Residents are reacting after a popular restaurant near Smothers Park suddenly closed.
Restaurant Shuts Down
Goodwood Restaurant and Brewery, which had been running for about three years, placed a notice on its door saying it is permanently closed.
Local residents Valarie Ritter and Steve Ritter said they were surprised by the news. They had eaten at the restaurant just a few days before it shut down.
Valarie said it was her favourite place, especially for her regular meal of a BLT with fried green tomatoes.
From Busy to Empty
The couple said the restaurant was usually full, especially during good weather because of its location near the park.
Now, the place looks empty:
- Chairs are stacked
- Tables are unused
- No customers in sight
Employees Informed
Employees said they were told about the closure on Saturday. By Sunday morning, a sign was put up saying the restaurant was permanently closed.
Reason Behind Closure
Court records show the property owner, Entertainment at the Enclave LLC, filed a lawsuit in March.
The case is against:
- Goodwood Brewing LLC
- The CEO of Goodwood Brewing and Spirits
- Another person connected to the business
Unpaid Rent Issue
The lawsuit claims:
- More than $120,000 in rent has not been paid
- Payments were overdue since November
- The landlord is asking for rent, late fees, interest, and legal costs
