Blackie’s in Smithfield Closing, Citing Coronavirus Restrictions
Monday, August 31, 2020
Blackie's Bulldog Tavern in Smithfield is closing.
The owners took to Facebook on Monday to announced their decision -- and how they came to it.
In their message, they said they hope to come back in the future.
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"On December 1, 2011, Angie & I purchased Blackie’s Bulldog Tavern. We had no staff and no customer base. What we did have, however, was passion, dedication and belief in one another and the business we could build together.
On August 30, 2020, just under 9 years later, we have an amazing team, a tremendous family of guests and the same passion, dedication and belief in one another and our business. We have been supported and loved by our families and friends and are very blessed.
One year into our new dream location, we are dealing with an unseen enemy known as COVID-19.
It is with heavy hearts and tears in our eyes we announce the closing of blackie’s.
We did our best to serve our blackie’s family safely and with the same level of attention and care as always, but due to COVID restrictions, it has become impossible to maintain the levels we pride ourselves on and remain profitable. We are going to take a deep breath, sit back and wait until it is more feasible to operate to our standards.
Our team has remained positive even as they faced such difficult working conditions. They have persevered, and we couldn’t be prouder of them. Our blackie’s family has fought as hard as they could to overcome the obstacles COVID has placed in our path. The virus may have won the battle, but blackie’s will be back to win the war.
To our blackie’s regulars, you cannot imagine the immense sadness we felt welcoming you in these past few days and knowing we would not be seeing you again next week. We wanted to hug you. We wanted to thank you for your continued support and belief in us. We couldn’t. We are sorry. We can, however, reassure you that we will be back and when we return it will still be the quality and creativity you have enjoyed with us all of these years ... done with the love and appreciation we have for each and every one of you.
The virus can take a lot of things away from us, but it can’t take our reputation, our heart or our love for this crazy industry. Our dreams were destroyed, but our spirits are not broken.
We are asking for your support and understanding during this incredibly difficult time for our team and selves.
We can’t wait to welcome you back with open arms in our next chapter."
b. well
J & A
