To the editor:
I am writing in response to letters and articles recently printed about the smoking ban versus the closing of businesses in Lawrence.
Firstly, Hanna's appliance is closing after over 50 years. I seriously doubt that smoking had a lick to do with it. Why are people so naive about the purchasing power of major corporations that operate chain restaurants and big box businesses?
I had, until recently, worked in the independent restaurant business here in Lawrence for a number of years. I watched as more and more national franchise businesses opened here and wondered how the "progressive" Lawrence populace would respond.
Just as I suspected would be the case, business slowly declined as cheaper places with national buying power opened their doors.
They say in all probability the Hereford House is closing. Go figure; though it is based in Kansas City, it's no national chain. It also did no better than any restaurant in Lawrence at attracting and retaining solid, competent help and management.
Unlike big box places, they cannot afford the high turnover in staff that is so prevalent in a town that does not support big-city style, food or service. We just will not pay for that here. Hence, poor quality and uninspired chain restaurant food will become the norm.
'A' for the "ban" in restaurants, yeah, fine; but at Rick's Place or Stu's Midtown Tavern? Geez, give me a break!!
LeAnn L. Ward,
Lawrence
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.