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Letter to the editor

Forces combine to close restaurant

Zoning that led to early hours and a weak economy finished off Strings n' Rings, the owner says.

By BRENDAN WATSON, Times Staff Writer
Published November 23, 2007

COURIER CITY/OSCAWANA 

Owner Alan Smolar had been getting by on a string for a long time, but it finally ran out Nov. 14, the night Strings n' Rings restaurant closed its doors for good.

"Emotionally draining, it's tough. That was the love of my life," said Smolar. "But I just couldn't keep it going."

City Times chronicled his difficulties in a story Nov. 9. A misunderstanding regarding his wet zoning application resulted in Smolar having to close the restaurant at 8 p.m. most weekdays, while surrounding businesses stayed open much longer.

Smolar estimated that he lost between $50,000 and $60,000 in business as a result. But that wasn't what did him in, he said this week.

The last month or so has been especially tough with even fewer people dining on his onion rings, sandwiches and salads. He attributes the downturn to a lackluster economy and says people just aren't eating out as much.

The lost revenue from closing early might have pulled him through this rough time, he said.

Smolar said he's done in this city.

"I wouldn't recommend that anyone move to this town to open up a restaurant," he said, although he holds out hope that he might have a future as a restaurateur elsewhere.

For now, Smolar said, "I'm just trying to get my head together. That's all I am trying to do."

What will replace his restaurant at 223 S Howard remains unclear.

[Last modified November 21, 2007, 08:05:12]