Sunday, October 31, 2010

Victim of Light Rail



The popular bar and nightclub Rumours & Innuendo was forced to shut down b/c of light rail construction in downtown St. Paul which lasted for more than a year. The owner said the business was down 60% over the period they were impacted. The street has been repaved, but construction is not over yet, it was just prep work. Next year, the street will be ripped up again for building the light rail tracks. Of course, there is nothing to help the businesses during construction when they cant pay their rent or employees. What else you gonna do except close.

This is the announcement on Rumours & Innuendo's website about why they closed...

It is with regret that we inform you that Rumours & Innuendo will be closing for business effective the night of Saturday, October 30 after the Lowertown Entertainment District "Boo's Crawl".
As most of you know, the light rail construction has been a strain on businesses affected on 4th Street in St. Paul. We have attempted to work with the light rail project on timeframes, communication and alternatives to continue to serve our guests. Although there have been bright spots and glimmers of hope to see an end to the work, we have decided that we cannot continue to engage in this uphill battle to provide a clear path to our business and limit interruption to our guest experience. The construction project began 3 months ahead of schedule leaving us 3 weeks to create plans to notify and provide communication to our guests. In addition, the project has continually been pushed back and communication on "what's next" has been unclear and, at times, non-existent. We would like to thank Dave Thune our city councilman for his tireless efforts to champion for our business and the businesses impacted by construction on 4th Street.

We want you to know that we have had a great time over the last (almost) 4 years and that business was really "rockin' strong" until this point of the light rail project. Our staff, managers and partner groups provided a fun and friendly atmosphere where everyone felt like they could come and partake in the experience! Jim and Sean want to thank each of the staff members and want you to help support them as they move on from Rumours & Innuendo. They have been the most incredible staff anyone could ever hope to have!

Over the last 4 years, we have had the pleasure of working with so many groups and local non-profits. We would like to thank you all for working with us and wish you the best of luck as you continue to do your good work for the community.

Our thanks go out to our partner groups:

Minneapolis Movie Bears
The Cockpit Minneapolis
Minnesota Storm Patrol
Atons
Mayhem Rugby Team
The Guys and Dolls Show and crew
Seduction Show and crew
GET BENT Kings Show and crew
St. Paul Soul
The Imperial Court of Minnesota
The North Star Gay Rodeo Association

For all of our friends and partner groups, please come down on or before Saturday, October 30 to say goodbye to all of us and give us the opportunity to thank you!

Thank you for your support and friendship throughout this experience.

Sean & Jim Fetterman

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