Pantagraph.com | Money | Ned Kelly's restaurant closing in Bloomington

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Ned Kelly's has a meaning wrote on Aug 29, 2007 9:41 AM:

" The few times that I got to go there were great but Like alot have said they were a bit pricey, But the one thing that I am going to miss is that I can't go though and sit in the same booth that I got proposed to in. I will miss that about Ned Kelly's leaving. I miss that I will not be able to go back home and not be able to go there for dinner.. "

HAD GIFT CERT. !! wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:00 AM:

" My girlfriend and I received a $30 gift card from my parents for Ned's. Upon hearing of the closing we tried Sat. to make reservations for Sun. They weren't taking reservations-first come first serve-they told us. Of course, the doors were locked when we arrived Sun. Is this how they got out of cashing in all of the gift cards that were left out there? "

portillo's wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:57 PM:

" portillo's is coming, portillos is coming "

Everyone wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:23 PM:

" Wow! I worked for NK's for a while, and have watched this page the last couple of days. It was a great place to work and meet great people and work with lots of long time employees. (Lot of 4 to 15 years of service). I just don't understand the gossip that people do on this. Does it really matter to you really. Did you work their...NOWe worked their and are with out a job. No restaurant will go in their and stay so long because the owner of the property has way to high of rent for any restaurant to be their as long as NK has been their. As for the owner running the business into the ground. NO. High prices on a lot of inventory. But, again that has no reason to bad mouth a person or a business that helped a lot of charities in the area. Just really step back and look at yourself and say does this really matter to me. Again I will miss everyone that worked there and to John and Ned Kelly's former employees. Thanks for 15 great years. Good luck everyone "

To Poor Service wrote on Aug 20, 2007 4:36 PM:

" I have been to Logans many times and have never had a problem with cold food or not seeing a server once I have gotten my food. Maybe you should stick with fast food places "

Ex Emp wrote on Aug 20, 2007 4:09 PM:

" I worked at the Bloomington Ned's a little over two years ago and it was going downhill even back then. Erny (owner at the time) ran that place into the ground. He had to back out of it and file for bankruptcy from what I have been told. John tried to give the place a new lifeline but it was too little too late for the company to stay afloat. The people I worked with were great and I actually miss a fair amount of them. This had nothing to do with the smoking and everything to do with the poor ownership and business choices. "

former NK employee wrote on Aug 20, 2007 3:33 PM:

" I worked for them years ago. They were micro managed. You have several managers and few tables. I didn't stay long. I still wait tables at a well known place in the area. More tables, better tips and not so many managers. Frankly I am suprised they lasted 15 years. "

Service wrote on Aug 20, 2007 3:04 PM:

" I have been in the restaurant business for 15 years, And I have listen to wait staff complain about customers for 15 years. I have heard from them, that Elderly people tip less, young people tip less, people with children tip less, certain religions and races tip less etc... the fact is, The Better servers complain much less, because they are tipped according to the job they have done. Now, Yes, if you want to insure a pleasant experience, it is best to treat your server well. But working with the public takes a special person, one that doesn't take things personal. "

old timer wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:56 PM:

" bring back Brandtville restraunt "

Joe wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:53 PM:

" BUT, I thought they said they were doing a booming business because they went smoke free. HA HA "

I don't know wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:08 PM:

" Another wing place would look pretty good there for us folks on the south side. And yes, I realize we have a lot of them here already but they all seem to be located near the airport, an area I've dubbed Wingtown. "

Transplant wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:02 PM:

" Jackson St. Pub in Macomb has the best horseshoes. Giddyup! "

Regarding horseshoes... wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:30 PM:

" Mugsy's has a good horseshoe as well. "

Family Fave wrote on Aug 20, 2007 12:44 PM:

" My family often chose Ned Kelly's for special dinners, loved it. But have heard the quality of food deteriorated recently. Too bad, but then I'm still sad we lost Bob Knapp's at the same location years ago. McDonald's now has chocolate chip cookies that taste just like the Toll House recipe. Warm them in the microwave, add some ice cream, voila! - great skillet cookie! "

Waitresses' Mom wrote on Aug 20, 2007 12:41 PM:

" Our family went to Ned's last week and though the food was decent, we suffered sticker shock with the bill. Two of our daughters waitress & a son is a busboy locally and after listening to their stories, I have to agree with other writers...smokers are their least favorite customers. They leave the messiest tables, stay long and tip poorly. Since the smoking ban, we go out to eat much more frequently and spend our dollars at local restaurants/bars. We hope a nice & reasonably priced restaurant occupies NK's place. Good luck to the former employees. "

Horseshoe wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:48 AM:

" Shannon's 5 Star & Lake Road Inn both have a great horseshoe...I like them both! "

12-Foot Midget wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:06 AM:

" Walk across the parking lot to the Redfire Grill. Usually not very busy and frankly the food is much better than it was at NK's. Good beer selection, as well. "

CU Ned's wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:55 AM:

" The Ned Kelly's In Urbana closed without paying employees, or vendors, or even the landlord. Good luck! "

One of the Last wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:48 AM:

" We went on Saturday to enjoy our last Skillet Cookie and to enjoy the patio we love - enjoy the temps without the bugs, plus kids can be a little more child like out there without affecting other customers. Our waitress was very busy but extremely kind. I hope she and everyone else find new jobs that suite them well. I hope the management company lowers the prices a tad to lure some good restaurants in there that will stay! "

Luther Billis wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:07 AM:

" Ned's was always substandard compared to their competition, except for that beloved skillet cookie. I love how the cancer corps jump up and say "IT'S THE BAN'S FAULT" when it says right in the article that the entire chain has gone down, and ours was actually the last one to close! Now, onto the really important business, what goes in there next? I'd absolutely love a Red Robin or a Macaroni Grill, but I think they would prefer to build their own structures. Cheddar's would be a good fit in that location. "

Not B/Ns fault wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:50 AM:

" This restaurant has closed numerous locations..I believe they may have gone bankrupt. The same thing happened with Damon's. It wasn't just B/N. As a matter of fact, these places tend to stay open a little longer here because of the community. Damons in Peoria and Springfield were long gone before they decided to close ours. Same thing with Hastings (old Ks) . It was open here longer than the other communities in Central Illinois. It probably would have thrived, until Borders moved in.. "

Benchwarmers wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:09 AM:

" Nice independent rest in Fairbury, come on Dave open one in Bloomington! "

employees wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:55 AM:

" At least they gave them fair warning. Chi-Chi's shut it's doors and called no-one to let them know. "

Lots of Reasons wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:05 AM:

" I was never impressed with Ned Kelly's myself. The steaks were decent but for the price they should have been fantastic. There's far better places to get a good steak in town. Chalk me up as someone who never went back after they decided to go non-smoking before the rest of the city. "

Ned's was awsome~ wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:03 AM:

" Sorry to see ya go, and best of luck to all employees. "

to service wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:51 AM:

" I agree. I waited tables in college 10 years ago so I always leave a good tip and try to be patient with crappy service(somethime you just have to let them know whats up!!). I recently worked retail in the blue big box home improvement warehouse for a year and 1/2 as a 2nd job. Needless to say retail blows, and people who can hack it full time are well under paid for what they put up with. "

Service wrote on Aug 19, 2007 9:53 PM:

" I think every person should have to work retail and serve at a restaurant before they leave high school or college. People who have been there tend to be nicer and more understanding then those who haven't been there. "

how about wrote on Aug 19, 2007 9:16 PM:

" Cheesecake Factory or Cheddars ? "

Thanks for nothing Ned wrote on Aug 19, 2007 7:53 PM:

" Yeah, we had reservations when they opened today (Sunday late morning) and they never opened the doors for business like they said they would, I guess they ran out of food. There were 3 people talking to the manager because they all had gift certificates..he said they will see what they can do about it and took their names, yeah right, why even lie about it, they will never honor the gift cards now..they dont have any money...you can at least just tell them sorry, go home, should have used them sooner. "

Dawn wrote on Aug 19, 2007 6:46 PM:

" The smoking ban had absolutly nothing to do with the restaurant going out of business. They went out in Peoria too. "

Melvin to huh wrote on Aug 19, 2007 5:27 PM:

" You make a very good point. I travel on business, so I dine out 4 nights per week- everything from Pizza Hut to very upscale restaurants. I can't recall the last time I had lousy service. People who are constantly unhappy with service should look in the mirror for the reason. I treat servers with courtesy and respect, and at least 99% of them treat me the same way. And the good service I receive is not due to the 25% tips I leave, because the tip is left after the meal. By the way, I waited tables in college, so maybe that explains my attitude. "

To bandanas wrote on Aug 19, 2007 5:03 PM:

" What??!!!! they are closed, they just opened. "

George wrote on Aug 19, 2007 4:43 PM:

" All the restaurants mentioned previously are ok. Maybe they should try a Brew House, Cadillac Bar, or Sams Boat? "

Huh... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 4:34 PM:

" Bandana's did NOT have poor service! I went in there several times and was always treated well. By the way, if you "always" get "AWFUL" service... change your attitude towrad your server. I was a server for years and the ONLY time I ever treated anyone like crud was when he or she was a jerk to me. Never tick off your waitress!!!!! Better yet, go watch the movie "Waiting" and be afraid, be very afraid.... "

To: To Kelly Closed wrote on Aug 19, 2007 4:14 PM:

" The implication that non-smokers don't order from the bar is just plain wrong and the implication that small number of smokers kept the restaurant in business by ordering from the bar is also wrong. My son waited tables for years, working in chains up to fine dining restaurants. He said that he hated waiting on smokers because they took up too much time by smoking ahead and after their meals plus the mess they left by putting out their stubs in their food. Working in smoking meant less tips and less turnover, usually a bad night financially. As a non-smoker, when I want to order wine with my meal, I order something in the range of $6 - $7. I don't usually order more because somewhere in there we have to drive home. And don't get me started on the markup on wine...especially the pedestrian wines that are usually offered in B/N restaurants. "

MCA wrote on Aug 19, 2007 3:20 PM:

" we could turn the former Neds into the nations largest white castle...possibly with a bar!!!!! "

kanga spear wrote on Aug 19, 2007 3:18 PM:

" The reaosn I started going to Neds more often was because of their choice to go smoke free. I'll sit in smoking but I really prefer non!! You got in and out a lot quicker beacuse you didn't have to wait an hour for a non-smoking section seat. The service was great 95% of the time and the reward program they had was nice too. You get coupons in the mail for 10, 15, and 20 bucks off your next meal. The last time they changed the menu I was a little disappointed but still went there anyway. Thanks and good luck to the folks who worked there that made my meals enjoyable. "

To: Horseshoe Lover wrote on Aug 19, 2007 2:28 PM:

" I've heard that Jim's Steakhouse has a great horseshoe on their lunch menu. "

to "Kelly Closed" wrote on Aug 19, 2007 2:13 PM:

" yes, many of the restaurants looked "packed" but have you actually asked the manager or owners how their profits are doing? The profits are made from their liquor sales not usually their food. Sorry to bust your bubble but in many places profits are down because the liquor (with meals, before or after drinks) are not there and, sad to say, it's because the "big bad smokers" are not sitting around enjoying themselves before and after a meal. So what you see is not necessarily what is real. "

The Myth of Independents wrote on Aug 19, 2007 1:24 PM:

" I've spent years in the restaurant business and have seen the line between independents and chains virtually erased. Most independent operators buy prepared food, then serve it. The BBQ ribs that many indie operators sell was purchased cooked and sealed in sauce. They just heat and eat. Same goes for the seasoned, mixed vegetables and the turtle cheesecake. I don't blame the small operators for this; it's all about economics and productivity. But the notion that indie operators offer originality is obsolete, in most cases. "

Smokey Bones? wrote on Aug 19, 2007 12:46 PM:

" Now why would Smokey Bones locate next to Famous Dave's? Two BBQ places door to door? Unrealistic. SweetTomatoes would be awesome and a total break from the usual around here. "

Kelly Closed wrote on Aug 19, 2007 12:44 PM:

" A few years ago, Ned Kelly's was decent for a night out. But the last few times we've gone, the quality of the food deteriorated tremendously. We quit going because the steak was tough, the potatoes gummy and the restaurant was dirty. The lack of good food quality I think caused the demise and those who think Bloomington's smoke ban caused it needs to re-read the article...Peoria, Spfld and CU Ned Kelly's closed before this one. To the smokers who think that the restaurant business has diminished because they're not going out need to quit sniffing smoke. All the restaurants we've gone to are doing well, mant are actually packed. If there are declines, I posit that it's due to too many choices. The weaker ones will "die" off the vine if they slip in their quality of food or service. "

jimmy wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:50 AM:

" i quit frequenting ned's when the prices surpassed the quality of food and service. when they went totally non-smoking before the city did, i stopped going there entirely. since the whole city went non-smoking, i have been out only twice- and only because of family and work obligation to do so. it's sad to think how much money has evaporated from the local food/drink/entertainment revenues since the city decided they knew the best way to run businesses they do not own. stands to reason, tho- they don't know how to run the city, so why should they know how to run any other business? it's rather amusing, in a perverse way, to see yet another small, select special interest group inflict economic hardship on an entire city- just so their needs and desires are fulfilled. heckuva job!! "

Round and round and round wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:38 AM:

" Every generation says that the next generation has a poor work ethic. Your great grandfather probably said that about your grandfather. "

NO NAME wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:12 AM:

" What this town needs a Fuddruckers. "

Why Portillo's? wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:00 AM:

" I LOVE Portillo's, but why add to what's already here? Give Boo Boo's and Super Gyro's a chance. They're fantastic, and have Portillo's menu covered (and more!). "

To Service... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 7:30 AM:

" They are people in their mid to late 20's that don't have a good work ethic. They think they can come and go as they please and they don't care about their fellow employees. What's worse is the younger bosses, who feel they should enforce the rules but they don't have to follow them. Whatever happen to lead by example. How can you expect me to follow your rules if you can't follow them yourself? For ex. don't sit there and complain if someone shows up 5 minutes late when every other day you (boss) comes in 30-60 minutes late. And complain if I complain I have to work over when you complain you might actually have to work your scheduled day. "

To Service... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 7:26 AM:

" My teenage boys have a great work ethic. They both starting to work when they were JRs in HS. They would go to school, go home for a short time and then go to work. And still kept their grades up. They both work/ed at NKs and whenever I would go in their they would tell me how great my boys are. That they have manners and well behaved and hard workers. My oldest is on his own going to college and working and still getting A's in his classes. So please don't diss all teens. I'm very proud of my boys. "

last night wrote on Aug 19, 2007 5:51 AM:

" we went there. they say projections were down $80,000 from last year so that's the reason they are closing "

Horseshoe Lover wrote on Aug 19, 2007 5:16 AM:

" Now that NK's gone can anyone tell me where to get a good horseshoe? "

to Service wrote on Aug 19, 2007 4:58 AM:

" So how come the restaurant business continues to grow each and every year? "

RYANS wrote on Aug 19, 2007 1:08 AM:

" B/N needs a Ryans. Miss the buffet that was at College Hills mall. "

smoking ban wrote on Aug 19, 2007 12:23 AM:

" I think some of you restaurant "experts" are off base in your assessment of the effect of the smoking ban on restaurant business. Some postulate that the ban can't hurt since it's statewide. That assumes that people have to eat out somewhere and that they will continue to patronize restaurants. The fact is that smokers, especially where both husband and wife smoke, may choose to stay home more often. After all, a lot of women still cook, even though they may prefer being served. The point is smokers don't have to continue eating out. And that could hurt business. "

Former Management wrote on Aug 18, 2007 10:53 PM:

" Thanks for the support for 15 years Ned Kellys Guests. "

Service wrote on Aug 18, 2007 10:14 PM:

" The problem with the service in the hospitality industry is the way kids are brought up. Either they don't have to work or their work ethic sucks. If more parents instilled great work ethic in their kids then it would be easier to find and keep good help. "

Most fail.... wrote on Aug 18, 2007 9:17 PM:

" because the service is horrible. I've been here for 25 years and it's unbelievable how many places opened and are great in the beginning. But as time goes on, the place gets dirty and not cleaned, and service gets worse by the day. And is closed before you know it. "

Izzy wrote on Aug 18, 2007 8:28 PM:

" To paraphrase William Hale Thompson, "This town ain't ready for a Portillo's." "

2nd wrote on Aug 18, 2007 5:15 PM:

" I second a Portillo's!!! "

No more rumors. wrote on Aug 18, 2007 3:16 PM:

" Alright people, calm down, If you don't work in management at this restaurant you proabably don't know what your talking about. Smoking ban didnt cause it to close, bad service didnt cause it to close, and neither did bad staff. It was an older non-chain restaurant, what do you expect? It had great food, but all restaurants can't last forever. And to all the staff, good luck in your future. "

Hey Sadden wrote on Aug 18, 2007 2:43 PM:

" I will take the gift certificate. Still have until tomorrow. "

Local wrote on Aug 18, 2007 1:29 PM:

" My husband and I frequent this restaurant often. We have always experience friendly and very gracious service from the employees there. We will truly miss them. "

Neds Lover wrote on Aug 18, 2007 12:37 PM:

" I think the smoking ban may have been the tip of the iceburg......we love NK and have ate their since they opened...Kanga spears and skillet cookie are divine.....we are sad to see them go! Face it this town is overrun with places to eat, everything can't survive and stay open forever! "

Sadden wrote on Aug 18, 2007 12:35 PM:

" Does anybody know about gift certifcates. I have one for $50.00 I will never use now. "

portillos wrote on Aug 18, 2007 11:09 AM:

" I vote for Chicago's very own Portillos "

Smokey Bones wrote on Aug 18, 2007 11:07 AM:

" I heard Smokey Bones is going to replace NK's-YUMMY "

Sad... wrote on Aug 18, 2007 10:56 AM:

" The owner of NK is not an owner of McKaw's. It is hard to keep a non-chain restaurant in business in BN because of the large amount of restaurants in this town. BN has the most restaurants per capita in Illinois. It is sad to see a family restaurant close, but I am sure another one will come into this location and be open for about 6 months until everyone has had a chance to try it and then it too will close because of the lack of repeat business. "

I wrote on Aug 18, 2007 10:34 AM:

" Ned Kellys was one of my favorite restaurants and it is very sad to see it go. The spears were delicious and the steaks were juicy. The menu was wonderful and the management was great! Best skillet cookies ever too "

I wrote on Aug 18, 2007 10:25 AM:

" This was my favorite restaurant and it will be missed dearly and as for the "senior" management that is CRAP! "

Harber wrote on Aug 18, 2007 10:15 AM:

" How about a Johnny's Italian Steakhouse to replace it. I like the one in Peoria. "

Stupid people... wrote on Aug 18, 2007 10:09 AM:

" First, for the guy complaining that the waitress was stupid for setting down a skillet cookie in front of his kid who promptly grabbed it...maybe you should be a better parent and control your child. It's not the waitress' job to watch your kid, it's yours. Second...for those saying that the smoking ban closed this restaraunt, give me a break! The ban will be statewide, so you are saying that ALL restaraunts statewide are going to close because you weak addicts can't live an hour without a cigarette and therefore won't go out to eat??? You can't smoke in a supermarket, and yet you still find time to go inside of one and buy food to eat without having to have a cancer stick. Get with reality, people! "

poor service wrote on Aug 18, 2007 9:50 AM:

" you want to talk about poor service go to Logan's. Once you get your food you never see the waitperson again. Not to mention cold food. "

ned employees wrote on Aug 18, 2007 9:24 AM:

" make sure you get your last check. seems like local places in blm/peoria area are closing up and vanshing w/o paying. "

To: Blame it wrote on Aug 18, 2007 7:46 AM:

" Your post is typical of self-serving warnings predicting many things will go wrong if we don't allow public indoor smoking (tax increases, businesses closing, totalitarian government, etc.). Although I can't say for sure that there won't be some impact especially on bars, I think it's clear that NK's demise can't be placed on the smoking regulations. The NK locations in C-U, Peoria, and Springfield closed earlier, either before smoking bans, or even in Peoria, where there never has been a smoking ban. Restaurants tend to go out of style after a while if they don't refresh themselves, and I didn't see much evidence of refreshment at NK. In fact, I agree with many here that the quality declined there. I don't really know the ownership situation, but seeing that NK was started here, but the headquarters is now in Florida, makes me wonder if the restaurants were sold to an absentee owner or the original owner decided to live off his restaurants and move out of town. You have to have really good managers and controls, keep in touch, and make periodic reinvestment in your business to pull that off. "

Remember... wrote on Aug 18, 2007 7:42 AM:

" A prime example of a fantastic local place that is long gone, but not forotten is Piccalo Piccalo. "

Wow wrote on Aug 18, 2007 5:54 AM:

" I never even made it to Bandanas and they are already closed- bummer. As for Ned Kellys in the beginning it was very good but as others have said service and food have went way down hill. Things run there course and that is what happens with many places around here. I make one heck of a skillet cookie right here in my home- YUMMY. "

crud wrote on Aug 18, 2007 3:45 AM:

" that is our favorite place "

Skillet Cookies wrote on Aug 18, 2007 2:49 AM:

" You ordered something in a skillet and didn't know it was going to be hot. Ummm... okay. Alexander's has better skillet cookies anyway. "

Umm wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:35 PM:

" Bandana's had POOR service! Absolutely HORRIBLE!!!!! "

TO: It'll be OK wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:07 PM:

" We are , indeed, a bunch of chain restaurant lovers around here!!! It's too bad about that too; it would be nice to see another real restaurant that served real food, that wasn't quality assured by some corporate bum f--k in Egypt. We might then have a chance at having a descent meal. As it stands now, I can count the number of real restaurants in this community on my fingers and toes. And that's out of probably 200 restaurants in town. No wonder every person you see under the age of 25 is fat around the middle, and I might add, pretty proud of it too. What a shame; bring back real food. It'll make my eyes and stomach much happier. Get rid of those chains; I hate them. For a community this size there should be more restaurants that don't fall claim to the corporate chain. Hey Mom and Pop where are you? I miss you; I'm so tired of another, "I can do it better sandwich, wrap, or chinese meal" I could just p_ke. "

To me wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:50 PM:

" Eh, you had a dumb waitress. That could happen in any restaurant. "

to Blame it wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:45 PM:

" You are wrong. Blame it on declining food and service at Ned Kelly's. This place use to be my favorite. Over the last couple years, I have seen it fall drastically to the point that I would NEVER return. "

bandanas wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:31 PM:

" Does anyone know why Bandanas Bbq shut down? "

Poor Menu wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:28 PM:

" The menu was crap. Anybody eat the English stew? Nasty! "

to: blame it wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:21 PM:

" The no smoking law did not keep the manager of Nathen Brock from opening McKaw's on the east side. So are you trying to say that because you can not smoke in any bar or resturant in this state that people are going to stop eating and drinking? NOT If you can not go to a resturant for an hour without having a cigarett you have more roblems than being addicted to nicotine from an X smoker. "

Here we go... wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:04 PM:

" "The smoking ban is to blame?" Come on. Get over yourselves. As anyone who's eaten at NK in the past 3-4 years (really since Tripper left) can plainly tell you, it was a quality of food and service issue. Restaurants with poor food and/or poor service have never done well, smoking or not. And that will continue. "

Smokin' wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:03 PM:

" Ned Kelly's was great in its prime. It was on life support long before the smoking ban. "

It'll be OK wrote on Aug 17, 2007 9:13 PM:

" Maybe some big chain restaurant will come and back-fill the location -- we ARE a bunch of chain restaurant lovers around here!!! "

FYI wrote on Aug 17, 2007 9:03 PM:

" Simple fact is that going non-smoking killed their bar/dinner crowd. I loved going there, going up to the bar for a smoke and going back to my smoke free boothe. I might have forgiven them if they had waited till the ban, but I considered it a don't come back notice. "

Blame it wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:53 PM:

" On the anti smoking laws. You'll see more of this. I've seen restaurants at noon virtually empty that once would be packed at lunch time. They close and the tax revenue also is lost. Urban blight to set in. "

me wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:51 PM:

" Last time I was there was about 5 years ago, when the waitress set down a skillet cookie in front of my baby, that immediately grabbed it and got the crap burnt out of her little fingers. What waitress would do that, obviously a baby is going to grab at something like that, It was the first time we ever ordered one so it took me a minute to figure out what had happened, didnt know it was hot either. "

No more skillet cookies!?!! wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:25 PM:

" How sad! This was one of my husband's and my favorite places to go... "

In the day wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:06 PM:

" In its prime, it was a fantastic, original place to go. I loved getting a baked sweet potato w/butter and brown sugar, and they had the best key lime pie ever made, which they annoyingly kept taking off the meunt. It is a real shame that the senior management didn't have the vision and energy to keep the business viable. "

Aww.. wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:04 PM:

" Maybe I'll grab a last skillet cookie on Sunday.. "

Not Surprised wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:58 PM:

" I've been probably 4 times in the past year (2 for lunch, 2 for dinner), and the place was absolutely dead during peak hours. Prices have continued to rise over the last few years and the quality of food seemed to have gotten worse. Sad to see it go as it was my first girlfriends favorite place to eat (Ayers Rock Ribeye:), but still not surprised. "

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