It is with tremendous sadness that Joe & Wendy announce the closing of Smoken’ Joe’s Barbeque & Blues as of September 23, 2014. Since the shutdown last October and November, we have never recovered in our sales and have lost money every month since. We have also spent the last of our retirement savings to keep our dream alive. Joe, who is still recovering from his heart attack has been working in the kitchen to reduce our payroll. As his health continues to deteriorate from exhaustion and stress, he cannot continue doing this. In addition in an effort to address the terrible situation with our landlord we have spent close to $20,000. Now there is nothing left. Last week talk broke down with the landlord over our attempts to put a plan together to go forward. As heartbreaking as this is, we will always look back at Smoken’ Joe’s as a great success. We put together a plan to create a very special place for the Blues and Southern food and in every way succeeded. Prior to the shutdown last year we were even profitable. We have made so many new friends these last 7 years and have felt welcomed into a fantastic community. We invite you to stop in between now and September 23rd to say goodbye and enjoy the food and music. We are left with a whole lot of debt so we frankly need the money. We will also be selling T-shirts and most of the memorabilia so bring home a piece of our little island. Best wishes to all of our friends and supports and please don’t forget to support the blues! Joe & Wendy D.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 19:24:05 +0000