After many years of incredible service to the Salisbury community, Break Time Billiards will close their doors for good this Saturday. We wish Pat and his entire Staff the very best. With Zia's recently closing and two other major local restaurants rumored to be closing in the near future, one would think Mayor Ireton would get his head out of his you know what and see what he can do to HELP these businesses before Salisbury has nothing left but McDonald's, Burger King and Chick-Fil-A. I know, let's just raise taxes again.
I hear Market Street Inn, Old West Steak House and Station 7 could be closing their doors too. Someone said something about the Fountains but I'm not sure I believe that. Break Time was a great place to hang out. Sorry to see it go. I think no smoking killed them.
To 9:03 & 9:11 - Let's face it, Salisbury/Wicomico's economy has been 'down for the count' so many time that even I have lost count. So many business fatalities over the past few years that I have now lost count.
It seems that most all of our elected politcos know is to tax them into oblivion. Even ducks & geese need sanctuary. There is no business sanctuary here in Maryland. If there was - the vast number of businesses would have not moved.
Joe: You have experience operating a biliards and eating establishment. Why not do the community a favor, and make a good living yourself, and open such an eatery in Salisbury. Breaktime wasn't all that good anymore. You would provide the attention to detail and expertise that's needed for success.
The Bury is not the place to open or run a business. I had an analysis done for a a prospective business in Salisbury a few years ago. Both consultants said it would fail due to the anti-business atmosphere and the socio-economic makeup of Wicomico county and Salisbury. I'm very lucky that I heeded their advice and made the decision to pick another area to open my business. Doing very well in a state to the south with friendly regulations and no state income tax...(FL)
The state has killed the goose that lays the golden egg. Businesses will find little or no sanctuary here in Maryland. To late now - all reknown manufactures are now gone.
What to you expect from Jim Ireton? He is so stupid he appointed Rick Hoppes as Fire Chief. That was a waste of tax dollars from a person that has a history of wasting tax dollars.
he has been hurting for years. He was offered $750k 7 years ago and he declined. He recently tried selling for $300k to cover his debt and move on. He was tired of the business and was looking for a way out. Has nothing to do with the Mayor. Just saying.
I'm not so convinced. They lost their better staff members to other new restaurants (yes they actually do exist) and they don't really cater to the neighborhood.
Does anyone know why? Why such a sudden closing as well? April 25, 2013 at 10:11 PM
He said he lost his lease. Guess Ireton stole it from him huh. Closing of resturants is NOT just a Salisbury problem. So I seriously doubt Jim is the cause.
Pat says he has run Break Time for 13 years. I 've never been there and in fact do not know its location but I still hate to see it close. With the state of the economy and ObamaCare a worry, most folks just do not have the cash for a weekly evening out. Their priority is family first, as it should be.
This is another sad case of a local business leaving Salisbury,Md. OMFG, What is gonna take for America to wake up and find out liberal policies don't work. Salisbury is losing local businesses. Jim Ireton,Jake Day don't care they are supported by tax dollars anyway. Now another private sector business has closed that means more people out of work, another vacant building, people filing for unemployment,food stamps and so on. This damn town will be a big box chain after a while. More part time employment no real jobs. Way to go Mayor and council. Wake up Salisbury you voted these fools in.
11:56 What type of drugs are you on lol. People have not been allowed to smoke in establishments for a while. Don't try to blame that as an excuse of why they closed. There are alot of places around here that are major retail chains hmmmm ummm Walmart, Fast Food chains lol and their restrooms smell like piss. Ask yourself why are so many local businesses folding up and leaving Salisbury? Is there gonna be another LORA member closing after a while? We are Salisbury we should have at least something here positive to bring people to Salisbury that is our own brand. We should make this town something that is great not be remembered for the just being known for crime or run down houses and jobs folding up and high taxes. We have a downtown that could be expanded if in the right hands. Salisbury as a whole is a platform.It just would take a person with real goals and stand behind their word to expand it.Yes national chains keep people employed but how many of them are a part time basis? People want change, Less government intrusion, Prosperity,Less taxes,A Balanced Budget.When you get those principal's down to a science then try to argue lol. We have 2 major universities here in the area of Salisbury UMES even being in Princess Anne,and SU. Why can't the students stay here in Salisbury and work a job they attended college for. No Jobs in their field duh! We are a hub that could be used to our advantage!
objectively, I really do not think the mayor had anything to do with this... businesses succeed, business fail... that is the nature of free enterprise... this is more of a national economic trend... reduced disposable cash available by people to spend on entertainment and dining out
yep. "it's the economy, stupid" is usually the right answer. the local economy seems to be particularly fragile - even in better times I think the average *household* income was under $40,000/year. If you have a family that doesn't leave a lot for entertainment.
I don't think anyone will ever realize what its like to close a dream you own. You take over 20 years experience and have to give it up......speechless.
WHAAAAATTTTTT!! I lived in the area for 7 years and BT was always my favorite in salisbury. Great football atmosphere in the fall. Plenty of great times with my wife and friends shooting pool. Always good deals. And the best wings in town!! Please say this is a joke.
breaktime has been in trouble ever since the smoking ban. at that same time they became a night club not restaraunt and couldnt let any one under 21 in. losing alot of customer
Let me explain a little something to some of you. I never blamed the Mayor for the failure of certain businesses closing. I simply SUGGESTED that since the Mayor has NO business background and really couldn't give a crap about local businesses, (unless they're providing free drinks) he might want to confront local businesses and see if there is ANY way the City could get involved and help them out. Similar to how they helped MoJo's.
The Mayor IS the leader of this City. Salisbury News is simply RED FLAGGING the fact that there is a problem and it's about to get a lot worse.
While your County Executive hid extremely important information before the election proving Salisbury is not only in deep trouble, the report shows that is one of the key reasons Wicomico County is failing as a whole. The local liberals HID this information and fooled the public.
Rather than taking the position as the CEO, Ireton would rather stay clear of doing anything and just let things fail. Then he'll hold a press conference when his cranes show up Downtown and make it look like Salisbury is moving forward what it's actually not.
My message suggesting he get involved is simply a warning that I will NOT let go down the road. I told Barrie Tilghman the following statement some 8 years ago and she asked if she could borrow it. I said, "You can't fix something your not aware of". Ireton has now been made aware of the problem and now it is HIS job the fix it as best as he can.
My guess, he'll ignore it simply because he couldn't care less. He may be smart is politics but he's really stupid in business.
anonymous 8:33, Your statement is somewhat accurate but it ignores the fact that Break Time is right next to the college. Marketed properly I'd say there's almost no way to fail, unless your not catering to the college students. Break Time should have concentrated on the best burger in town with the best fries. To think you can create a fine dining experience with higher priced items on the menu doesn't cut it. As someone else mentioned earlier, I do have the experience in the billiard business as I was one of the very first Upscale Billiard Rooms in the United States.
I'll firmly admit, it is VERY easy for me to sit on the outside and suggest constructive criticism. They ran a good clean business but were unwilling to see the light, in my honest opinion.
Again, I'll strongly suggest the Mayor meet with LORA and find out exactly what the future holds for Salisbury, because it's NOT good. Ireton is so out of touch it isn't funny. When these businesses close, hundreds of jobs will be lost and guess what, it will be many years before someone will be willing to lease that space and invest into yet another business in which Salisbury has the reputation of failing.
You just keep listening to the liberal MSM telling you the business and housing market is coming back. Go ask ANY private business/restaurant owner if that is true.
To you idiots suggesting Jim Ireton has nothing to do with this or any business closing you are a fool. Jim Ireton is a Democrat and keeping Democrats in office is the reason for the low socio-economic make up of this community as well as America. We invite low socio-economic groups to Salisbury and America. Look what Jim Ireton's Assistant City Administrator who is getting another massive pay raise is doing. She is inviting all homeless people to Salisbury with open arms and this includes released prisoners from ECI. Many cities offer bus tickets to the homes people and send them to Salisbury because they know Salisbury will take care of them. People like myself, law abiding citizens, try our best not to travel through Salisbury at night because of the high violent crimes. Break Time Pub is right along the rail road tracks where many of the homeless people live and they are in the parking lots every night begging for money. Many of them commit crimes in the area. It is hard to get Americans to work because Welfare and Food Stamps is up 72%. Why would someone want to work when they can collect the entitlements and sell drugs on the side or break into homes and cars. Wake up America and quit voting for Democrats.
Anonymous said... breaktime has been in trouble ever since the smoking ban. at that same time they became a night club not restaraunt and couldnt let any one under 21 in. losing alot of customer
April 26, 2013 at 7:58 AM
Another idiot smoker blaming a failing business on the smoking ban. Guess what Red Lobster and the Olive Garden are thriving and there is no smoking there either.
I just rode by the old Waterman's/ Fox and Olive and it was a business that closed. Now there is a sign that say "Coming Soon Andy's Place." I doubt seriously a business call Andy's Place won't be there long.
Local retaurants simply can't compete with a national franchise. A franchise can ride out this econmomy and they provide only par-time low wage jobs, any of their profits are sucked out of the local economy to the food chain at the corporate level.
LORA and Ireton can sit on an egg as long as they want, but that egg won't ever hatch in this over stagnated local economy.
O'Mally can make all the claims he wants about unemployment numbers going down, the true fact is the majority of people living in Salisbury's city limits are at the poverty rate or just above it. This area can get much worse.
anonymous 9:00, excuses, excuses, excuses! Ireton CAN do something about it.
He ACTS like he has something to do with 3rd Friday but he has nothing to do with it.
Perhaps for the first time in his entire adult life he can get off his butt and do something special once a month with local restaurants, or at least find someone a LOT more popular than himself to lead the way so people might actually be interested in joining.
And don't think I believe Jim Ireton is to blame. Look, you can involve local news anchors that are popular. Remember Ladies & Gentlemen we're talking about hundreds of people's lively hoods here. This is a far more serious matter than most of you realize. Salisbury is in a desperate situation right now. To ignore and not get people involved to HELP your neighbors is simply LIBERAL SELFISHNESS.
We the people of the Eastern Shore don't want WELFARE, FOOD STAMPS, SUBSIDIZED HOUSES. We want to stand proud and on our own.
Joe, breaktime used to cator to college students. but once they startiong selling too much alcohal and not enough food they could no longer allow under 21 inside
Did anyone ask the owner how Obamacare was beginning to affect his business? Folks, Zia's and Break Time are just the beginning. There will be a bunch of people working 2 part time jobs so that the employer keep you under the 30 requirement in Obamacare.
The closing of businesses and restaurants may not be the mayor's or county executive's fault. However they are indirectly responsible. This region is not business friendly and the chamber of commerce has done nothing to promote or assist any business. The poor leadership makes this area undesirable for recruitment of new businesses.
Watch out another tax increase coming, Wicomico County 8% Salisbury 8% you will see more places closing and more people out of work. Also another large increase in health insurance thanks to Obama. I read Pollitt's speach in the Dispatch this guy is so out of touch but if you have been feeding at the trough as long as he has it's no wonder. Wake up people of Wicomico County get rid of Pollitt and the council members who rubber stamp his tax and spend agenda.
The only thing keeping the grocery stores from closing, is the Food Stamp program, to keep the local restaurants from closing, they should change the law so that people on them could go out to dinner and use their Food Stamps to pay for it.
You all complain but you don't show up at public hearings. The BOE employees do and so do the tax and spend libs. So it's time to quit complaining and let your council reps know how you feel. If you can't show up at least call them.
anonymous 1:19, I have no interest in spending money on someone else's building. Now, perhaps buying their equipment and relocating it to 300 W. Main Street for a PRIVATE Cigar and Billiard Club might be of interest to me.
Starts at the top. not with the mayor. but with obombma and barack omalley. obombma has destroyed the country, and barack omalley the state thanks to obombma. not a thing ireton or pollitt could do. or anyone else in their position. going nuts is also been seen for sale on listings. along with another headline rest. i can't yet mention, soon to close or be sold.
anonymous 1:59, Salisbury has a revolving loan fund, for starters. As mentioned earlier, MoJo's took advantage of this loan.
As far as Break Time goes, their nut right now is around $22,000.00 a WEEK. My hat is tipped to them for surviving as long as they have. A+ for effort.
We're going to see a lot of businesses closing down but as I said earlier, Pollitt and Ireton could help market those business as well as the Chamber of Commerce. Wicomico County and especially Salisbury have seen enough local businesses shut down as we continue to prove. Jobs are being lost at an alarming rate here. Leave it to a liberal to say Pollitt and Ireton can do nothing about it. B S! They can get off their asses and help these businesses out by encouraging others to help market them. Heck, I'd help in any way I can through Salisbury News.
The SMART businesses spend $100.00 a month with us and get an incredible return on their investment.
I am asking all you locals to leave Salisbury and see what happening in the country. Businesses are closing everywhere. I moved here 2 years ago from the Cincinnati area. You should see my hometown. Only thing left are fastfood, mexican, chinese, drug stores,and the corner pub. Even a few banks have closed. Forgot to mention Walmart. The K mart closed as well.
anonymous 3:13, Businesses are NOT closing everywhere. Go to Bowie, Rockville or any of City outside Baltimore, Washington and Annapolis.
The reason Salisbury is hurting as bad as it is, is based around it's leadership.
Salisbury is very unique because of the large volume of rental properties and transient people. It takes a very special LEADER to recognize this.
Ireton and Pollitt are life long bottom feeders who are completely clueless about business, hence why they are not nor never have been in the private sector.
The ONLY thing they understand is the survival of subsidies. I tried to tell ALL of you why Salisbury is failing. While it could be very possible the people understood, yet the final results went the other way according to many, that's for YOU to resolve.
Ask your friends, family and neighbors, WHO did THEY vote for??? Ask your Barber or Beauty Salon people who the majority voted for and I think you'll find something not only stinks, it stinks really bad. The citizens of Salisbury got duped, according to most people. Nevertheless, it is what it is. Enjoy your new Mayor and watch his screw each and every one of you over. He's got 2.7 years to destroy Salisbury because THAT is what the special interests wanted, NOT the citizens.
Maybe local restaurant owners should learn from the chains and provide a consistent product, many diners prefer consistency over supporting "local" places. While I'm on the subject, didn't a local business owner get busted this week for trafficking heroin? So maybe it isn't the greatest idea to blindly support "local" business owners.
Could it be that the rent was raised so high he can't afford to stay there? Maybe the landlord wants the building for some other purpose. Check out the owner of the property.
Anonymous said... The only thing keeping the grocery stores from closing, is the Food Stamp program, to keep the local restaurants from closing, they should change the law so that people on them could go out to dinner and use their Food Stamps to pay for it.
April 26, 2013 at 10:41 AM ^Jeez i hope you're a troll
Salisbury is going to be left to the surroundind criminals, illegals, homeless, unemployed and the poor. Food for thought; is there and in the near future a catastrophic event that will take place in this area that we as citizens know nothing about. Is our city and county government covering up something. Why such a dramatic change in 20 years in this area?
the reason DC, annapolis and outside baltimore and rockville, is B/C the US FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS EXPLODING. bush's budget was 1.5 trillion / year. obama and our congress's spending is over 3 trillion, that means more regulator employees. it is exploding over there b/c of government expansion and thats why businesses are doing well. the rest of the country blows.
Joe, Tonight I hope I didn't hear Jake Day say what I thought I did. He thanked the old folks for their leadership and now the young ones are taking over. I voted for the SOB. What an arrogant A$$.
reality is the day of the "independent business" is over. it's over for them. high taxes and regulations, the bad economy. ive been conducting business with this industry for 30 yrs and i can tell you they are going to be extinct soon. trust me. its inevitable.
Open your eyes! This is SALISBURY. The average income barely tops 25K. This town can't even attract a decent grocery store. You people are whining about Zia's and Break Time closing. Really? Zia's was a dump yet rated best Italian Restaurant for years. I've lived in Salisbury for 17 years, ate their twice, regretted it both times. Residents of Salisbury have no clue what good food is. You folks think if it is served on a plastic tray it must be good. If a decent restaurant showed up here there would be no doubt it would not be supported by the locals. The transplants would love it, the locals would ignore it. Look at 213, some of the best food on the shore yet barely a car in the parking lot. And you think some self-righteous loudmouth could change all this? Please.... it is SALISBURY!
i think 9:10 might be trolling a bit but there is some truth to this. I ate at English's once after I first moved down here and I was served canned green beans. I don't even eat those at home. People do seem to be very unadventurous...I don't expect urbane sophistication but it would be nice if people were open minded about new things.
9:10 is right on. I came to Salisbury 19 years ago. I remember everyone raving about how good Zia's was. I went there 4 times over the years and regretted it each time. That place wouldn't have lasted 2 years in DC-Baltimore-Philly. It lasted 20 years (forever for a restaurant) and won numerous awards here! The only restaurants that are crowded are the OK-but not great-highly consistent chains (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Chili's, Bob Evans). Unique restaurants with high quality food that is a little different don't make it. I told the owner of the the Indian place when they were closing that they should have served Muskrat Masala, then they would have had a chance in this backwater.
A very nice place to frequent is Goin Nuts Cafe. I have never had a bad meal there. The service is good and they are local. The location feels safe after dark as well.
How about a joint venture with Brad Gillis to make the old fire statio n in downtown Smallsbhurya top of the line pool hall -- buy it and the tables at Break time
Personally - I think the mexicans have best thing going. Tapatia, Tol Teca, seem to have the mexican flavored taste down to a science. Their prices are alright and the food is spectacular. Everytime I go there is a packed house.
9:10 spot on. born and raised here and have traveled extensively. the Palette in Snow Hill the Globe in Berlin Mason's in Easton Mitchum's in Trappe Barbely's in Newark (home cooking, old fashioned atmosphere, fun). Yum's Salisbury (very good food, breakfast and lunch and soon to have Holly Hill Homemade baked goods running the restaurant. i think their grand opening will be this wednesday 5/1 to include the new baked goods feature plus their regular great offerings. there are more, but you just have to seek them out. from DD of D.
People are tired of the same stuff. We need new places to go here in the bury. Buffalo wild wings Dave&Busters TGIF something better than the mess we have now.
seriously? I have traveled the world and eaten in many fine restaurants. Salisbury has no fine dining establishment! it's all greasy spoon chain fast food! crap I wouldn't even feed my dog! the one or two restaurants that make an attempt to offer decent food charge as though they are fog de chao!
Sad to see Break Time go for whatever reason (and no one knows the whole story, but it's interesting to see everyone have their input on it). Viet Taste is not so bad if you like Vietnamese food.
As someone who spent many years in the restaurant business, I may be a little more forgiving than some commenters here, but I do offer the suggestion to consider a little empathy for today's restauranteurs.
Food costs have risen considerably over the past few years, yet disposable income has shrunk for many people. That leaves restaurant owners with the challenge of offering good quality food at an affordable price, while still hoping to make some money.
The current labor pool leaves MUCH to be desired. As someone who got a job as soon as I was old enough and who went to work whenever I was needed - whether I had previous plans or not, work always came first - it was incredibly frustrating and disheartening to try to manage employees who want a job but don't want to work. Again, my thoughts are based on my experience in the restaurant business, but trust me when I say it is TOUGH to get a full staff of really great workers.
No good restaurant operator tries to do a bad job. Independent restaurants know the importance of repeat customers and do everything to keep you coming back. If you had a bad experience at a local restaurant, before you declare you will never return or blast it in a review or come on here and make anonymous disparaging comments, consider a few thoughts:
- Maybe your server/cook/host etc was just having a bad day. Of course it sucks if you get the short end of the stick that day, but maybe think of a time where you had a bad day and maybe didn't do your job perfectly.
- did you tell your server everything was good/fine/great each time they checked on you when you actually weren't satisfied? Most restaurants will try to fix the problem immediately - but they can't if they don't know about it.
- if you told your server about a problem and didn't get an appropriate response, did you ask for a manager? Depending on the situation, you might need to - if the server is new, they may not know what to do with a complaint, if the server is afraid of getting in trouble, they may not tell a manager who can fix the problem. There are other circumstances as well, but you should never leave a restaurant without being fully satisfied that your money was well spent.
- can you give the little guy a break? It's pretty much impossible for independent restaurants to compete with the chains as far as advertising goes, but often times you'll get a better deal with better food at a local restaurant. You just might have to do some legwork to find out the deals. And make sure you compare apples to apples. Dayton's is cheaper and better than Denny's/ihop/bob evans Station 7 is cheaper and better than outback/Texas roadhouse/famous daves Backstreet is cheaper and better than applebees/ruby tuesday
Anonymous said... 1:29 am. bon appetit is a little pricey, but try them at lunchtime. prices are very reasonable and of course the food is fresh and excellent...
I hear Market Street Inn, Old West Steak House and Station 7 could be closing their doors too. Someone said something about the Fountains but I'm not sure I believe that. Break Time was a great place to hang out. Sorry to see it go. I think no smoking killed them.
ReplyDeleteFamous Dave's parking lot doesn't look good either. I would not be the least bit surprized if they were to fall by the way side to.
ReplyDeleteTo 9:03 & 9:11 - Let's face it, Salisbury/Wicomico's economy has been 'down for the count' so many time that even I have lost count. So many business fatalities over the past few years that I have now lost count.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that most all of our elected politcos know is to tax them into oblivion. Even ducks & geese need sanctuary. There is no business sanctuary here in Maryland. If there was - the vast number of businesses would have not moved.
Joe: You have experience operating a biliards and eating establishment. Why not do the community a favor, and make a good living yourself, and open such an eatery in Salisbury. Breaktime wasn't all that good anymore. You would provide the attention to detail and expertise that's needed for success.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know why? Why such a sudden closing as well?
ReplyDeletePat Scott is a stand up guy. I wish him well and thank him for all he has done for the community.
ReplyDeleteThe Bury is not the place to open or run a business. I had an analysis done for a a prospective business in Salisbury a few years ago. Both consultants said it would fail due to the anti-business atmosphere and the socio-economic makeup of Wicomico county and Salisbury. I'm very lucky that I heeded their advice and made the decision to pick another area to open my business. Doing very well in a state to the south with friendly regulations and no state income tax...(FL)
ReplyDeleteResponding to 9:31 - DITTO!
ReplyDeleteThe state has killed the goose that lays the golden egg. Businesses will find little or no sanctuary here in Maryland. To late now - all reknown manufactures are now gone.
What to you expect from Jim Ireton? He is so stupid he appointed Rick Hoppes as Fire Chief. That was a waste of tax dollars from a person that has a history of wasting tax dollars.
ReplyDeletehe has been hurting for years. He was offered $750k 7 years ago and he declined. He recently tried selling for $300k to cover his debt and move on. He was tired of the business and was looking for a way out. Has nothing to do with the Mayor. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteI'm not so convinced. They lost their better staff members to other new restaurants (yes they actually do exist) and they don't really cater to the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know why? Why such a sudden closing as well?
ReplyDeleteApril 25, 2013 at 10:11 PM
He said he lost his lease. Guess Ireton stole it from him huh. Closing of resturants is NOT just a Salisbury problem. So I seriously doubt Jim is the cause.
Pat says he has run Break Time for 13 years. I 've never been there and in fact do not know its location but I still hate to see it close. With the state of the economy and ObamaCare a worry, most folks just do not have the cash for a weekly evening out. Their priority is family first, as it should be.
That is the last place in Salisbury for quality live music...RIP Break Time...You will be missed
ReplyDeleteThis is another sad case of a local business leaving Salisbury,Md. OMFG, What is gonna take for America to wake up and find out liberal policies don't work. Salisbury is losing local businesses. Jim Ireton,Jake Day don't care they are supported by tax dollars anyway. Now another private sector business has closed that means more people out of work, another vacant building, people filing for unemployment,food stamps and so on. This damn town will be a big box chain after a while. More part time employment no real jobs. Way to go Mayor and council. Wake up Salisbury you voted these fools in.
ReplyDeleteMaybe business would have been better if they'd done something about the awful cigarette/urine smell in there.
ReplyDelete11:56. The bouncers were a bunch of unfriendly idiots that didn't help the give the establishment an inviting atmosphere either.
Delete11:56 What type of drugs are you on lol. People have not been allowed to smoke in establishments for a while. Don't try to blame that as an excuse of why they closed. There are alot of places around here that are major retail chains hmmmm ummm Walmart, Fast Food chains lol and their restrooms smell like piss. Ask yourself why are so many local businesses folding up and leaving Salisbury? Is there gonna be another LORA member closing after a while? We are Salisbury we should have at least something here positive to bring people to Salisbury that is our own brand. We should make this town something that is great not be remembered for the just being known for crime or run down houses and jobs folding up and high taxes. We have a downtown that could be expanded if in the right hands. Salisbury as a whole is a platform.It just would take a person with real goals and stand behind their word to expand it.Yes national chains keep people employed but how many of them are a part time basis? People want change, Less government intrusion, Prosperity,Less taxes,A Balanced Budget.When you get those principal's down to a science then try to argue lol. We have 2 major universities here in the area of Salisbury UMES even being in Princess Anne,and SU. Why can't the students stay here in Salisbury and work a job they attended college for. No Jobs in their field duh! We are a hub that could be used to our advantage!
ReplyDeleteGot any ideas genius?
Deleteobjectively, I really do not think the mayor had anything to do with this... businesses succeed, business fail... that is the nature of free enterprise... this is more of a national economic trend... reduced disposable cash available by people to spend on entertainment and dining out
ReplyDeleteyep. "it's the economy, stupid" is usually the right answer. the local economy seems to be particularly fragile - even in better times I think the average *household* income was under $40,000/year. If you have a family that doesn't leave a lot for entertainment.
DeleteI don't think anyone will ever realize what its like to close a dream you own. You take over 20 years experience and have to give it up......speechless.
ReplyDeleteWHAAAAATTTTTT!! I lived in the area for 7 years and BT was always my favorite in salisbury. Great football atmosphere in the fall. Plenty of great times with my wife and friends shooting pool. Always good deals. And the best wings in town!! Please say this is a joke.
ReplyDeleteHad a few good times there, good luck to everybody.
ReplyDeletebreaktime has been in trouble ever since the smoking ban.
ReplyDeleteat that same time they became a night club not restaraunt and couldnt let any one under 21 in. losing alot of customer
We will still have the Mexican Restaurants, lol
ReplyDeleteYou can't blame the Mayor for a business poor management. Face it, Salisbury cannot support the number od restaurants it has during the off season.
ReplyDeleteLet me explain a little something to some of you. I never blamed the Mayor for the failure of certain businesses closing. I simply SUGGESTED that since the Mayor has NO business background and really couldn't give a crap about local businesses, (unless they're providing free drinks) he might want to confront local businesses and see if there is ANY way the City could get involved and help them out. Similar to how they helped MoJo's.
ReplyDeleteThe Mayor IS the leader of this City. Salisbury News is simply RED FLAGGING the fact that there is a problem and it's about to get a lot worse.
While your County Executive hid extremely important information before the election proving Salisbury is not only in deep trouble, the report shows that is one of the key reasons Wicomico County is failing as a whole. The local liberals HID this information and fooled the public.
Rather than taking the position as the CEO, Ireton would rather stay clear of doing anything and just let things fail. Then he'll hold a press conference when his cranes show up Downtown and make it look like Salisbury is moving forward what it's actually not.
My message suggesting he get involved is simply a warning that I will NOT let go down the road. I told Barrie Tilghman the following statement some 8 years ago and she asked if she could borrow it. I said, "You can't fix something your not aware of". Ireton has now been made aware of the problem and now it is HIS job the fix it as best as he can.
My guess, he'll ignore it simply because he couldn't care less. He may be smart is politics but he's really stupid in business.
anonymous 8:33, Your statement is somewhat accurate but it ignores the fact that Break Time is right next to the college. Marketed properly I'd say there's almost no way to fail, unless your not catering to the college students. Break Time should have concentrated on the best burger in town with the best fries. To think you can create a fine dining experience with higher priced items on the menu doesn't cut it. As someone else mentioned earlier, I do have the experience in the billiard business as I was one of the very first Upscale Billiard Rooms in the United States.
ReplyDeleteI'll firmly admit, it is VERY easy for me to sit on the outside and suggest constructive criticism. They ran a good clean business but were unwilling to see the light, in my honest opinion.
Again, I'll strongly suggest the Mayor meet with LORA and find out exactly what the future holds for Salisbury, because it's NOT good. Ireton is so out of touch it isn't funny. When these businesses close, hundreds of jobs will be lost and guess what, it will be many years before someone will be willing to lease that space and invest into yet another business in which Salisbury has the reputation of failing.
You just keep listening to the liberal MSM telling you the business and housing market is coming back. Go ask ANY private business/restaurant owner if that is true.
It was YOUR election to lose.
To you idiots suggesting Jim Ireton has nothing to do with this or any business closing you are a fool. Jim Ireton is a Democrat and keeping Democrats in office is the reason for the low socio-economic make up of this community as well as America. We invite low socio-economic groups to Salisbury and America. Look what Jim Ireton's Assistant City Administrator who is getting another massive pay raise is doing. She is inviting all homeless people to Salisbury with open arms and this includes released prisoners from ECI. Many cities offer bus tickets to the homes people and send them to Salisbury because they know Salisbury will take care of them. People like myself, law abiding citizens, try our best not to travel through Salisbury at night because of the high violent crimes. Break Time Pub is right along the rail road tracks where many of the homeless people live and they are in the parking lots every night begging for money. Many of them commit crimes in the area. It is hard to get Americans to work because Welfare and Food Stamps is up 72%. Why would someone want to work when they can collect the entitlements and sell drugs on the side or break into homes and cars. Wake up America and quit voting for Democrats.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeletebreaktime has been in trouble ever since the smoking ban.
at that same time they became a night club not restaraunt and couldnt let any one under 21 in. losing alot of customer
April 26, 2013 at 7:58 AM
Another idiot smoker blaming a failing business on the smoking ban. Guess what Red Lobster and the Olive Garden are thriving and there is no smoking there either.
I just rode by the old Waterman's/ Fox and Olive and it was a business that closed. Now there is a sign that say "Coming Soon Andy's Place." I doubt seriously a business call Andy's Place won't be there long.
ReplyDeleteYou're right 8:56. Some dummy manages to get some money and sadly decides to open a place which eventually fails.
DeleteLocal retaurants simply can't compete with a national franchise. A franchise can ride out this econmomy and they provide only par-time low wage jobs, any of their profits are sucked out of the local economy to the food chain at the corporate level.
ReplyDeleteLORA and Ireton can sit on an egg as long as they want, but that egg won't ever hatch in this over stagnated local economy.
O'Mally can make all the claims he wants about unemployment numbers going down, the true fact is the majority of people living in Salisbury's city limits are at the poverty rate or just above it. This area can get much worse.
anonymous 9:00, excuses, excuses, excuses! Ireton CAN do something about it.
ReplyDeleteHe ACTS like he has something to do with 3rd Friday but he has nothing to do with it.
Perhaps for the first time in his entire adult life he can get off his butt and do something special once a month with local restaurants, or at least find someone a LOT more popular than himself to lead the way so people might actually be interested in joining.
And don't think I believe Jim Ireton is to blame. Look, you can involve local news anchors that are popular. Remember Ladies & Gentlemen we're talking about hundreds of people's lively hoods here. This is a far more serious matter than most of you realize. Salisbury is in a desperate situation right now. To ignore and not get people involved to HELP your neighbors is simply LIBERAL SELFISHNESS.
We the people of the Eastern Shore don't want WELFARE, FOOD STAMPS, SUBSIDIZED HOUSES. We want to stand proud and on our own.
It was your election to lose.
Hmmmm where is everyone going to play pool now. I guess swellys. Oh well its a good place to go.
ReplyDeleteJoe,
ReplyDeletebreaktime used to cator to college students. but once they startiong selling too much alcohal and not enough food they could no longer allow under 21 inside
It was your election to lose.
ReplyDeletePrefect Joe!
(^_^)
Did anyone ask the owner how Obamacare was beginning to affect his business? Folks, Zia's and Break Time are just the beginning. There will be a bunch of people working 2 part time jobs so that the employer keep you under the 30 requirement in Obamacare.
ReplyDeleteThe closing of businesses and restaurants may not be the mayor's or county executive's fault. However they are indirectly responsible. This region is not business friendly and the chamber of commerce has done nothing to promote or assist any business. The poor leadership makes this area undesirable for recruitment of new businesses.
ReplyDeleteUSMC Retired, Right On!
ReplyDeleteJust wait until that REPORT becomes public and you'll see how Rick Pollitt and Jim Ireton purposely screwed the citizens of Wicomico County.
It's all about who you know and who you know. LOL
Watch out another tax increase coming, Wicomico County 8% Salisbury 8% you will see more places closing and more people out of work. Also another large increase in health insurance thanks to Obama. I read Pollitt's speach in the Dispatch this guy is so out of touch but if you have been feeding at the trough as long as he has it's no wonder. Wake up people of Wicomico County get rid of Pollitt and the council members who rubber stamp his tax and spend agenda.
ReplyDelete9:31, you are incorrect. Kids and families were allowed in there until I think 9:30 or 10pm.
ReplyDeleteWhy doesn't someone open a Sports Bar in Delmar, DE. Delmar really needs a good place to watch some sporting events and have a couple cold beverages.
ReplyDeleteThen they should buy some cable, a TV, and a refrigerator, 10:26. Delmar, De. is no place for a decent establishment.
DeleteThe only thing keeping the grocery stores from closing, is the Food Stamp program, to keep the local restaurants from closing, they should change the law so that people on them could go out to dinner and use their Food Stamps to pay for it.
ReplyDeleteFamous Dave's has got to be desperate, they spam me every morning with coupons!
ReplyDeleteIt's no wonder, the portions are tiny and the food is horrible.
Old West's got 2 problems, the server named Monkey and the fact that they either undercook or overcook everything.
Station 7 has always been meh. Nothing exciting, boring/bland food, not extremely expensive but certainly not a good value.
Maybe one day someone in Salisbury will realize. Serve GOOD FOOD and the price doesn't matter, customers will come.
Sysco is the problem, restaurant owners are LAZY, and simply microwave pre-made frozen crap. I can do that at home, I go out to eat for good food.
You all complain but you don't show up at public hearings. The BOE employees do and so do the tax and spend libs. So it's time to quit complaining and let your council reps know how you feel. If you can't show up at least call them.
ReplyDelete11:50 Try Restaurant 213.
ReplyDeleteJoe:
ReplyDeleteWhy should government at any level bail out a business that can't make it -- survival of the fittest is the bedrock of our free-enterprise system.
Like many others I went to Break-Time once and we had no desire to return.
Joe:
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect "turn-around" business for a pool-shark like you!
Just DO IT!
anonymous 1:19, I have no interest in spending money on someone else's building. Now, perhaps buying their equipment and relocating it to 300 W. Main Street for a PRIVATE Cigar and Billiard Club might be of interest to me.
ReplyDeleteI meant to respond to anonymous 1:22, sorry.
ReplyDeleteStarts at the top. not with the mayor.
ReplyDeletebut with obombma and barack omalley.
obombma has destroyed the country, and barack omalley the state thanks to obombma.
not a thing ireton or pollitt could do. or anyone else in their position.
going nuts is also been seen for sale on listings. along with another headline rest. i can't yet mention, soon to close or be sold.
anonymous 1:59, Salisbury has a revolving loan fund, for starters. As mentioned earlier, MoJo's took advantage of this loan.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Break Time goes, their nut right now is around $22,000.00 a WEEK. My hat is tipped to them for surviving as long as they have. A+ for effort.
We're going to see a lot of businesses closing down but as I said earlier, Pollitt and Ireton could help market those business as well as the Chamber of Commerce. Wicomico County and especially Salisbury have seen enough local businesses shut down as we continue to prove. Jobs are being lost at an alarming rate here. Leave it to a liberal to say Pollitt and Ireton can do nothing about it. B S! They can get off their asses and help these businesses out by encouraging others to help market them. Heck, I'd help in any way I can through Salisbury News.
The SMART businesses spend $100.00 a month with us and get an incredible return on their investment.
I am asking all you locals to leave Salisbury and see what happening in the country. Businesses are closing everywhere. I moved here 2 years ago from the Cincinnati area. You should see my hometown. Only thing left are fastfood, mexican, chinese, drug stores,and the corner pub. Even a few banks have closed. Forgot to mention Walmart. The K mart closed as well.
ReplyDeleteWho owns the building?
ReplyDeleteanonymous 3:13, Businesses are NOT closing everywhere. Go to Bowie, Rockville or any of City outside Baltimore, Washington and Annapolis.
ReplyDeleteThe reason Salisbury is hurting as bad as it is, is based around it's leadership.
Salisbury is very unique because of the large volume of rental properties and transient people. It takes a very special LEADER to recognize this.
Ireton and Pollitt are life long bottom feeders who are completely clueless about business, hence why they are not nor never have been in the private sector.
The ONLY thing they understand is the survival of subsidies. I tried to tell ALL of you why Salisbury is failing. While it could be very possible the people understood, yet the final results went the other way according to many, that's for YOU to resolve.
Ask your friends, family and neighbors, WHO did THEY vote for??? Ask your Barber or Beauty Salon people who the majority voted for and I think you'll find something not only stinks, it stinks really bad. The citizens of Salisbury got duped, according to most people. Nevertheless, it is what it is. Enjoy your new Mayor and watch his screw each and every one of you over. He's got 2.7 years to destroy Salisbury because THAT is what the special interests wanted, NOT the citizens.
Maybe local restaurant owners should learn from the chains and provide a consistent product, many diners prefer consistency over supporting "local" places. While I'm on the subject, didn't a local business owner get busted this week for trafficking heroin? So maybe it isn't the greatest idea to blindly support "local" business owners.
ReplyDeleteCould it be that the rent was raised so high he can't afford to stay there? Maybe the landlord wants the building for some other purpose. Check out the owner of the property.
ReplyDeleteI heard the land lord raised the rent 60%. Pat could not afford that.
DeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteThe only thing keeping the grocery stores from closing, is the Food Stamp program, to keep the local restaurants from closing, they should change the law so that people on them could go out to dinner and use their Food Stamps to pay for it.
April 26, 2013 at 10:41 AM
^Jeez i hope you're a troll
Do your research people. Where ever there is a super store Walmart, small businesses start shutting down. There goes the community.
ReplyDeleteSalisbury is going to be left to the surroundind criminals, illegals, homeless, unemployed and the poor. Food for thought; is there and in the near future a catastrophic event that will take place in this area that we as citizens know nothing about. Is our city and county government covering up something. Why such a dramatic change in 20 years in this area?
ReplyDeletethe reason DC, annapolis and outside baltimore and rockville, is B/C the US FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS EXPLODING. bush's budget was 1.5 trillion / year. obama and our congress's spending is over 3 trillion, that means more regulator employees. it is exploding over there b/c of government expansion and thats why businesses are doing well. the rest of the country blows.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteWho owns the building?
April 26, 2013 at 3:29 PM
REMSEN C BARNARD III and has since 1978. This info is available at the SDAT: Real Property Search
Joe, Tonight I hope I didn't hear Jake Day say what I thought I did. He thanked the old folks for their leadership and now the young ones are taking over. I voted for the SOB. What an arrogant A$$.
ReplyDeletereality is the day of the "independent business" is over. it's over for them. high taxes and regulations, the bad economy. ive been conducting business with this industry for 30 yrs and i can tell you they are going to be extinct soon. trust me. its inevitable.
ReplyDeleteOpen your eyes! This is SALISBURY. The average income barely tops 25K. This town can't even attract a decent grocery store. You people are whining about Zia's and Break Time closing. Really? Zia's was a dump yet rated best Italian Restaurant for years. I've lived in Salisbury for 17 years, ate their twice, regretted it both times. Residents of Salisbury have no clue what good food is. You folks think if it is served on a plastic tray it must be good. If a decent restaurant showed up here there would be no doubt it would not be supported by the locals. The transplants would love it, the locals would ignore it. Look at 213, some of the best food on the shore yet barely a car in the parking lot. And you think some self-righteous loudmouth could change all this? Please.... it is SALISBURY!
ReplyDeletei think 9:10 might be trolling a bit but there is some truth to this. I ate at English's once after I first moved down here and I was served canned green beans. I don't even eat those at home. People do seem to be very unadventurous...I don't expect urbane sophistication but it would be nice if people were open minded about new things.
ReplyDelete9:10 is right on. I came to Salisbury 19 years ago. I remember everyone raving about how good Zia's was. I went there 4 times over the years and regretted it each time. That place wouldn't have lasted 2 years in DC-Baltimore-Philly. It lasted 20 years (forever for a restaurant) and won numerous awards here! The only restaurants that are crowded are the OK-but not great-highly consistent chains (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Chili's, Bob Evans). Unique restaurants with high quality food that is a little different don't make it. I told the owner of the the Indian place when they were closing that they should have served Muskrat Masala, then they would have had a chance in this backwater.
ReplyDeleteI was there last night to watch my buddy Smitty and it was like old times. Going to miss all the fun and had great memory's
ReplyDeleteA very nice place to frequent is Goin Nuts Cafe. I have never had a bad meal there. The service is good and they are local. The location feels safe after dark as well.
ReplyDeleteI cant afford to go out to eat. I used to, but not in the last 4 years. For his lease to go up had to be the straw.
ReplyDeleteJoe-
ReplyDeleteHow about a joint venture with Brad Gillis to make the old fire statio n in downtown Smallsbhurya top of the line pool hall -- buy it and the tables at Break time
If y'all want those fancy go-out-to-eat-and-show-off places, go back to where they are. Neither one of you come-heres has an anchor tied to your butt.
ReplyDeleteNeither do you wise guy.
DeletePersonally - I think the mexicans have best thing going. Tapatia, Tol Teca, seem to have the mexican flavored taste down to a science. Their prices are alright and the food is spectacular. Everytime I go there is a packed house.
ReplyDelete9:10 spot on. born and raised here and have traveled extensively.
ReplyDeletethe Palette in Snow Hill
the Globe in Berlin
Mason's in Easton
Mitchum's in Trappe
Barbely's in Newark (home cooking, old fashioned atmosphere, fun).
Yum's Salisbury (very good food, breakfast and lunch and soon to have Holly Hill Homemade baked goods running the restaurant. i think their grand opening will be this wednesday 5/1 to include the new baked goods feature plus their regular great offerings.
there are more, but you just have to seek them out.
from DD of D.
Ditto on doing the old fire station as a "billiard parlor" (not a "pool hall) and sports bar.
ReplyDeleteHow about it Joe?
Is this still going on for Salisbury University Alumni?
ReplyDeleteAlumni Happy Hour
Wednesday, May 1, 2013 • 6-8 p.m.
Break Time Sports Grill & Pub
1009 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury
Enjoy Happy Hour Prices, Free Pool & Free Appetizers
Register online: alumni.salisbury.edu/event/BreakTime
For More Information Contact:
Jayme Block '97, M'99 @ jeblock@salisbury.edu
Blame Jim all you want. But it seems all the "experts" on here rambling on about politics miss the point....
ReplyDeleteEveryone just got tired of Break Time. It just got old. No more, no less.
I stopped going when they hired “Chef Mike”, he was always trying something new there, I guess he was trying to make a silk purse out of a sows ear.
ReplyDeleteI heard Old West is closing soon, Station 7, Fratellie’s, and Number 1 China Buffet.
ReplyDeleteRumors are just what they are, RUMORS!!! Old West Steakhouse is not closing and that has been confirmed! They have some of the BEST food in town.
ReplyDeleteOld West???
ReplyDeleteThe old Fire Station 16 is way too small.
ReplyDeleteanother great eatery is Bon Appetit in Seaford, DE.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteanother great eatery is Bon Appetit in Seaford, DE.
April 28, 2013 at 9:51 PM
Small and pricey, but yes, good food.
People are tired of the same stuff. We need new places to go here in the bury. Buffalo wild wings Dave&Busters TGIF something better than the mess we have now.
ReplyDeleteLearn to cook 8:29!
Deleteseriously? I have traveled the world and eaten in many fine restaurants. Salisbury has no fine dining establishment! it's all greasy spoon chain fast food! crap I wouldn't even feed my dog! the one or two restaurants that make an attempt to offer decent food charge as though they are fog de chao!
ReplyDeleteWhy do you continue to torture yourself 12:23? Just pack up and leave.
DeleteSad to see Break Time go for whatever reason (and no one knows the whole story, but it's interesting to see everyone have their input on it). Viet Taste is not so bad if you like Vietnamese food.
ReplyDeleteOld West is very good!
ReplyDelete1:29 am. bon appetit is a little pricey, but try them at lunchtime. prices are very reasonable and of course the food is fresh and excellent...
ReplyDeleteAs someone who spent many years in the restaurant business, I may be a little more forgiving than some commenters here, but I do offer the suggestion to consider a little empathy for today's restauranteurs.
ReplyDeleteFood costs have risen considerably over the past few years, yet disposable income has shrunk for many people. That leaves restaurant owners with the challenge of offering good quality food at an affordable price, while still hoping to make some money.
The current labor pool leaves MUCH to be desired. As someone who got a job as soon as I was old enough and who went to work whenever I was needed - whether I had previous plans or not, work always came first - it was incredibly frustrating and disheartening to try to manage employees who want a job but don't want to work. Again, my thoughts are based on my experience in the restaurant business, but trust me when I say it is TOUGH to get a full staff of really great workers.
No good restaurant operator tries to do a bad job. Independent restaurants know the importance of repeat customers and do everything to keep you coming back. If you had a bad experience at a local restaurant, before you declare you will never return or blast it in a review or come on here and make anonymous disparaging comments, consider a few thoughts:
- Maybe your server/cook/host etc was just having a bad day. Of course it sucks if you get the short end of the stick that day, but maybe think of a time where you had a bad day and maybe didn't do your job perfectly.
- did you tell your server everything was good/fine/great each time they checked on you when you actually weren't satisfied? Most restaurants will try to fix the problem immediately - but they can't if they don't know about it.
- if you told your server about a problem and didn't get an appropriate response, did you ask for a manager? Depending on the situation, you might need to - if the server is new, they may not know what to do with a complaint, if the server is afraid of getting in trouble, they may not tell a manager who can fix the problem. There are other circumstances as well, but you should never leave a restaurant without being fully satisfied that your money was well spent.
- can you give the little guy a break? It's pretty much impossible for independent restaurants to compete with the chains as far as advertising goes, but often times you'll get a better deal with better food at a local restaurant. You just might have to do some legwork to find out the deals. And make sure you compare apples to apples.
Dayton's is cheaper and better than Denny's/ihop/bob evans
Station 7 is cheaper and better than outback/Texas roadhouse/famous daves
Backstreet is cheaper and better than applebees/ruby tuesday
Anonymous said...
ReplyDelete1:29 am. bon appetit is a little pricey, but try them at lunchtime. prices are very reasonable and of course the food is fresh and excellent...
April 29, 2013 at 5:20 PM
Thanks, I will try to do that.