutdown, even though they were offered tax incentives: “…since we had to move from our old time location in central Austin, we are having big issues to go back in business. We are still trying to get the company up and running again soon. Thank you again and keep your fingers cross.”-company statement

Virginia: In Falls Church, after 38 years Sam’s Farms garden center shutdown by the greedy property owner who is building an apartment complex.   In Roanoke, First & Sixth Restaurant shutdown.

U.S. Food Crisis, July 2014