[Muncle]

Had dinner at Gators last evening. All enjoyed the entrées and the slaw, but the fries sucked -- coldish, tending to soggy. Even the big eater in the group left his uneaten. Should have sent them back, but I guess no on e really cared enough to do so. Like I said, the entrées (spiced shrimp, ribs, fish (as in "& chips") were all quite good.

Anyway the food didn't really matter -- standard fare -- but an interesting rumor arose. Our waitress told us she had lost her job that day. Upon discussion, it seems that 20 people were laid off by the restaurant because of slow business. Per the waitress, Gators is in trouble and considering closing. This brought from one of my dining companions the at least semi-annual rumor that Up The Creek was also closing -- the reappearance of that rumor is more reliable than the love bugs.

I am not endorsing either rumor. I don't consider my sources to be overly reliable. So, I got a question -- is anyone out there associated with the management of either restaurant? (I don't mean someone who sat at the bar next to the night manager, I mean someone actually employed in management at Gators and/or Up The Creek.) Could you please comment on the veracity of these stories. Inquiring minds want to know!

[kaydee]

I have no factual info regarding "rumors" of closing but these "rumors" have been going on for a couple of years now. Just want to comment on your server saying that 20 employee's had been laid off. This is a difficult time for many restuarants and it is very common to cut back on staff. The establishment saves $$ and for those servers remaining they'll be hopefully making enough money to get them thru to next season.

[villages07]

Up the Creek just put a buy one get one entree free coupon in the latest Val Pak mailer; also, they have been advertising on the local radio station directly stating that contrary to rumors they are still here and are not closing.

[Bogie Shooter]

I heard the Ambrosia in LSL was closed/closing. Well, I did the most astounding thing.....asked the person behind the counter what the story was. I was told yes, they would be closing soon, if a new owner is not found.
The point is rather than spreading rumors, why not ask at the business for the straight story. That way you are not spreading rumors.

[GatbTester]

Many of these rumors, in fact may have some truth, but I agree with "bogie shooter" ask the correct person first. Remember that this is not high season and the high number of restaurants in TV are competing for the same dollars. That being said, it would not surprise me to see some 10-15% of these restaurants close. These are perilous times to open any type of business; however, the most failed ones are restaurants as the clientel opts to eat home more.

[macgolfnut]

Went to Gators for lunch today during the craft fair at LSL. We were told that it would be about 15 minutes, which we could live with. We went to the bar to have a drink while we waited. We sat there for about 25 minutes and looked at 9 tables within our sight that were empty. I should say there were no customers at these tables. The tableware and food had never been cleared. Some waitresses were standing around doing nothing. At one point the bartender went and cleared a table. One patron complained to the bartender that his group had been sitting there for quite a while and had not yet seen their waitperson. We finally got sick of waiting and told the hostess of our decision to leave. She said that they didn't have any bus boys. I was never that crazy for Gators, but it sure sounds like and looked like a restaurant about to close. We went down the street to Up The Creek and had a wonderful lunch with in a clean, professional restaurant with an excellent waitress.

[mac9]

Ambrosia is NOT closing. There is a new owner whose parents are Villagers. Let's give Laurie some support. The coffee there outshines Starbucks by far and the first refill is free!

[Ohiogirl]

That is great to hear - I need to try their chocolate smoothie (referenced on another post) and I won't be back until early November!

[chelsea24]

I'm so happy Ambrosia is not closing! I love the soft serve there! Nice place!