Here's Jefe's press-release, which may be viewed as a case of "too much information." I choose to look at it this way: At least he's not quietly shuttering his doors without giving us a heads-up that things are going south -- an all-too-common occurrence I expect we'll be seeing all-too-more frequently as the economy continues to suffer. I, for one, will keep my fingers crossed for the guy -- and every other business owner out there holding on in tough times:

No Bailout for Austin Cantina

Austin Cantina will be serving dinner only the week of December 16 through December 20, 2008, and then will be closing for 2 weeks to determine if there is enough interest, business, and reserve cash to re-open for business on January 6th. Between being a new restaurant next door to a multi-year construction project, having the sidewalk closed on both sides of 24th Ave, and the stock market crash in September, which led to the second largest drop in sales we've experienced, followed by monthly decreases in total sales and guests through the door, it is uncertain that we'll be able to serve guests in our current configuration in the coming year.

We've been very fortunate to have a solid base of neighborhood regulars, positive press, and Texan ex-pats who came in to eat, but our peak summer business did not last long enough and did not create enough of a cushion to carry us through a slow, cold, dark winter. The dramatic drop in sales has us asking if there is any way that this business could succeed in this space, at this time. We'll spend 2 weeks introspectively considering that question, and determine if there is any way to survive and thrive on NW 24th.

Thursday 12/18, private events

Thursday evening 12/18 Austin Cantina will be closed to the general public while we host the 36th District Democrats Annual Appreciation Event from 5:30 to 7:30, and then from 7:30 to 9:30 we'll be hosting a Business Networking event in association with Biznik (anyone can RSVP for that event).