Chef Josef Centeno's Bäco to Take Over Banquette and Last Bookstore Spaces
Pamela Rouse
[Flickr]
Neighbors Banquette and The Last Bookstore will need to close or relocate to make room for Bäco, a new restaurant which will take over their spaces in June.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Lazy Ox co-owner and chef Josef Centeno plans to open a new restaurant called Bäco on Main Street in the spaces currently occupied by Banquette and the Last Bookstore.
"I'm really excited to be in the Old Bank [District]," Centeno said. He began discussions on the new space eight months ago and finally signed the lease last week. Derrick Moore from CB Richard Ellis helped him facilitate the deal.
Bäco's menu will center on a popular flatbread recipe Centeno created. Plans also include a beer and wine list.
Centeno ambitiously hopes to open by mid to late summer, though he won't actually get control of the space until June 1. He plans minimal changes to the location's current construction. "I want to keep the natural integrity of the space," he explained.
The two current tenants are still figuring out their next moves.
"We knew we would have to move when we signed the lease," said Josh Spencer, owner of The Last Bookstore. He explained that when he opened in December 2009 he was told the lease would end in twelve to eighteen months. He said he's always thought of the tight 1000-square-foot space as a "stepping stone" for his business.
Spencer is currently looking at "three or four options" with between 4,000 and 6,000 square feet, which he said he needs to accomodate the 20,000 books he has in storage. He also wants the new space to serve as an event venue. In the past, The Last Bookstore's has hosted music acts and fashion shows in its narrow aisles. Regardless of where he goes, Spencer says he intends to remain Downtown.
Banquette's Monica May expressed disappointment at the news. She said that she had been trying to renew her lease and sell Banquette for some time, and that she had not been notified that building owner Tom Gilmore had signed another deal for the space until blogdowntown reached her for comment.
May, who also co-owns The Nickel Diner, opened Banquette in November 2004. She said did not know if she would try and relocate the eatery.
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 04:25PM – #1
with all the empty retail locations downtown, was it really necessary to kick out banquette and the bookstore?
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 04:46PM – #2
I love the Lazy Ox -they know me by name - but I agree with #1. It seems strange to kick out two great local spots for something that could easily go somewhere else on Main or Spring. I really liked having a bookstore right there. Bitter sweet, I guess.
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 04:54PM – #3
I don't understand. Monica May has had Banquette on the market for some time. Was she trying to sell a cafe that she didn't have a secure lease for?
Also, why in the world wouldn't Gilmore give personal notice to a long time renter like Banquette? All he needed to do was walk across the street (or stagger out of Pete's). Shame on him.
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 04:58PM – #4
Tom Gilmore and Julie Rico must have studied how-to-be-a-landlord together.
Sara Jones on December 28, 2010, at 05:13PM – #5
I wouldn't call Gilmore a Julie Rico. After all, Monica and Josh have several months of notice before having to move out, whereas the Must had none.
It is a shame that Monica had to find out through David and not Tom.
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 05:38PM – #6
Isn't this Gilmore being Gilmore? Control freak that he is.
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 05:43PM – #7
Banquet and the bookstore can move, this space is great for another restaurant and more night life, hopefully really expensive too... Anything to keep moving the disruptive transients out of that area of Downtown. Banquet should try moving to Broadway... that's the street that needs the most help.
Jamie DeFrisco on December 28, 2010, at 05:47PM – #8
When I first heard this news my first reaction was where was Banquette going. Sad to hear that it might just disappear.
I agree with everyone else that it's a shame that they would kick out two good businesses in order to add one. Not to mention there's other spaces that Gilmore has available that would be suitable(as well as spaces not in affiliation with Gilmore in the area).
Luckily both businesses have time to make other plans.
I do question Centeno's knowledge of downtown. Anyone that's been here for long enough knows about the businesses that are there. I would much rather see businesses interested in the community stay around and open up in the area than ones that just seem to think it's the cool place to be.
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 07:36PM – #9
"I wouldn't call Gilmore a Julie Rico."
What would you call him?
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 08:03PM – #10
I'd think that if Tom Gilmore were similar to Julie Rico, he would have, if anything, avoided placing another potentially quite competitive restaurant so near Pete's Cafe, which I believe he has part ownership in. However, Gilmore still may be a skunk in all this if he doesn't do everything possible to assist Josh Spencer and certainly Monica May in finding new locations.
It wasn't that long ago when 4th and Main was so tawdry and abandoned that landlords like Gilmore couldn't give away their retail spaces.
How does that saying go?: "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it."
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 09:13PM – #11
Hi everyone. As the partner in Gilmore Associates responsible for the retail leasing in the Old Bank District I can share the background on the lease with Baco. While I won’t speak to all the rumors, I can speak to the facts. About 2 years ago the owners of Banquette, Monica May and Cedd Moses, notified us of their plans to sell Banquette. But with less than 2 years remaining on the lease and a very weak economy, finding a buyer would be difficult for anyone. Needless to say a buyer wasn’t found. Meanwhile, The Last Bookstore was experiencing terrific growth and was thinking of leasing a much larger space. Now we had two small spaces that, combined, could bring in a new business to the neighborhood. So nearly a year ago we notified the owners of both The Last Bookstore and Banquette of our plans not to renew the leases – giving the owners ample time to consider all their options. I’m very excited to say we have signed a letter of intent with The Last Bookstore to relocate to a larger space in OBD and look forward to its continued presence in the neighborhood. We appreciate the ever growing family of retail tenants serving the Old Bank District and we welcome Baco and chef Josef Centeno to the neighborhood. Jerri Perrone, Partner, Gilmore Associates
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 09:47PM – #12
OBD History! Gilmore Associates partner Jerri Perrone is married to Pete McLaughlin, the guy who oversaw the conversion of a raw space into Pete's Cafe. He managed the restaurant until the Gilmore partners surprised him by laying him off and getting a new manager. They kept his bread pudding recipe, though.
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 10:04PM – #13
Just a quick correction: The Last Bookstore has not given or signed a letter of intent to stay in the OBD. A certain space graciously offered to us in the OBD is at the top of our list, but we are still exploring other offers as well. Jerri was probably referring to our verbal interest, without realizing no letter of intent has been given yet. :-) -Josh Spencer, owner, Last Bookstore
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 10:14PM – #14
Thanks Josh. You are correct, we sent the Letter of Intent and sure hope you stay. Jerri Perrone, Partner, Gilmore Associates
Sara Jones on December 28, 2010, at 10:35PM – #15
Guest #3, please reread my post as to why I don't think Tom is the next Julie Rico. I don't waste my time with people who can't be bothered to sign in under their names.
Jeri, thanks for your further clarification.
Guest on December 28, 2010, at 11:29PM – #16
Note to all Downtown Foodies, OBD afficionados, those who obsess over that weird manhole cover at the N.W. corner of Fourth and Main and ex-landscape architects everywhere:
this little issue will be way-moot come later this coming year when the U.S. Dollar goes into free-fall and all of our lives change forever. The OBD and all of the Historic Core will at long last be reunited with The Nickel, but will be on the opposite end of the economic spectrum, or what existed hereabouts prior to October 1929. If any of us still remain, we'll all be in wino heaven.
The economic collapse of '29 as well as the construction of Union Station REALLY did a number on Fifth Street and whoa to us all this coming year. You heard it here first...
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 07:30AM – #17
another restaurant? That will be 4 in a row on main. Petels, ox, rays (still under construction) and blossom. Too many. Yuch. Where is everyone going to park? Will the 3 bars be open till 2am? Sure would hate to be living in the Hellman and San Fernando now. Noise level will really be high. I thought 7th street was supposed to be the new restaurant row. I say no. These 2 small quaint spaces ad to the charming appearance of OBD. We don't have enough stores as it is. Who needs another large restaurant in historic core? Can we fight this?
Ginny Brideau (@ginnycase) on December 29, 2010, at 08:23AM – #18
@ #17 Who parks in the OBD? Isn't that what Pershing Square and the garage at 6th/Main is for?
We will never have enough restaurants DTLA.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 08:34AM – #19
There definitely is a saturation point for restaurants in a close area, so I wouldn't say we'll never have enough restaurants. I don't think we've hit that point yet, but it is a concern is the long run. A good neighborhood needs a strong balance of businesses that includes retail and neighborhood services.
Jasmijn on December 29, 2010, at 10:18AM – #20
My first reaction to the headline was, "oh no! the bookstore!" so I'm glad The Last Bookstore will be staying somewhere downtown, and that they have options to choose among. I do agree that they could use a larger space! I'd hate to lose a successful, appreciated local business like this for yet another restaurant (fond though I am of eating).
Laldava02 on December 29, 2010, at 10:18AM – #21
I agree with Ginny. I don't think anywhere in downtown is near a saturation point of well...anything to be honest. There is tons of retail and restaurant space in downtown, much of which remains under utilized. There is plenty of room for more restaurants.
I agree that new stores are needed in OBD and everywhere else in downtown, but the bookstore that is vacating the space seems to have expressed interest in a larger location, maybe nearby - which is great.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 10:41AM – #22
To be honest, I will miss Banquette. A lot. I don't think the new restaurant will be able to replicate its feel and coziness. Sadly, it wasn't given enough focus all around. I am glad Last Bookstore is looking to stay close, so hope that follows thru.
But it would be nice to get some new retail around here. Another thrift store or maybe a vinyl shop. Hell, a chocolatier would be tits.
And why hasn't anyone moved into the Medallion retail spaces? WTF... looks like an empty warehouse on the ground floor. Get a market in there, please.
Parking will never be solved quick enough out here. If DTLA is going to route of SF, Chicago and NYC, it's only gonna get worse. Sad but true, get used to it.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 10:57AM – #23
Parking is a major issue. It costs less to park in Beverly Hills than it does in DTLA, and the ticket on an expired meter is now $58.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 10:58AM – #24
I agree with guest 11. I think it's great that DT is the place now for new and exciting restaurants, but what about retail? We could use some clothing and shoe stores, a kitchen supply store, more markets, and more housewares. All these fancy eateries don't do much for the residents who might prefer a cafe over another higher priced meal in a reservation-style joint.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 10:58AM – #25
another thrift store? Are you kidding 12? Charities, which operate thrift stores couldn't afford the rent could they? And the only thrift store we have down here anyways is Goodwill on Broadway and 3rd and they are closing that location this week. RETAIL STORES PLEASE. I agree to not change those 2 cute store facades into 1 big OX.. T@HATS FOR 7th street. VOTE NO ON OX. LETS START A PETITION AND GO TO THE PERMIT HEARING.
Greensmark on December 29, 2010, at 11:04AM – #26
I will miss breakfast at Banqutte! Although, I'm sure things will work out. Glad to hear that the Last Bookstore is staying dwntwn and looking for larger digs!
As for more retail: HELLO!! Economy sucks for retail. And parking: HELLO!! Lets get the Metro and Street cars up and running. Parking will not be an issue!
Grnsmrk~
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 11:09AM – #27
give me a banana republic NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 11:18AM – #28
@"HELLO!! Lets get the Metro and Street cars up and running. Parking will not be an issue!" HELLO! Are you serious? Street cars? Metro? Why don't you ask the gods for a monorail system while you're at it.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 11:22AM – #29
I'm betting that "the last bookstore" will be moving into the much bigger space soon to be vacated by Ball Nogues on Spring. And let's not forget "the last bookstore" isn't. Metropolitan Books has been down the street for years now. It's nice to live in a neighborhood to with two bookstores.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 11:26AM – #30
@#17 What is Petels? I haven't heard about this.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 11:48AM – #31
Oh dear, I can't wait for Gucci/Pucci/Fiorucci......
Ach - - - at least a Trader Toenails!
jim winstead (@jimw) on December 29, 2010, at 11:51AM – #32
the space recently vacated by ball nogues (410 s. spring) was slated to be the new incarnation of the must.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 11:59AM – #33
Can't we all just get along
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 12:07PM – #34
I'll move out of the San Fernando Bldg. if they put this in. The coffee shop is why I chose this building. I never would have moved in above 2 restaurants and the soon-to-be bar they are building. I have no problem with Ray's bar, Banquette, and Pete's. But take Banquette out and I'm gone.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 12:43PM – #35
Remember that the Museum of Neon Art is vacating its current location in the Hellman Building as it opens its new location at 216 S Brand in Glendale.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 12:56PM – #36
Won't be missing mediocre Banquette with its sub-par service.
Opening more restaurants is necessary since there are so many bad ones downtown. The good ones then will thrive and the bad ones can become nail salons.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 01:03PM – #37
P.S.
Can someone open some real bakeries downtown?
c j on December 29, 2010, at 01:14PM – #38
ugh, no BR in OBD, please. and in regards to parking, is that lot in the Medallion ever filled up? people need to stop with the whining about no parking when they're really whining about no FREE parking. street parking prices are high, yet people still pay them (thus the no street parking available) so maybe they need to be higher. i do agree there needs to be more retail though. i can't keep up with all the new restaurants opening, but i only complain because it's another one i have to try!
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 01:17PM – #39
One business that outgrew the space, and another that was looking to sell and we STILL have people complaining like this was The Must Eviction: Part II.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 01:36PM – #40
Jerri,
You have not stated the facts correctly. You were notified of Monica's intent to sell Banquette at the beginning of 2008. Banquette was officially listed for sale in April of 2008 with 3 YEARS REMAINING ON THE LEASE. Several offers to purchase the business were accepted by Monica over the course of 2 1/2 years of which YOU personally denied the potential new tenants each time. Moreover, not once did you, or Tom or La Tanya ever mention your intent of not renewing Monica's lease during any meetings or communications that took place - until October of 2010 when you said that a LOI had been executed for the Banquette space. This was the first time that Monica (or any of her representatives) was made aware that you would not renew Banquette's lease that expires in April of 2011.
What is most discomforting, is that this is thanks that Monica gets as one of the retail Pioneers of the Historic Core. Taking over the space from Cedd in 2004, she raised the price of ice to $0.50 a cup (up from $0.25) in an effort to make things work until the Core took off. Now that the Core is primetime, you boot her out without the common deciency of letting her know that you had no intention of renewing her lease and letting her (as well as commercial real estate professionals) spin their wheels.
What Gilmore Associates did was completely unprofessional. As more potential tenants, and their representatives, learn about your business tactics, less of them will be inclined to locate in your buildings and the representatives will STOP advocating your buildings as viable locations.
As the saying goes: "You are not the only game in town," (or in the Core)...
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 01:42PM – #41
I wonder what RAY has to say about all of this and when is he gonna open up his Bourgeois french spot?
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 02:06PM – #42
Retail does not work with the parking situation the way it is.
By the way, if you look around you will find that the City already paid for many of the parking structures around downtown. The problem is that after they are built they are given away to friends of City Hall.....Follow the money!
We are very sorry Monica. Hopefully this turns out to be an opportunity!
Dixon on December 29, 2010, at 02:12PM – #43
Monica May took over Banquette and really turned it around. The previous owner closed the place at 3 pm. Monica kept it open from early in the morning to late at night. She also changed the menu from rice krispy bars to something much better.
Under Monica's ownership, Banquette turned into somewhat of a community center. It was not unusual to see artists, loft residents, women from the Downtown Women's Center and people from Skid Row all intermingling.
Monica had constant problems with Gilmore Associates. They forced her to remodel and put in a separate door to the restroom. They also constantly hassled her about lease renewals. There was such bad blood between Monica and the Gilmores that Trish Keefer (Tom's ex wife and former attack dog) refused to step foot into the restaurant. At one point the Gilmores (and Jerri) threatened to take over the space and run the place themselves.
Hopefully Monica will be able to remove as much equipment and furnishings as possible. She took a gamble on a space that was performing poorly and made things much better. She deserved kinder treatment than Gilmore Associates gave her.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 02:50PM – #44
I will also attest to the kind and gracious service afforded people at Banquette from ALL walks of life. Something not often seen in Los Angeles or DT even.
The comment on this thread from a Gilmore rep. seems without class and unprofessional. Putting your tennants business out there like that is the height of rudeness and shortsightedness. Shame.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 03:15PM – #45
Seriously, people? Give it a rest. I happened to like Banquette but to argue that May is the wronged downtown pioneer in this instance is bordering on the absurd. Gilmore is the pioneer, regardless of what your opinion of him is personally. What he did in the historic core allowed May's restaurants to happen, not the other way around. Reality check; all of the successful bars and restaurants within that area owe him a debt of gratitude.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 04:39PM – #46
One day maybe someone who knows will spill the deets about how Gilmore's hired dog Russ Brown threw gas on the Must fire. Now that's a juicy downtown LA lease story!
Dixon on December 29, 2010, at 05:27PM – #47
La Tanya only does what she is told. Jerri Perrone (comment #11) is the one who put her own name out there, but make no mistake--Gilmore calls the shots. He just hides behind other people while he back-slaps and good-ole-boy talks his way through the day. Remember, he's the one who fired Pete McLaughlin from the restaurant named after him--but he probably had Pete's wife (Jerri) do the actual firing.
TBerry on December 29, 2010, at 06:18PM – #48
I must admit, I don't know much about the OBD politics. So I will avoid commenting on the righteousness/wrongfulness of this and how it was handled. I will say, I'm surprised by the extreme positions people expressed here. Personally, I'm excited about Centeno's new restaurant ... and it's sad that what should be a wholly positive thing for downtown has to be darkened with controversy. Any business that opens/invests in, relocates to, or plans to build in downtown in this horrible economic climate should be welcomed with open arms. Obviously we all have personal preferences about what should go where and stuff of that sort... personally I'm eagerly awaiting progress on Broadway... but there doesn't seem to be any reason to get militant about it. But what do I know...
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 06:35PM – #49
What are the deets #26?
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 06:49PM – #50
It's sad to see Banquette go, but it has been on a downhill slide for a while. There are many versions of the truth i'm sure. Next time Monica negotiate a tougher lease or don't go into a space. You could have had first right of refusal or something. This is just one building in downtown and 'core' is a term from years ago. There are many great locations and this is one that is on the fringe. With Target coming and LA Live other areas are opening up. I hope the new place raises the bar for the area. All the places down there are kind of worn out. Even the Nickel is dirty most of the time. I don't know that the floor has ever been polished. Same for you Pete!
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 07:09PM – #51
Guest 13. Gilmore may have influence on Banquette. But his influence has nothing to do with the success of the nickel.
Guest on December 29, 2010, at 08:59PM – #52
@29 Why, because he doesn't own the building? Without Gilmore's pioneering of the OBD there would be no Nickel. Don't believe me? Find someone who knew what the area was like before Gilmore started developing it and ask them what it was like. Give credit where credit is due. All this Gilmore bashing is pathetic.
Guest on December 30, 2010, at 07:41AM – #53
I was looking to buy a loft about 6 months ago. I was going to buildings "blind", without an agent, I just wanted to do the research myself. There were signs in front of this one that read "open house today". So, I went in the office and asked to see a loft. The people working the office were a-holes. They looked me up and down and then told me it wasent exactly "open", and "what was I lookikng for exactly". Needless to say, I left the office with a sour feeling. Oh well, Their loss another buildings gain! I bought somewhere else.
Guest on December 30, 2010, at 08:05AM – #54
Not to defend the behavior #32 but Gilmore's buildings are rentals anyway, so...
Guest on December 30, 2010, at 08:25AM – #55
Gilmore has (had?) stakes in the Rowan and El Dorado.
Well I just want to add that the only upside to losing Banquette is I don't have to be embarassed by my visiting brother constantly wanting to check "if the cute girls" are working there. One time they were both working the same shift and he had no idea what to do.
Guest on December 30, 2010, at 12:10PM – #56
@11 Who did your brother think was cute? Let's set it up!
I will miss Banquette. Let the migration to Ray's begin.
Jamie DeFrisco on December 30, 2010, at 12:42PM – #57
TBerry - I agree that we all should support new businesses coming downtown, but there's so many open spots in downtown that it seems harmful to essentially kick out a business to replace it with another one. Unfortunately a small business like Banquette probably can't afford to move elsewhere.
There's the space on the ground floor of the Continental building, supposedly a space underneath Hellman or Continental (one of the leasing agents had mentioned this space a couple years back), two open spaces in the Douglas building, a bunch of smaller spaces in the Shy Barry buildings, the space in the Rowan, the spaces in the Medallion, the corner space at PE lofts, the space where the Yoshinoya was and many other spots along Broadway, Spring and Main.
Someone else had mentioned the lack of a coffee shop. There's still Lost Souls/Harlem Place right there.
Guest on December 30, 2010, at 06:12PM – #58
Can anyone explain why Gilmore rejected Monica May's buyer(s) for Banquette?
It will be so sad and so tacky if Main turns into what Spring St. has become. Though outsiders may not immediately see it, there is a certain romance to our little block.
(The Medallion excluded, of course.)
Guest on December 31, 2010, at 09:21AM – #59
boo the ox. Those 2 retail spacrs are so charming looking. Don't destroy the character by turning them into 1 space. At least give Ray a chance to open. And also porttofino restaurant. Go to 7th street where you belong. Please don't take 2 great retail spaces away. We need them.
TBerry on December 31, 2010, at 06:21PM – #60
Jamie - I was under the impression that the ground floor of the Continental Building was where The Must was going in, is that incorrect?
Guest on December 31, 2010, at 11:33PM – #61
Rumor has it the Must is not going in to the old Ball Nogues space as planned.
Guest on January 02, 2011, at 06:17PM – #62
Seems like Banquette already closed down. They've been closed every time I went there during the holiday season.
DavidAC on January 03, 2011, at 12:24PM – #63
This is really awful news. The Banquette is an institution - a friendly, low stress place to meet up and hang out. This new restaurant sounds like it's way too pretentious to come close to replacing Banquette. I really hope Ray gets his place finished soon - we'll need it...
Guest on January 03, 2011, at 12:59PM – #64
Banquette did close.
Guest on January 03, 2011, at 02:54PM – #65
Congrats Gilmore. Now you have an empty coffee shop for all prospective tenants to pass right by.
This is such a bummer.
SeanYodaRouse on January 03, 2011, at 03:22PM – #66
Yes, Banquette has officially closed. Here are some photos from today:
Empty storefront Monica's note saying "Thanks Downtown" One last look inside
I understand the decision to close the doors early. However, I really wish that we could have given the cafe a proper good-bye.
SeanYodaRouse on January 03, 2011, at 03:52PM – #67
Looks like twitpic messed up, so here's a flickr set instead.
Guest on January 03, 2011, at 05:45PM – #68
The place likely didn't generate enough sales per day, per week, to make it viable for the owner or owners. Therefore, the farewell note in the window that uses the word "long" in "6 long years" and "struggles" in "many struggles."
Downtown still requires a lot more people out and about -- and on more than just the second Thursday of each month -- in order to support a variety of shopkeepers.
DawnC on January 03, 2011, at 07:10PM – #69
I agree with everyone that said it before. It's hard to be excited about a new business going in when it means two are leaving. There's so many open spaces that need to be filled. I'm glad to see the bookstore is staying in the area but another business could have taken it's small space and Lazy Ox could have found something no one else was in. We maybe could have had two new businesses instead of keeping the number even.
I've never been to the other Lazy Ox location because I'm vegetarian and the menu seems rather meat heavy. Non veggies I know like it though. I hope this new place will have more options for us herbivores.
Guest on January 03, 2011, at 07:39PM – #70
Sounds to me like the farewell note is saying they struggled since the beginning to create what the area now is. But, after such horrible treatment by Gilmore's group, they're over it. Monica wasted all that time trying to sell the business but Gilmore rejected the buyers because he had other plans. It's his right to develop his buildings the way he wants, but it's disrespectful to Banquette, after all their initial investment in that area, to not inform them of their plans over the last 8 months. Also, if Centeno had balls, he would've opened in one of the many empty sections of downtown, just like Banquette did years ago.
I talked to three different people that live in Gilmore's units and they're looking to move now. That coffee shop was what set those building apart. I don't blame them, why would anybody want to give money to such a hollow group of people.
By the way, if anybody is paying Tom $150 a mo. to park in his structure, go over to the monstrosity that is The Medallion and park there for $90 a month.
Guest on January 03, 2011, at 08:29PM – #71
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, To the last syllable of recorded time; And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.
Guest on January 03, 2011, at 08:59PM – #72
Bad choice.
Guest on January 03, 2011, at 11:48PM – #73
"It will be so sad and so tacky if Main turns into what Spring St. has become."
It won't be so sad when the tacky, urine drenched, endless narcotic fueled zombie parade of Main turns into what Spring St. has become.
Guest on January 04, 2011, at 09:13AM – #74
@21
There are ways of rehabbing an area that don't include uprooting two great businesses, one of which is a staple of the neighborhood.
Also, try having some heart for the 'zombie parade.'
Jamie DeFrisco on January 04, 2011, at 10:44AM – #75
I wish Banquette would have stayed open for a couple more months. I'm sure more people would have come around to show support for the place. I guess this whole thing was the final straw for them. So sad.
On the other hand I think it's a bit drastic to move out because of this. They both were forewarned and had an idea of what was to come. Although they should have been told up front and not have to hear about it from alternate sources. If you don't like the situation then don't patron the place that moves in and persuade others not to either.