2008.10.27
Economy a factor in Flat Rock Grille's closing
The economy’s impact on the restaurant industry has caused a local seafood eatery to shut its doors. Flat Rock Grille on Valley View Boulevard in Roanoke has closed. A sign on the front doors states “Closed for business.”
Here are some excerpts from the posted note:
“Due to economic factors beyond our control, we have elected to cease operation. We hope everyone will support our locally-owned and operated restaurants. They are the ones that need your help in these times...The “chain restaurants” will survive no matter what. They have outside funds to keep them in operation. Our mom and pop restaurants don’t. They rely on your support and now is the time to give it to them.”
Flat Rock opened in 2004 as the first Virginia location for a four-restaurant chain. A local owner purchased the Roanoke Flat Rock last year.
This is so sad. Flat Rock was one of my most favorite resturants and I was just in there on Oct 15 and business looked good. This is such a shock.
Comment by Brandi — October 27, 2008 @ 10:56 am
Oh no, my mother-in-law still had money on a gift certificate that I had bought her.
Comment by Dana — October 27, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
I heard on Clark Howard today that no one should buy ANY gift cards or certificates this year for any reason. He said the economy is going to likely result in further retail and restaurant closings, and the gift cards will be absolutely worthless. You cannot, in most cases, get any of that money back once it's on a card and the business closes. If you want to give people money...just give them cash, it won't be wiped out if a business closes.
Comment by Other John — October 27, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
I didn't even know this Flat Rock was locally owned. It's obvious for non-chain restaurants, but there are Flat Rocks in other places so I don't really know how the owners expected anyone to know.
Comment by shopper — October 27, 2008 @ 4:44 pm
Other John,
That's interesting that you heard that gift cards are risky purchases this year. The National Retail Federation just released a report saying that gift cards would continue to be a highly requested holiday gift this year. But the report said a small percentage of people are wary of buying them for fear that a store or restaurant would close. So, it's obviously something that we should all consider this year. I'll plan to blog about the results of this gift card survey soon.
Comment by Jenny — October 27, 2008 @ 4:49 pm
I bought the gift card earlier in the year. She's used half of it, but still had money left. I'm glad she got partial use of it anyway. I guess if you do get a gift card, you should use it right away.
Comment by Dana — October 27, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Jenny,
I had heard the same advice earlier this year when some of the high-end retailers began running into trouble. The first thing that was frozen was gift cards, and they instantly became invalid. From what I understand, the money paid for the gift card is viewed as an instant loan to the company, to which they are not necessarily obligated to honor at a later time. If that company folds or goes bankrupt, they have the authority to void all outstanding gift card balances and take that sum of money as instant liquidity. Some states may prohibit that practice, but it's been a problem for several stores in the past 1-2 years, and with the economy what it is, it may only get worse. I'd say for the big-time national retailers like Wal-Mart or Target things are probably safe, but some place like an Anne Taylor Loft or other high-end botique, think twice.
Comment by Other John — October 27, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
WHAT! I can't believe it. My wife and I just ate there Saturday night and the place was packed. How sad.
Comment by Greg — October 28, 2008 @ 8:53 am
As usual, the Roanoke Times has gotten this all wrong.
The economy had nothing to do with this closing. Their Business was fantastic. The food was even better.
When they say they closed because of circumstances beyond their control that is what they mean. Don't jump to too many conclusions unless you know the facts.
Ron
Comment by Ron — October 28, 2008 @ 4:28 pm
Ron, could you enlighten the rest of us as to what the real reason for the closing was?
Comment by Lori — October 28, 2008 @ 8:26 pm
Hi, Ron,
The note on the front doors of Flat Rock Grille says the business closed "due to economic factors beyond our control." Also, the message urges people to support local restaurants who need "your help in these times." The note also states that now is the time to support local retailers.
My post comes strictly from this note, which defers to economic factors as the reason for closing. I haven't been able to reach the owners by phone. If you have more information about why the restaurant has closed, please share it. Thanks.
Comment by Jenny — October 29, 2008 @ 9:59 am
As a former employee of Flat Rock, I would like to say business was very good and we are all very upset about the closing of the restaurant. I worked there for many years and will miss seeing all of my fellow employees as well as my regulars. Flat Rock was a tight knit family, we will always stick together as we have in the past. We have all been displaced and forced to find other employment, which is not easy with the economy. I would like to thank the various restaurants in the Roanoke Valley who have taken many of us in with open arms. I wish the best to all of my friends and hope that each and everyone one finds new employment soon.
Comment by former employee — October 29, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
I am also a former employee of Flat Rock Grille and I was there from the day it opened to the very last day we closed. I was there when the chain was put on the door. Flat Rock was a loved place and Flat Rock was a family. We appreciate everyones business and hope that you all can understand how hard it is to be put out of a job, especially a job that you love. There will never be another place like Flat Rock, from the food, the expierence, and the staff. Once again we appreciate everyones business and I personaly wish there was something that I could do to bring it back!
Comment by starr — October 31, 2008 @ 7:23 pm
I was so disappointed tonight when we arrived at Flat Rock and saw the notes on the door. I was really looking forward to using my gift certificate for a terrific meal. I find it hard to believe it closed for economic reasons because it was packed and great every time I went there.
Comment by Wynee — November 1, 2008 @ 11:27 pm
THE PIZZA HUT ON MELROSE IS ALSO CLOSED 4 BUSINESS WHY DID THEY CLOSE I WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF FOOD POIONING...
Comment by CHRIS — November 2, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
My husband and I went to Flat Rock thinking we were going to eat dinner on Saturday, November 1. I was heartsick to see that it was closed. Flat Rock was by far my favorite restaurant in this entire valley. The food, the atmosphere, the acoustics and on and on were nothing but supurb. It was the one place I always felt totally relaxed and comfortable during my dining experience. I will miss it more than you will ever know. If there is any way to bring it back, I hope someone will do so.
Comment by Peggy — November 2, 2008 @ 6:20 pm
I was an employee at Flat Rock Grille for the first few years the place was open and it makes me sad to learn that it has closed. I know it was heartbreaking to have to close the doors. Most of the management staff had been there from day one and had put everything they had into making it work.
I now live on the coast running an oceanfront restaurant. I wish I had the staff here that I had in Roanoke. I do miss all of you very much and I wish everyone the best. Hold your head up.
Comment by Eric Martines — November 18, 2008 @ 10:33 am