A sad day for wine drinkers in Bloomington, IN. Tutto Bene to close on 28 Feb 09. My favorite watering hole in B-Town and plenty of fond memories. Even held my best friend's bachelor party there. Bummer, dude.From the H-T:
Tutto bene, the near-downtown European style wine bar that’s been a gathering spot for many charitable events, is closing its doors at the end of the month unless a partner or buyer can be found.
Craig Widen, who with his wife and adult children opened the bar and cafe in 2004, said business has fallen off noticeably since the national economy began its decline, with the loss especially felt in the bar’s weekday business. Partly as a result, the family feels constrained from embarking on improvements they consider necessary, Widen said, and have decided to cease operations when tutto bene’s lease expires.
The bar at 213 S. Rogers St. will be open through Feb. 28, Widen said, adding that musical performances already scheduled through that date are still on the books.
“We had hoped to make some necessary capital improvements to enhance our menu but under the current economic conditions are unable to do so on our own,” he said. Tutto bene had developed a loyal weekend clientele that remains, he said, but the continual reports of bad economic times that have swamped the national news have taken their toll on drop-ins during the week.
“Our Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday business has dropped off ... there’s a measurable falloff. We’ve reduced our hours ... You’re running a business and have to meet payroll and it becomes a real issue.”
The imminent expiration of the lease has forced a decision at this time, he added. If a prospective partner or new owner were to step forward now or if someone were to provide a new location, it would not be too late. But “what’s driving this train is that our lease is coming up and the lease is a long-term lease and we are reluctant as a family to make a commitment without a partner.
“We’re on the final lap. We don’t have time for tire kickers or people who aren’t serious.”
Widen said that it will be tough closing up shop. “This is the kind of business where everybody puts in 70 hours a week. There’s some emotion attached to it.”
Still, if closure comes, he added, it has been a worthwhile effort. “Our success have been based on a loyal customer base that we think is distinctly Bloomington. It’s worked out to be part of this community.”
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