Tag Archives: obamacare

Business/Economics

U.S. Food Crisis, May 2014: No more KFC, Red Lobster, Pizza kitchen, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Ralph’s, Rainbow, TGI Friday’s??? Where’s the beef-n-cheese?

Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of May, 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.

California: In Atwater, Mi Pueblo Foods shutting down in August, 279 jobs lost! In San Francisco, Grand Cafe shutting down in July, 63 jobs lost.  In West Covina, California Pizza Kitchen announced they are laying off 60 employees in August.  Also,  San Francisco based Golden Gate Capital could be the new owner of Red Lobster restaurants. The agreed to buy it for $2.1-billion USD! However, the sale won’t be finalized until the first half of 2015. No word on what Golden Gate Capital has in plan for the restaurant. The executives of the original owner, Darden Restaurants, blames the sale on pressure from stockholders.  In Riverside, Kroger owned Ralph’s grocery store announced they will shutdown in July, 80 jobs lost. In La Quinta, Kroger owned Ralph’s grocery store announced they will shutdown in July, 60 jobs lost.   In Laguna Niguel, Kroger announced it is shutting down their Ralph’s grocery store in July, 66 jobs lost. In Ventura, New French Bakery/Starbucks Coffee announced they are shutting down in July, 90 jobs lost.

Georgia:  In Tybee Island, after six years Doc’s Bar shutdown due to rent issues.

Illinois:  In Chicago, after only four years Ing restaurant shutdown.  In Bolingbrook, meat processor Quantum Foods lost a major contract. Company officials told 11-hundred employees not to come to work! The company has been losing revenue since 2012.   In Rockford, Schnuck Markets killed 163 grocery store jobs! Schnucks began “restructuring” operations at its two largest stores, and shutdown two smaller stores that were suffering from crashing sales.

Michigan: In Lansing, Cup of Dessert (aka Decker’s Coffee) shutdown.   In Ann Arbor, Kroger grocery store on South Industrial Highway shutting down in June, 103 jobs lost! It sounds like the property owners jacked up the rent, they claim they had rented the property out to Kroger at “dramatically under market” rates for decades and it was time they made a profit.  A 35 years old Le Dog hot dog stand shutdown.   After only four years Mercy’s Restaurant shutdown. The owners blamed the bad economy for creating inconsistent business.  In East Lansing, after 50 years (some reports say 77 years) Goodrich’s Shop-Rite grocery store shutting down in July, 80 jobs lost. It’s blamed on the property owners who have new plans for the property.  In Saline, after 22 years The Drowsy Parrot coffee shop shutdown without notice. Local news reports said employees were just as shocked as customers. There was no explanation from the owner, only confirmation via text message (the owner didn’t even have the guts to tell employees in person).

Minnesota:  Grocery store operator Roundy’s sold off 18 Rainbow grocery stores, 1-thousand jobs affected! At this point the new owners say they will continue operating the stores, but the names might change. The owner of dozens of Minnesota Taco Bells and Pizza Huts is now chapter 11 bankrupt busted! 140 jobs threatened! Border Foods and Sky Ventures already sold off 54 Pizza Huts back in December. They’ve already been sued for $8-million in back due rent! The company is asking the bankruptcy court to allow them to sell off more restaurants. Company officials cry ‘What economic recovery?’: “Sales have remained stagnant, costs have increased….The combination of the factors has led to a condition where the….margins have decreased and making additional capital investments….is not prudent.”-Barry Zelickson, VP

New York: In NYC, Dallas Restaurant Management renovating Fireside Restaurant and Lounge, 38 jobs lost until the renovations are completed.  National 42nd St. Realty/LIR Management shutting down their TGI Friday’s Restaurant, Tim Horton’s/KFC Food Court restaurants in August, at least 130 jobs lost! Company officials blame the bad economy.

North Carolina: In New Bern, after 79 years Maola Milk & Ice Cream announced they will shutdown in July, 98 jobs lost.

North Dakota: In Harvey, after several years of operations (and several shutdowns) the Branded Beef & Pack is being auctioned off on 04 June. The owner, Minnesota based Maas Companies, says the operation cost them more money then they were making: “Due to challenging economic conditions during the start up phase, the plant was forced to cease operations.” 

Ohio: The new company created by the merger of Anchor Hocking and Oneida kitchen ware, EveryWare Global, is in big trouble. Even with huge layoffs and factory shutdowns in Ohio the company is reporting it lost $38.4-million in its first quarter of 2014!  EveryWare Global is based out of New York, and was created by Monomoy Capital Partners.   In Dayton, Ringo’s North Star Mobile Eatery shutdown. The owners admitted that running a food truck doesn’t jive with raising children.

Pennsylvania:  In Monaca, kitchen utensil maker Anchor Hocking laid off 400 employees “temporarily”! Company officials say it is a money saving move. Anchor Hocking was consolidated with Oneida under the new EverWare Global name.

Texas: In Houston, after 19 years Crapitto’s Cucina Italiana shutdown. The property owner sold off the property to a developer who wants to tear everything down.  In Austin, after 36 years the Tamale House shutdown, the owner died.

Vermont: Keurig Green Mountain (aka Green Mountain Coffee) laid off 12 people: “Over the past several months, we have combined our Massachusetts and Vermont-based consumer-facing teams, allowing us to have a single approach to our consumer care. As a result, we expect a reduction in the number of incoming calls the team will handle directly…”

Wisconsin: In Denmark, after more than 32 years butter/cheese maker Land-O-Lakes shutting down their soft cheese factory in July, at least 90 jobs lost. Company officials say soft cheeses are no longer profitable. An employee who worked there since 1982 called it “a kick in the gut”.

U.S. Food Crisis, April 2014

Business/Economics

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 30 – 31 August 2014: “It’s hard work, brother! It’s time to call it quits.” More job killing by property developers! More Obamacare job destruction!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Georgia: Troubled Paine College warning of layoffs.  The school is facing accreditation violation charges and what I call DSS (Disappearing Student Syndrome).  The college is short at least $2.4-million USD, and they blame state and federal governments: “These tough economic times are posing unprecedented challenges for colleges and universities like Paine College that have seen changes in federal aid, which include Parent Plus loans, Pell Grants and some state funding.”-George C. Bradley, president

Hawaii: Obama Care killing off 35 healthcare jobs with Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. Hospital administrators said the layoffs will take place in December.  They say Obama
Care (Affordable Care Act) caused them to lose at least $48-million!

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.

Louisiana: In New Orleans, after 22 years the House of Shock haunted house complex announced they’re shutting down after Halloween 2014.  The operators said it’s not worth it to continue: “It’s hard work, brother! People think we’re minting money over there….it doesn’t make sense to do it….We invented the idea of the interactive haunted house. It’s time to call it quits.”-Ross Karpelman, co-founder

Massachusetts: 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

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’.

Ohio: Middletown has laid off 11 firefighters.  It’s blamed on the Union’s rejection of a generous contract.  A firestation was also shutdown.  Local news reports say the city offered a contract that actually was going to hire on more personnel, the Union rep said he didn’t understand why the Union members voted against the deal.

Texas: In Houston, J Sussan Interiors shutdown.  Local news reports said the owner retired, however, it turns out the entire area is being drastically affected by a huge apartment “tower” building project that’s resulting in many businesses and existing apartments being shutdown!

28-29 August 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

Business/Economics

U.S. Food Crisis, April 2014: “…it is clear that the current business environment….cannot be successful.”

Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of April, 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 Florence, Hillshire Brands announced they will shutdown their sausage factory in December, 11-hundred jobs lost just in time for Xmas! It’s blamed on skyrocketing meat prices.  In Dothan, Wayne Farms kills 560 jobs! The poultry processing company made a deal with its largest customer to supply chicken without deboning it. Turns out the number of people it takes to debone chicken made up more than half its employees!

Arizona: In Tucson, after 55 years Fruit Land Market shutdown. The property owners kicked out the Market owners, so they could sell the land to speculators.

California: In Los Angeles, Contessa Foods failed to file a proper WARN. According to state employment officials the food packager notified the state of a massive layoff the day after it killed 239 jobs! The company shutdown without warning.   In Antioch, Stonyfield Farm laid off 58 employees.  In Bell Gardens, McDonald’s shutdown, 69 jobs lost. In Cudahy, McDonald’s shutdown, 49 jobs lost. In Los Alamitos, McDonald’s shutdown, 90 jobs lost.  In Del Mar, after 46 years Pannikin Coffee & Tea shutdown, the owner blames the landlord: “We’ve been here a long time and we just couldn’t come to an agreement with the mall management on a fair rent so we didn’t renew our lease.”-Shawn Holder

Colorado:  In Delta, Dean Foods announced they must shutdown their Meadow Gold Milk plant, 38 jobs lost. It’s blamed on the lost of a major grocery store customer.

Connecticut:  In New Canaan, after 21 years Forest Street Deli shutdown. The deli owner blames the property owner, who sold the property out from under his feet!

Florida: In Boca Raton, after only nine months 101 Cantina bar shutdown. It’s blamed on constant confrontations between college students and police.

Georgia: In Newnan, Mexico based Bimbo Bakeries shutdown their Colonial Bread Store. The wimp-ass company officials delegated the authority of making the announcement to the store’s cashier!  In Savannah, after ten years Paula Deen’s Uncle Bubba’s Seafood & Oyster House shutdown without notice. It’s blamed on a racism lawsuit brought by a former employee, however, the lawsuit was “dismissed with prejudice and without any award of costs or fees” by the court. Despite that, being called a racist in the United States is worse than being called a terrorist, so down goes the Deen empire. Employees of the restaurant found out when they showed up for work and witnessed everything inside the restaurant being taken away.

Hawaii: In Maui, after more than 20 years Stella Blues Cafe shutdown. The restaurant owner stated that his landlord could no longer cut him a break on the rent.

Illinois: Kraft Foods announced they are killing 285 jobs! Most of those jobs will be in-house trucking jobs, which will now be contracted out.  In Evergreen Park, after 60 years Snackville Junction shutdown. The eatery’s signature was delivering your food on model train cars along a railroad track: “Unfortunately our last days are ahead…..We hope that somewhere somehow the Snackville Junction choo-choo will return…”-Facebook posting

In Urbana, maker of plastic eating utensils Dart Container Company laid off 36 employees.  In Champaign, after less than two years Prairie Fire restaurant shutdown without notice: “If we had days like Sunday every day, we’d still be open. But you will not be a success if your biggest day of the week is Sunday……No more ventures for me!”-Dave Block, burned out restaurant investor

Iowa:  In Beardstown, after more than 30 years IGA (Independent Grocers Alliance) hometown grocery store shutdown, 27 jobs lost: “You know Walmart came to Beardstown about five years ago and the business climate, at least for us, has declined because of that big box store. It’s just deteriorated to the point that it’s not profitable to keep the store open.”-Steve Kremer, owner

Kansas:  In Leawood, after 25 years Hy-Vee grocery store announced it will shutdown in June. Company officials said the store needed $4-million+ in remodeling but the city council actually passed ruling that forces them to shutdown: “In light of the city of Leawood’s recently passed moratorium on new development along the 135th corridor, it is clear that the current business environment in Leawood is one in which Hy-Vee cannot be successful. Two attempts to find a solution acceptable to both parties –one that allows us to continue serving our customers with the products, services and amenities that they deserve and expect — have been resisted by city officials. The first was in May 2013, when we attempted to remodel the store at its current location, and now, our most recent application to build a new store at the corner of 135th Street and Roe Avenue. Because lack of city support prevents us from providing customers with the best shopping experience we have to offer, we will be closing….”

In Lawrence, after 37 years Buffalo Bob’s Smokehouse shutdown: “…the restaurant market in Lawrence is fully saturated.”-Bob Schumm, founder

Kentucky: In Louisville, after only 18 months the relish restaurant shutdown without notice. The owner blamed the small fire safety dictated maximum seating capacity, saying serving a maximum of 53 people at a time wasn’t enough to pay even for overhead.  In Dover, the last grocery store in town shutdown! After more than 45 years Don’s Place (home to the Rock-n-Roll liars bench) closed for good. The owner is going blind, and nobody wants to take over the business.  In Paducah, The Pasta House Italian Restaurant shut down without notice: “…I am unable to continue. Please pray for me, my family and my employees.”-statement posted to front door

Michigan: In Keego Harbor, Jeremy Restaurant & Bar shutting down in May. But this is a success story! The owner said he made so much money that he is going to open an even bigger restaurant.    In Wyoming, after more than 35 years Gordy’s Market & Deli grocery store shutting down in May. 18 family-like employees now unemployed. The owner blames the new Walmart that’s about to open down the street from his store.

Minnesota:  In Mankato, after 33 years Mexican Village restaurant announced it will shutdown in May.  Upscale Fresh Seasons Market grocery store shutdown two stores, one in Victoria and one in Minnetonka. The arrogant owner admitted there isn’t enough rich people to make their format work: “The idea was that it was supposed to be an upscale market, to be able to offer fresh goods and unique ingredients to people and this great shopping experience. We didn’t get a big draw.”-Tom Wartman

Mississippi: In Pontotoc, Southern Quality Meats announced they will shutdown in June, 110 jobs lost! Operations are being consolidated to Alabama.  Abner’s Famous Chicken Tenders now chapter 11 bankrupt busted. In 2004 it was named one of the fastest growing businesses in the Magnolia State. Company officials say sales are not the issue, but necessary daily operating capital from debt financing is being cut off, so they’ve been forced to file bankruptcy by the Too Big to Jail banks.

Missouri: In Saint Louis, a Schnuck Markets grocery store shutting down in May. Company officials said it wasn’t worth it to renew the lease, and they will try to find jobs for the 65 employees.  In Saint Louis, after 53 years property speculators killed the Majestic Restaurant and Bar.

New Jersey: In Medford, Murphy’s Market shutdown a 17 years old grocery store. Company officials blamed the greedy property owner: “After great expense and effort it comes with much heartache, we as a company, were unable to reach a reasonable agreement with the building’s landlord.”

New York:  After ten years the Beast Bar shutdown.

North Carolina: In Gaston, after 42 years Mr. T’s Place restaurant shutting down in May. The owners are demanding to know when the economic recovery is going to take place! In Hendersonville, after 18 years Cypress Cellar restaurant shutdown. The owner said it’s no longer worth the amount of time she puts into the business.

Ohio:  In Riverside, Ponderosa Steakhouse restaurant shutdown without notice. Company officials blamed the property owner for jacking up the rent. They also shutdown a restaurant in Urbana in December. In 2008 Ohio based Ponderosa and Texas based Bonanza restaurants merged (controlled by Homestyle Dining).   In Mason, after 24 years Bob Evans Restaurant shutdown. The corporation is remodeling all Bob Evans restaurants, but a survey of the Mason store revealed it was too old and too costly to remodel so they decided to shut it down. Company officials claim they’ve found jobs for the 40 employees.

Pennsylvania:  In Pittsburgh, Wall Street wunderkind Warren Buffet killed more Heinz jobs. 775 people have been offered buyouts! Reports say the offer is being made to other Heinz operations. Local biased Pennsylvania news media failed to point out that Heinz is now co-owned by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway. They only mentioned Brazil’s 3G Capital. Hey Pennsylvania news media, why didn’t you mention Warren Buffet’s involvement? By the way, the June 2013 takeover of Heinz by 3G and Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway resulted in an instant killing of 600 U.S. and Canadian jobs, followed by the announcement of several food factory shutdowns and hundreds of more layoffs for the 1st quarter of 2014!   In Intercourse, after who knows how long the iconic W.L. Zimmerman & Sons grocery store shutdown. The store was used in the movie Witness. The owner, Kristine Shirk, blames the bad economy saying “there wasn’t enough margin to work with any more.”

Tennessee:  In Hixson, Nana’s Frozen Custard brick & mortar store shutdown, now for sale. They’ve switched to a mobile truck frozen custard shop. The award winning owners blamed the suck ass economy: “High fixed costs and lower revenue make the current business model unworkable. Our re-opening day sales were disappointing, down approximately 25% as compared to the same date last year.”

Texas: In Houston, after 15 years Dirk’s Coffee (aka Diedrich Coffee) shutdown without notice.

Virginia:   In Lightfoot, after 40 years The Candy Store shutdown.

Washington: In Kelso, after only nine years Chuck E Cheese pizza place shutdown. Company officials said it was a “strategic decision”, meaning the economy sucks. In Seattle, after 25 years Maple Leaf Grill announced it will shutdown in May.

U.S. Food Crisis, March 2014

Business/Economics

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 28 – 29 August 2014: “We’ve run out of money and we’ve run out of people…” Angry Christian God raptures people & money, killing more jobs? More housing market implosion!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Arizona: What housing market recovery?  British empire Australia based real estate company Colliers International says land sales in Phoenix have crashed 40% in the first half of 2014!

California: Yet another video game company killing jobs.  In San Francisco, CCP Games shutdown an office and laid off at least two executives (although CCP swears the execs voluntarily quit).  Los Angeles International airport (LAX), Menzies Aviation warned it will kill 65 jobs in November.   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 Mountain View, tech company Symantec laid off another two employees.  In Laguna Beach, The House of Big Fish and Ice warned it will shutdown by the end of October, 58 jobs lost.

Connecticut: In Norwalk ,  after 29 years the Appliance Servicecenter shutdown.  The owner is losing his eyesight.

Florida: In Orlando, Too Big to Jail SunBank shutting down their fraud call center, killing 105 jobs by the end of October!  After 81 years (surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) Pearl Artist & Craft Supply shutdown.  The store went bankrupt busted and never recovered.

Illinois: 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.

Iowa: After 57 years God refuses to stop the Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church from shutting down.  It’s now for sale, the pastor blaming the rapture of people and money: “…we’ve run out of money. We’ve run out of money and we’ve run out of people at the same time.”-Gregory Cluts

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.

Maine: In Bangor, God refuses to stop the Christian Life Academy Daycare from shutting down.  The church pastor blames crashing donations: “We have cut everywhere we can cut, we are heartbroken that the daycare has to close too.”-Russ Hewett

Michigan: What housing market recovery?   British empire Australia based real estate company Colliers International shutdown their Detroit office.  Company officials blame it on the loss of their brokers.

Montana: In Columbia Falls, F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber laid off ten sawmill employees.   It’s blamed on a federal court ruling that says no logging can be done in ‘protected’ grizzly bear habitat.

Nebraska: In Grand Island, farm equipment maker CNH Industrial America announced it will kill 238 jobs by November! They blame crashing sales.

Nevada: In Reno, Morrison University warned it will shutdown after the 2014-15 school year!  It’s due to the allegedly criminal actions of the owner, Anthem Education.  To make things worse for the students, they were told the university’s transfer credits are no longer recognized!

New York:  What housing market recovery? In Brooklyn, pre-fab building maker FC + Skanska Modular warned they are shutting down in October due to a lost contract, 157 jobs lost!  In Salamanca, a Parkview Supermarket grocery store shutting down in December, 72 jobs lost in time for Xmas.

Pennsylvania: Atlantic County lost 36-hundred jobs in July!

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!

Wisconsin: Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) shutting down their print and mail ops, 32 jobs lost.

26-27 August 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

Business/Economics

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 26 – 27 August 2014: “There’s no way they can propose this plan without threatening patient care!” Ignorant healthcare workers cry foul, yet refuse to blame the Obamacare BullShit! More massive Obamacare shutdowns!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Alabama: The city of Hartselle laid off three employees, blaming the  the iconic taxpayer subsidized TVA.   Taxsucker Document and Packaging Brokers (Docupak) lost a major contract with the National Guard Bureau and will kill an undisclosed amount of jobs.  Birmingham based Simply Fashion has taken over New York based bankrupt busted Dots women clothing retailer.  Dots had already shutdown 400 stores!  Simply Fashion claims they will re-open 120 Dots stores.

Arkansas: Obama Care was the final straw that killed off the Crittenden Regional Hospital and clinic system!  However, there are charges that administrators mismanaged the healthcare system, lawsuits and possible criminal charges are pending.   In Marion, Texas based Clark Freight Lines shutdown.  Company officials say there are too many trucking companies to compete with.

California: In Cayucos, after more than 20 years highly praised Hoppe’s Garden Bistro shutdown.  In Palo Alto, Disney killing off more jobs, this time 55 Disney Interactive employees were laid off.  In Sunnyvale, Aruba Networks killed off 116 jobs!  In Los Angeles, healthcare management company Precyse Solutions warned they will kill 61 jobs in November.  Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital killing 120 healthcare jobs! Hospital administrators say insurance written Obama Care (Affordable Car Act) is forcing them to cut back in the name of being “efficient”.  However, like frogs in a boiling pot, it’s obvious that the ignorant healthcare workers are still oblivious to what Obama Care is doing to them, instead blaming the hospital for reducing access to medical care:  “There’s no way they can propose this plan without threatening patient care!”-Damian Tryon, California Nurses Association

Florida: After 24 years elitist residential Marcus Pointe Golf Club announced they’re shutting down in time for Xmas.

Illinois: In Palantine, after 14 years non-profit cancer center Wellness Place shutdown.  Officials blame the bad economy for reduced donations.

Indiana: Trucking company Talon Logistics Services announced they will kill 60 jobs in September.

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’.

Kentucky: T-shirt shop Cafe Press shutdown their store in the Mall Saint Matthews.

Nebraska: In Omaha, McKenna’s Blues Booze and BBQ shutdown.

New Mexico: According to the New Mexico Hospital Association (NMHA) Obama Care is destroying access to healthcare!  20 of New Mexico’s 44 hospitals have killed jobs and cut services as a direct result of insurance payment reductions mandated by Obama Care: “…. key services are being eroded around the state at the very time when services are needed to respond to the growing demand resulting from coverage expansion.”-Jeff Dye, NMHA

New Jersey: Atlantic City is blaming the massive casino shutdowns for forcing them to kill off 300 city jobs!

New York: In NYC, Food Emporium #36-719 shutting down in November, 76 jobs lost.  Due to Obama Care Eastern Niagara Hospital ceased its inpatient care services at its Newfane hospital, and ceased its ER ops at its Lockport hospital, 185 jobs lost as a result! Hospital administrators say they’ve lost $1.7-million USD since Obama Care went into effect!

North Carolina: Dosher Memorial Hospital now asking that all healthcare workers who’re 60 years of age and had five years of employment, to take early retirement!  If that’s not enough they’ll be forced to outright layoff healthcare workers. Hospital officials blame the bad economy made worse by reduced insurance payments due to Obama Care.  Administrators with giant Vidant Health are directly blaming Obama Care for crashing revenues, which are forcing them to kill 175 healthcare jobs!  Vidant Health runs eight hospitals in-state and was planning on spending $128-million for upgrades, but officials say if the Obama Care insurance payments reductions get worse then the upgrades are off.

Ohio:  The Buckeye State lost 12400 jobs in July!

Pennsylvania: After 31 years all Fun Party Stores being shut down!  Once there were five, but now none.  Fun Party Stores joins a competing party store chain which shutdown three stores, in all eight party stores shutdown over an eight months period!  The owners of Fun Party blames ‘big box’ stores and the internet (even though many ‘big box’ stores are shutting down ops, and internet businesses are suffering crashing revenues as well.  After all, Fun Party could sell on the internet as well).   The oldest public library in the United States, the Darby Free Library, warned it could shutdown due to state taxpayer funding cuts.  Library officials say the funding cuts come at a time when their costs of operations are skyrocketing.  The library was built in 1743!

Texas: Denmark based Maersk Oil revealed they killed off 215 jobs!  Company officials basically said the Gulf of Mexico doesn’t have the oil that it was first thought to have, and they’ve lost money on trying to extract it.  Houston based Waste Management warned of massive job cuts across the country.  The hazardous waste mis-management company is facing $2-billion in fines for failing to properly manage dioxins!

Washington: More proof the internet is not killing brick-n-mortar stores.  Social media company Simply Measured laid off 15 employees, just five months after getting $20-million from venture capitalists.   Washington state’s Employment Security Department killing off 149 jobs in October!

23-25 August 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

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Food Crisis, March 2014: “Sadly we have been unable to recover……” “…It’s not fun anymore!” “It’s like a death in the family.”

Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of March, 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.

Arizona: In Phoenix, after 50 years Karsh’s Bakery shutdown. The owner blames the failed economy: “It’s sad to say we are closing today because of the economy and stuff, we’ve tried to come back from 2008.”-Wayne Kinding

California:  In Oakland, Mexico owned Bimbo Bakeries shutdown, about 160 jobs lost!   In Sacramento, The Fresh Market grocery store chain shutdown three stores! The company blamed the bad economy.  Kroger shutdown two more Ralph’s grocery stores, 107 jobs lost!  In Fair Oaks, after more than 50 years Sam’s Kosher Style Restaurant & Deli shutdown.   In Truckee, after 13 years Dragonfly Restaurant shutdown. The owner said he was made an “offer he couldn’t refuse” by aggressive property developers.  In Napa, after 29 years the Golden Carrot Natural Foods store shutdown.  In Vernon, Mexico based Bimbo Bakeries shutdown, about 160 jobs lost! In Los Angeles, The Fat Cow burger joint shutdown, 92 jobs lost.  In Torrance, after more than 40 years Vince’s Spaghetti shutdown, 35 jobs lost: “The last three or four years have been a real struggle to make ends meet. It’s like a death in the family. For the past few years its been like watching a patient on life support.”-Gregg Parras, general manager

Colorado: In Steamboat Springs, state tax collectors seized the Bakery Restaurant. The Colorado Department of Revenue says the restaurant owes about $8-thousand USD in sales taxes. The city officials of Steamboat Springs says the restaurant owes them $4-thousand in taxes. Apparently the restaurant also owes the federal IRS $26-thousand in payroll taxes! This is what happens when the economy sucks ass!!!! At least the restaurant was keeping people employed, now everybody’s unemployed!  In Denver, Kevin Taylor Restaurant Group shutdown two restaurants; Restaurant Kevin Taylor and Prima Ristorante.  In Manitou Springs, the Craftwood Inn shutdown without notice. The owners blame it on the many wildfires and flooding in recent years: “I just found out yesterday. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m pretty sure that they could not recover from the last two summers. The fires and floods hurt business so much the last few years that Dave and wife Kathy could not keep up.”-Matt Schee, hotel chef

Connecticut: After only six years Mitchell’s Fish Market shutdown, no reason made public.

Florida: In Lakeland, after only five years DC’s Sports Bar shutdown. And the Fishin’ Shed Tackle Shop shutdown. The owners blame Walmart.  In Tampa, after 13 years The Palm restaurant shutdown. The owners blame the f*cked up economy: “Unfortunately, we are not able to continue to operate our restaurant into the rest of 2014.”

In Boca Raton, after only two years and $250-thousand in remodeling upscale Red, The Steakhouse shutdown. The owner was shocked at how much business crashed since last summer: “We are dumbfounded it came to this!……..When summer hit, there weren’t enough people…..No energy!”-Brad Friedlander

Georgia: In Richmond Hill, after more than 33 years manufacturer of foodservice and food retail products, Hobart, shutting down, 50 jobs lost. Operations are being consolidated to Ohio.

Hawaii: In Waikiki, ice cream shop Cold Stone Creamery shutdown. The owner blamed it on the greedy landlord who jacked up the rent.

Idaho: In Nampa, food producer Simplot announced they will shutdown operations at the end of May, 206 jobs lost! It’s part of their ongoing consolidations of food processing.

Illinois: In Lakemore, after 38 years Le Vichyssois restaurant shutdown.  In Saint Charles, after only five years Dolce Bakery and Cafe shutdown without notice. In Chicago, Angel Food Bakery shutdown, the owner Stephanie Samuels blames the gott damned economy, saying “I have given my heart, soul, and just about everything else I’ve got to this project of mine, but I have not been able to make it sustainable for me….”

Indiana: In Evansville, after 20 years Maxine’s Café and Bakery shutdown. The owner blamed declining business.

Iowa: After 18 years Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Cafe shutdown three restaurants!  In Sioux City, after 30 years Rhonda’s Speak Easy shutting down, 10 jobs lost. Blame Obama Care! The bar owner is going to take advantage of Obama Care’s focus on in-home healthcare, and she’s going to start an in-home healthcare service.

Kansas: In McPherson a major food processor, Nation Pizza and Foods, ending operations. As many as 195 jobs lost!

Kentucky: Two Shoney’s restaurants, in Henderson and Owensboro, shutting down. It’s blamed on a franchise dispute and court fees.

Maryland: British empire Canada based Saputo announced they were shutting down their Hancock cheese factory.  In Gambrills, after 14 years Caribou Coffee shutdown.

Michigan:  In Clinton Township, after only six years Tin Fish 3 restaurant/nightclub shutdown. The owners hadn’t been able to pay half-a-million in back due rent!

Minnesota:  In Shoreview, after 40 years Kozlak’s Royal Oak Restaurant shutdown. The property was sold to make room for a nursing home co-op.   In Hibbing, after 30 years Zimmy’s restaurant shutdown. The owner was unable to pay taxes and lost their booze license.  In Saint Cloud, the owner of Bo Diddley’s Pub & Deli announced he was shutting it down in April.  Who said high tech jobs are recession proof? Food processor Cargill announced it will kill 900 IT jobs across the country, 300 of which are in Minneapolis–Saint Paul! Cargill will now rely on lower paid contractors.

Missouri: In Jefferson City, after more than 30 years Mortimer Kegley’s Bar & Grill shutdown. The owner, Jason Jordan, blamed social media and a ban on smoking saying “When that smoking ban went into effect, I lost 30% of my customers straightaway!”

Nebraska: In Omaha, after 61 years Broadmoor Market shutdown. The owners blamed the crappy economy: “Thank you for all your support and patronage over the years. It is unfortunate that circumstances have changed.” 

New Mexico: In Farmington, after only three years My Big Fat Greek Restaurant shutdown, 38 jobs lost. The restaurant owner blamed the greedy property owner.

New Jersey: In Bordentown, maker of cranberry based juices Ocean Spray killing 138 jobs! They’re shutting down their factory and moving to Pennsylvania.  In Jersey City, iconic Casa Dante restaurant shutdown without warning. A finance company stated that the restaurant owners hadn’t paid rent since October 2013! News reports say it was a court order that shutdown the Italian eatery & music joint.

New York: Dallas Restaurant Management Company shutting down Fireside Restaurant and Lounge in June, 38 jobs lost. FLIK foodservice company shutting down in May, 46 jobs lost.  Food supplier ConAgra announced it will kill at least 425 jobs when it shuts down operations in Dunkirk and Fredonia, in 2015!  In Amsterdam, Quandt’s Foodservice Distributors moved their planned layoffs to the end of April. The company was sold off, 116 jobs will be lost!   In Brooklyn, Voila Sweets announced it is shutting down in June, 72 jobs lost.  In Long Island, Mexico based Bimbo Bakeries shutting down their Entenmann’s Bay Shore bakery, 178 jobs lost!

North Carolina: In Winston-Salem, after 16 years Ollie’s Bakery shutdown. The landlord is the suspect.   Hartigan’s Irish Pub shut down. The owner blamed safety issues with the 100 years old building.  In Raleigh, after 29 years Fat Daddy’s Market & Grill shutdown, 45 jobs lost.

Ohio: Grocery store Giant Eagle shutting down two stores, one in Toledo, one in Rossford, 179 jobs lost! Company officials say there are too many grocery stores in the U.S.

Oregon: In Portland, Ivories Jazz Lounge and Restaurant shutdown. No reason given, but reviews of the restaurant were hit & miss. Many customers were shocked by the unadvertised cover charge for the bands.

Pennsylvania: At State College, after only four years Quizno’s sandwich shop shutdown. The owner blamed the bad economy and what I call DSS (Disappearing Student Syndrome).  In South Union Township, after 22 years Cherry Tree Cafe shutdown.

South Carolina: In Charleston, after 27 years upscale Carolina’s restaurant shutdown.  In Rock Hill, grocery store Compare Foods shutdown. 50 jobs lost. The manager blames the suck ass economy: “The recession hit Rock Hill pretty hard and we’ve been suffering from that as well. There are a lot of businesses that have been dealing with that.”-Omar Jorge

In Richmond, the Piggly Wiggly grocery store shutdown, 37 jobs lost. In Landrum, Ken’s Meats & Seafood shutdown after only three years of operations. The owners said everything was going good until summer 2013, when sales crashed: “We just didn’t have enough local support to sustain us for the long run. Unfortunately I can count on two fingers how many local businesses bought from us and that was unfortunate…..demand for my products is just not here in our local community.”-Ken Brackett, co-owner

South Dakota: In Sioux Falls, after 60 years Sid’s Liquor shutdown. The president of Sid’s blamed his crashing sales on state officials who, in 2008, passed a law that allowed big corporations to have more than one liquor license: “It’s like there’s a liquor store on every block. And we saw our sales decline by over 1-Million dollars a year! Which was a real kick in the pants. And we started losing money, and the losses just keep getting bigger!”-Paul Damyan

Tennessee: In Gallatin, after only two years Butterbean Bakery and Bistro shutdown.

Texas: In Oak Cliff, Frito-Lay announced they will shutdown a factory and a warehouse in August, 163 jobs lost!  Frito-Lay is owned by anti-2nd Amendment Pepsi.  In Sherman, two restaurants shutdown; the six years old Little Italy and the 37 years old Braums on North Travis. The owners of Little Italy says city officials forced them to close. No explanation was given by the owners of Braums.  In Midland, Walter’s family restaurant shutdown. The restaurant owner blames the greedy property owner for jacking up the rent.  In Sugar Land, after less than one year the Fiesta Market Place grocery store shutdown! I couldn’t find any reports that explained why.

Vermont: After 22 years the Shaftsbury Country Store shutdown.

Virginia: In Parsley, 20 employees of Fresh Pride now unemployed. The company that owns Fresh Pride, Camellia Food Stores, has a history of shutting down stores without notice, even on the day after Xmas.   In Charleston, reports that the Sushi Atlantic market shutdown.  In Virginia Beach, after 40 years That Which Cannot Be Named refused to stop the shutdown of The Jewish Mother Hilltop restaurant and dance club/music venue. The Jewish Mother Hilltop has been plagued by lawsuits, financial problems and recent health problems for the owner. The owner also admitted that January and February saw crashing revenues, and he was unable to pay rent.  The 3rd largest privately held foodservice company in the U.S. killing jobs. Reinhart Foodservice announced they were laying off 49 employees by April. Company officials refused to explain why.  In Bristol, after ten years Inari Wines shutdown: “It’s been slowing down and slowing down. Sales have been flat.…It’s not fun anymore!”-Paul Brandt, co-owner

Washington: After less than five years Savour specialty food store shutdown.

West Virginia: In Charleston, Thelma Fay’s Cafe shutdown, it’s blamed on that massive chemical spill by Freedom Industries: “Sadly we have been unable to recover our losses during the water crisis……” 

Wisconsin: Ice machine maker Manitowoc Company killing 150 U.S. jobs! The patriotic ‘American’ company is moving production to Mexico and China.  In Lodi, after more than 93 years (surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) Weber’s Bakery shutdown. The owner Noel Weber blamed the not-so-recovered economy stating “…we can’t continue this way and we have to call it a day!”   In Appleton, reports that after 21 years supplier to home beer, wine and soda pop makers, Homebrew Market, shutdown.  Grocery store Supervalu shut down their Pleasant Prairie regional office, 155 jobs lost! Another 200 jobs will be eliminated across the country!   British empire Canada based Saputo shutting down their New London cheese factory.

U.S. Food Crisis, February 2014

Business/Economics

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 23 – 25 August 2014: “….we lost 60% of our trees….” No more peaches? Thousands (?) could lose their jobs with Ashley Furniture! More coal mine shutdowns!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California:  Bellflower Unified School District laid off all ten bus drivers.  The reasons are convoluted, ranging from lack of funding to driver misbehavior.   Iconic Colorado based canning and packaging company Ball (Metal Food & Household) killing 159 jobs in Oakdale!  Company officials say they lost a major contract with ConAgra, providing cans for canned tomatoes.  In Pittsburg, taxsucker USS-POSCO Industries warned they are killing 643 jobs in October!  In San Francisco, British empire company and U.S. taxsucker BAE Systems announced an additional 87 layoffs for September.  In Irvine, legal drugs pusher Allergan warned it will kill an additional 129 jobs in October!

Indiana:  Coal mining company Vectren selling off three mines.  At least 120 contracted miners will be let go once the mines are sold!  More proof the internet is not responsible for killing of brick-n-mortar stores; internet based consumer product reviewer Angie’s List killed 97 jobs.  Company officials blamed a loss of $18.4-million USD on increasing costs of operations.

Iowa: Agricultural equipment supplier Demco Products laid off 26 employees, due to crashing sales.

Massachusetts: Brockton School Committee laid off 47 crossing guard positions.  This comes after a local newspaper investigated reports that janitors were being paid as much as $50 per hour in overtime to double as crossing guards!   And despite all that overtime pay, an 11th child was hit by a vehicle while crossing a street to go to school!

Minnesota: Twin Metals Minnesota eliminated 16 positions as it moves into the next phase of its copper and nickel mine exploration.  After 34 years Tatters vintage clothing store shutdown, the owner blamed rising rent, which the landlord blamed on rising property taxes.

New York: An update on the massive job killing at Time Warner Turner Network, employees at CNN and HLN are being asked to quit voluntarily, the company is offering 550 buyouts!

North Carolina: Peat moss distributor Sun Gro shutting down in September, 16 jobs lost.

Ohio: 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

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.

Utah: In West Jordan, California based Fairchild Semiconductor ceasing operations, 500 jobs lost!  When combined with their shutdowns in Malaysia and Korea (south), 1350 people will become unemployed!  Company officials say they need to cut $55-million from their expenses, as sales are crashing.

Virginia: In Grafton, after 28 years the Adams Shoe Store shutdown. The owner blamed the “slow economy”.

Wisconsin: After getting a $6-million tax break from the state, Ashley Furniture announced they are expanding and killing jobs at the same time! A local news report says the tax deal could end up killing half of Ashley Furniture’s jobs, potentially 1919 employees!  In New London, the Occasional Stamper stamping and scrapbooking shop shutdown.

21-22 August 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

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Food Crisis, February 2014: “It’s just costing so much to maintain that it’s not worthwhile anymore.”

Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of February, 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.

Outback Steakhouse began shutting down 22 Aussie style restaurants across the U.S.A. The restaurants to be shuttered are in Arizona, Iowa, South Carolina, New York, Tennessee and Kansas. Bloomin’ Brands is also closing restaurants under the names of Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, and Roy’s. Bloomin’ Brands officials say the shutdowns are just for the first quarter of 2014, more could follow.

Italian restaurant chain, Sbarro, announced they are shutting down 155 restaurants in the United States! Company officials blame the suck ass economy.

Furr’s Fresh Buffet restaurant chain now chapter 11 busted. 2-thousand jobs affected! There are Furr’s restaurants in New Mexico, Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Company officials blamed  “….challenges facing our industry and the liquidity constraints due to our indebtedness and the recent ice storm, we need to explore options to restructure our debt, recapitalize and position ourselves for future growth.”-Barry M. Barron Sr, CEO

Alabama: In Montgomery, after 20 years of food and car shows Flip’s restaurant shutdown. The owner blames skyrocketing insurance rates after an arson fire.

Arizona:  In Willcox, NatureSweet laid off 70 employees at their tomato greenhouse operation. Last year they laid off 65 employees. Please note that NatureSweet also uses prisoners as employees, and none of them got laid off. The Willcox operation used to be owned by EuroFresh, and back then they employed 400 prisoners. It was also revealed that for years there has been a “disease” inside the greenhouses, but company officials claim they have it under control.

California: In Carlsbad, the Hot Dog On A Stick restaurant chain is now bankrupt, 93 restaurants affected. In San Diego, Karl Strauss Brewing laid off 67 employees.  In San Louis Obispo, after 15 years Cugini’s Pizzeria & Trattoria shutdown. The restaurant owner said the greedy property owner jacked up the rent by adding on a monthly service charge as well as demanding 6% of her restaurant’s profits! She tried complaining to the property management company but they blew her off, then suddenly she got evicted! In Fresno, anti-2nd Amendment company, Pepsi, laid off 50 employees.   In Sacramento, Coca Cola laid off about 47 employees. Last year they laid off 60 employees.   Kansas based National Beef announced they will shutdown their Brawley meat packing plant in April. 1300 jobs lost! Company officials blame the crashing supply of cows for driving up their costs (supply vs demand). California ranchers blame the decline in cow numbers on the long term drought.

Colorado:  In Fort Collins, The Black Market Tavern shutdown without warning or explanation.  The Wok & Roll Teriyaki restaurant shutdown. The owner realized how bad the economy is when he was faced with the cost of replacing a major charbroiler: “That’s when we began seeing the handwriting on the wall…..It’s just costing so much to maintain that it’s not worthwhile anymore.”-Stephen Moritz

Connecticut: In Mashantucket, Craftsteak Foxwoods restaurant shutdown, 54 jobs lost.

Idaho: Warren Buffet owned Heinz Frozen Food made it official and notified Idaho that it will shutter its Pocatello plant, killing at least 400 jobs!  State Department of Labor analysts said the frozen food factory shutdown will have a domino effect and kill an additional 200  jobs in Pocatello/Chubbuck!  In Aberdeen, food and agriculture giant Simplot announced they will kill 309 food processing jobs by April!

Illinois: In Monmoth, Olivia’s Cookie Jar and Kitchen announced it will shutdown this year. Owner, Rae Connolly, told local news media it was because of the suck ass economy.  In Chicago maker of Nathan’s Famous hotdogs, Specialty Food Groups, killed 250 jobs! No reason given.  In Bolingbrook, supplier of food to the U.S. Department of Defense (meaning they’re a taxsucker), Quantum Foods, now chapter 11 busted. Company officials were hoping to sell out to Idaho based CTI Foods, but Quantum’s 1100 employees were warned to prepare for sudden unemployment!

Indiana:  In Indianapolis, after 40 years the MCL Restaurant & Bakery shutdown.  In Mishawaka, the Save A Lot grocery store shutdown. Company officials blame the bad economy: “After having invested significant marketing and promotional support for the store, as well as fielding a great management and staff team, we’ve come to the realization we cannot anticipate a time when we will generate adequate sales to justify continuing operations.”

Iowa: In Des Moines, after 30 years Billy Joe’s Lounge shutdown.

Kentucky: In Louisville, the Heine Brothers’ Coffee shop shutdown. Company officials said the shop had good business, but it wasn’t good enough to cover the outrageous rent.

Louisiana: In New Orleans, after ten years the Meauxbar Bistro shutdown. The owners sold off the property.

Maryland: Beer distributor Winner Distributing laid off 125 people! Baltimore County officials say they were not told why, other than it sounds like the operation was sold to an unknown buyer!

Massachusetts: In Brookline, Jimmy’s Bar & Oven announced they will shutdown in March.  In Ashland, after 25 years The Malt Shop liquor store shutdown.  After almost 30 years the South Face Farm restaurant announced that 2014 is its last year of business. It’s one of several restaurants operated by maple sugaring farms to be closed. It’s no longer economically viable to run a restaurant and make maple syrup.

Michigan: After more than 40 years the Swartz Creek Bakery shutdown. The property owner sold off the building.  In Detroit, Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe shutdown. The owners blame a 60% drop in sales on competition with mainstream grocery stores. They were hoping that selling alcohol would increase sales, but they found the actual costs of licensing, stocking of wine and liquor, as well as hiring more employees ate up any alcohol profits.

Minnesota: After only five months Captain Jack’s Liquor in Janesville shutdown.

Missouri: In Dutchtown, after 40 years Giuseppe’s Ristorante shutdown. The owners say their crashing restaurant revenues were caused by the temporary closure of Highway 40.

Montana: In Missoula, the Food for Thought college town restaurant shutdown. The owner said she’s been trying to sell for the past four years, because she can’t afford necessary upgrades. Students and employees say they were surprised by the shutdown.

Nebraska: In Omaha, after 60 years Eli Caniglia’s Venice Inn restaurant shutdown. The family owners sold out to an evil property developer.

New York:  In Newburgh, Dr. Pepper Snapple announced they will shutdown by April, 35 jobs lost.   In Amsterdam, Quandt’s Foodservice Distributors announced they will shutdown by May, 116 jobs lost!   In Watertown, after 12 years the Brew Ha Ha coffee house shutdown.

New Jersey: In Westfield, after only two months upscale Grädde Swedish Restaurant shutdown! The owners said screw this and are moving back to Sweden!   Wawa convenience store, on Route 70 and Cooper Landing Road, shutdown.  Store owners say it’s not worth it to remodel in order to meet new building standards.

North Carolina: In Charlotte, food producer Kellogg shutting down its Famous Amos, Austin Sandwich Creme and Iced Animals factory, 195 jobs lost! Kellogg has been shutting down factories in Australia, Canada and United States, but shifting production to southeast Asian countries under a operation called Project K.   After 48 years Arnold’s Family Restaurant shutdown, the co-owner said “It just feels like it’s time.”   In Greensboro, after 79 years Ham’s Restaurant shutdown.

Ohio: German importer, Krause’s at Findlay Market, shutdown. No reason given.   In Dayton, Champps Americana Grill shutdown without warning, 65 jobs lost: “Despite the best efforts of the team there, this had been a store that had been under-performing for some time.”-Rick Van Warner, F&H Acquisition

Oregon: In Portland, the Wildwood shutdown. The restaurant owner says the property owner wanted to jack up the rent.

Pennsylvania: In Philadelphia, Mondelez International shutting down the former Nabisco/Kraft bakery. 350 jobs lost by early 2015! Union leaders say there was no reason for the shutdown, other than “corporate greed”.  In Pittsburg, the Bridge Ten Brasserie restaurant shutdown. The owner blamed the bad economy saying “Regrettably, ‘success commerciale’ has proven elusive.”   In Lower Saucon Township, the Starters Pub shutdown. Local news reports say it was without warning or explanation.

South Carolina: In Saint Beaufort, a Piggly Wiggly grocery store shutdown, more than 50 jobs lost.  In Orangeburg, a Reid’s grocery store shutdown. In Cayce, a Reid’s grocery store shutdown. In Walterboro, a Reid’s grocery store shutdown. In Aiken, a Bi-Lo grocery store shutdown. All blamed on Bi-Lo Holdings take over of Delhaize America. More grocery store shutdowns to come!

Texas:  Gigi’s Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar shutdown, the owner blamed “economic challenges and unforeseen circumstances”.   In Dallas, Tom Thumb grocery store shutting down sometime this year. Company officials have given conflicting reasons, one being that they are moving into a bigger location, the other is that California based parent company, Safeway, is going to sell off their Tom Thumb division.  In Waco, the Super Plaza grocery store shutdown. A local businessman says the store suffered from bad management: “You’d walk to the bakery, and they’d be sold out of bread. Or there would be a line of 20 customers and only one cashier on duty….”-Raul Vallejo

Virginia: In Reston, a Burger King shutdown.  Capital Bagel Bakery store shutdown. The operators blame the property owners: “We were given one month notice to vacate the space due to the landlord’s consideration of Fresh Mart, since they’re carrying bagels as well.” 

West Virginia: Kroger announced it will shutdown two more grocery stores, one in Quincy and one in Weston. At least 100 jobs affected!

Washington: Upscale Madison Park Conservatory restaurant shutdown.

U.S. Food Crisis, January 2014

Business/Economics

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 21 – 22 August 2014: “It’s a system that’s beating us….Beating our kids.” Hostess shuts down, again? “We were shocked!” Evil investors want to sell off PetSmart! More raptured students?

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

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

Arizona:  What housing market recovery?  In Phoenix, Distinctive Roofing shutdown.  The owners said they never recovered from the 2008 crash. Phoenix based PetSmart announced it could go up for sale.  Company officials blame investors who are pushing for the pet supply ‘big box’ chain-store to be sold off, despite increased revenues.  In Prescott Valley minor league hockey team, the Arizona Sundogs, shutdown: “Slower than expected off-season revenue along with other league issues have moved us in this direction.”– Brad Fain, majority owner

California: Taxsucking Boeing warned of more layoffs, this time at least 139 people will become unemployed by the end of October!  Super Glue (Pacer Technologies) warned of 11 layoffs in October.  In San Diego, Angelica Textile Services warned they will shutdown in October, 67 jobs lost.  In Los Angeles, Investor’s Business Daily warned of 38 layoffs in November.

Idaho: In Boise, after 30 years Newt and Harold’s snow & skateboarding shop shutdown.

Illinois: 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.   Northfield based 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.

Indiana: Obama Care killing 361 rescue jobs with ambulance service provider Rural/Metro Corporation!  More than 30 communities will lose ambulance service!  Company officials directly blamed reduced insurance reimbursements caused by Obama Care.  What was that about Obama Care increasing access to healthcare?

Iowa:  What automotive industry recovery?  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.

Kansas: In Wichita, decades old Outback Pools announced it will shutdown.

Maryland: In Rockville, taxsucker General Dynamics (GD) warned it will layoff 61 employees in October.  GD failed to get taxpayer funding for a planned massive internet based news service for military and government personnel overseas.  (while U.S. taxpayers are forced by their ‘elected’ officials to fund Afghan TV industry development)

Massachusetts: In Sudbury, taxsucker Raytheon announced it is shutting down its integrated defense systems facility over the next few years.  In Florence, the World Eye Bookshop shutdown.  The owner said “…in Florence there just isn’t enough foot traffic.”

Michigan: After 46 years The Wolverine Food & Spirits shutdown.  The property was sold to make way for a 24 hours gas station.  What automotive industry recovery?  Detroit based General Motors (GM) announced they are cutting back on car production in Russia, due to crashing sales.

Nevada: University Medical Center began a second round of Obama Care healthcare layoffs, this time 200 healthcare workers put out on the streets!

New York: The Buffalo School District killed 63 teaching jobs, some of the teachers had just made tenure.  News reports said many of the teachers taught classes for homeless children.  One school board member actually blamed the U.S. education system saying “It’s a system that’s beating us.”  Another board member added “Beating our kids.”

Ohio: Medical supplies maker Invacare killing 210 healthcare jobs globally, 60 in Ohio, due to bad “…financial results for the first six months of 2014 and the slow sales start to the third quarter.”

Pennsylvania: Medical device maker Echo Theraputics announced they must layoff 35% of their employees.   God refuses to stop Christian Geneva College from laying off at least 25 employees, due to what I call the rapture, I mean DSS (Disappearing Student Syndrome).  And who said the internet is to blame?  The Christian college is eliminating its internet ministries courses for the 2015-16 school year!  School officials also revealed that the economy is so bad that “nearly 100%” of their Christian students qualify for some type of financial assistance.

Tennessee: 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

Vermont: A fire killed 170 jobs at the Rutland Plywood Corporation.  Firefighters thought they had put out the fire, but then later the warehouse re-ignited.  Firefighters are blaming the fire on mechanical failures.

Washington DC:  Revelations that tourism to the capital of the United States is crashing.  Tourism tracking companies say international tourists have been declining since 2011, a drop of about 150-thousand tourists!

Wisconsin: Troubled (and federal law breaking ) Anthem College shutting down their Brookfield campus, 30 jobs lost.

20 August 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

Business/Economics

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 20 August 2014: “Why do they want to break people’s hearts?” More video game makers going down? California ‘cloud’ company increases job culling!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Arizona:  In Tucson, California based Intuit killing 200 jobs!

California: In Woodland Hills, tech company Intuit continues massive job killing, this time 120 employees!  Company officials say it’s part of its shift to ‘cloud’ operations.  In Yuba City, Valley Fine Foods laid off 30 employees.  Company officials say they hope the layoffs will be temporary.

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.

Illinois: In Arlington Heights, California based Intuit shutting down and killing 104 jobs!

Iowa: In Ankeny, after 13 years Mattress Outlet shutdown.

Massachusetts: After 177 years (surviving the Great Depression & numerous recessions) kitchen utensil maker Lamson & Goodnow Manufacturing now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  Company officials say sales have crashed so much they cannot pay back millions of dollars worth of federal government and private loans.  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.

Michigan: In Ionia County, Central Michigan University shutdown a school for poor kids.  The university revoked the charter for Threshold Academy, affecting more than 150 students.  The elementary school principal blamed economic instability for what I call DSS (Disappearing Student Syndrome).  A young student confronted the principal saying “Why do they want to break people’s hearts?”  The school’s motto was “Small School – Big Heart”.   In Muskegon, after 25 years Omni Fitness shutdown.   The owner blames the bad economy: “The enormous amount of money that is required to operate and maintain this building, along with substantial loss in memberships, has strained our budget to the point where just keeping up with maintenance is challenging – let alone trying to budget for future improvements, new equipment, etc. Our costs have continued to rise, but our revenues and membership levels have not kept pace.”-Lana Carson

North Carolina:  What automotive industry recovery?  In Charlotte, Ireland based clutch maker Eaton killing 84 jobs and moving production to Illinois and the country of Mexico.   Too Big to Jail BB&T killing off an undisclosed number of offices and jobs due to the bad economy: “In response to a challenging economy and competitive environment, BB&T is restructuring and, in some cases, consolidating positions in several areas of the bank.”

Ohio:  Too Big to Jail U.S. Bank announced it will shutdown its Oakwood office in November.

Virginia: In Stafford County, California based Intuit killed 159 jobs!

Washington: In Bellevue, a patent company with a convoluted operating plan, Intellectual Ventures, announced they will kill off 140 jobs!  Sony owned video game maker Sucker Punch laid off an undisclosed number of employees.

19 August 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