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Sunday, March 23, 2014

Salisbury News Has Been Saying For Months, Famous Dave's Will Close Their Doors

We've been hearing for months from Employees, Famous Dave's will be closing their doors. Well, today, or should I say, early this morning the trucks were lined up for a quiet departure. Another weekend warrior project.

The Greene Turtle will be leaving their current location in North Salisbury and relocating to this space. Kinda hard to hide Fire vehicles behind this building. 

So tell me, Ladies & Gentlemen. How many more businesses have to close their doors before you finally realize the leaders, (elected officials) in Salisbury and Wicomico County are clueless to the downfall of the Eastern Shore?

Here they are volunteering Rain Tax money and pay raises in the most difficult times in the HISTORY of America. Businesses are closing their doors, Lease and For Sale signs are just about everywhere you look. There is NO Master Plan. In fact, do tell me what Jim Ireton and Rick Pollitt have told you that EXCITES Wicomico County citizens. 

I'll tell you what doesn't excite me. Pictures like this and the Jobs Report we put out monthly where we're averaging more than 1,200 jobs losses per month. Yeah, people are moving to Wicomico County and the County is actually growing, population wise. Who has the most affordable housing projects in the entire state, SALISBURY. I wonder why they're moving here. It isn't the JOBS. 

95 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maybe it was their bussiness model. Outragous prices.

JoeAlbero said...

Maybe it was 10:21. Maybe it was because luxuries like going out to eat and supporting a local restaurant is just out of reach like it used to be.

I know that is the reason because EVERY single restaurant out there is hurting, with the exception of the chain restaurants. They have the backing to offer seniors incredible discounts but are also barely scraping by because of profit losses.

Now, if their food was so bad and prices so high, they would not have survived SIX years in that location. Mr. Paul's Legacy didn't last very long, did it. The Breaktime Billiards location still sits empty. Zia's was torn down.

I already know times are tough on other local restaurants. Your statement is an easy one to make and if it were the FIRST restaurant to close, I might even agree with you. However, I think my reasoning spells out more truth than yours.

Anonymous said...

I went there - it wasn't too expensive for what you got...not enough folks like me though!

The reason folks are moving here is the handouts....

Anonymous said...

I notice that Scooter Boy is also out of business. They were booming before the state instituted Registration and Insurance requirements.

Why do bicycles not have the same requirements as scooters? You can cause the same amount of problems on a bike as you can on a scooter.

Anonymous said...

I can tell you why "people" are moving here. Went to Sam's club yesterday to buy a few groceries. Well dressed young couple ahead of me bought $500, paid for it with two welfare cards... Where else are these loafers welcomed??? Free food, free housing, free "reproduction", free health care... That is why we also have so many homeless persons. "feed them and they will come," like any stray animal.

Anonymous said...

If you notice, most of the restaurants that are surviving in this area are not chains. The food is MUCH better, so folks don't mind paying a little more. There are, yes, some chains still doing well, but for the most part folks don't want that pre-packaged, preservative-filled chain food.

Anonymous said...

Simple Joe. They didn't make money. I went there once and it wasn't great so I never went back. I'd rather have the Green Turtle there anyways,

Anonymous said...

What is being built near Sams Club? Noticed a building going up right on rt50. Anyone know?

Anonymous said...

Anon 1057 - just because they are well dressed you make assumptions? Also make assumptions bc of how they paid?

Rebel Without a Clue said...

And to think, I just went to Dave's Friday night for dinner with the family.

I had no idea but the topic of conversation that my wife and I have had for the past year is just how Dave's was able to stay open when you never see any cars out there.

Anonymous said...

I thought their food was good when they first opened but then it took a downward spiral.

Anonymous said...

The Green Turtle must be doing ok if they are expanding. Saw they opened a new location in Dover.

Anonymous said...

The location is cursed... Tia's was originally there if you recall. And Longhorn Steakhouse moved in a few years back which cut in on business.

Anonymous said...

Isn't Famous Dave's a chain restaurant?

Anonymous said...

It wasn't so much the economy for them, their food and service really sucked. Everyone I talked to had the same opinion.

Anonymous said...

Yes dave's is a chain restraint and the problem is I"s not good BBQ .SALISBURY does not have good BBQ I don't think the closing of dave"s is caused by SALISBURY It's management that does not know BBQ

Anonymous said...

1136 - yes it is

Anonymous said...

I've went to a Dave's outside of MD before they came here... Really thought it was funny how packed it was after they opened. Knew it was only a matter of time.

Anonymous said...

Also wondering what is being built on rt50 next to Sams Club gas station???

Anonymous said...

11:11 AM - Right in front of Sams they are building a Dunkin Donuts.

JoeAlbero said...

12:03, We've said it a hundred times. It's a Dunkin Donuts.

OLD SKOOL said...

MR ALBERO KNOW WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT HERE.

IF YOU WERE NOT RAISED TO CUT CORNERS AND GET BY WITHOUT THE GOVERMENT DOLE YOU KNOW NOTHING ELSE.

LYNDON JOHNSON STARTED THESE HANDOUTS BACK IN THE 60,S AND NOW YOU HAVE 5 GENERATIONS OF FAMILES THAT HAVE NEVER DONE ANYTHING BUT GET FREE HANDOUTS.

SALISBURY USED TO BE A GREAT TOWN
PLENTY OF JOBS FOR PPL WHO WANTED TO WORK. VERY LITTLE CRIME AND A LOCAL AND STATE GOVERMENT THAT MADE DECISIONS THINKING OF THE BLUE COLLAR WORKER INSTEAD OF THE ENTITLEMENT ZOMBIES.

OMALLEY, AND IRETON SHOULD BE CREDITED FOR THE DEMISE OF THE EASTERN SHORE AND THE SO CALLED [BURY].[MAN I HATE THAT].

MR ALBERO, YOU MADE THE RIGHT MOVE TO GET RID OF THAT BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN BUILDING.IT WAS BUILT WITH PRIDE BY REAL AMERICAN CRAFTSMAN WHICH YOU DO NOT SEE ANYMORE.ITS A SHAME THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE IN [SBY][LOVE THAT]IS LONG GONE TO NEVER RETURN.

FAMOUS DAVES, I WISH YOU LUCK. I NEVER WENT THERE,NOT MUCH DISPOSABLE INCOME TO EAT OUT HERE.


Anonymous said...

The COPS are also killing salisbury they stake out restaurants and lock u up for a coulple of drinks...SALISBURY IS SHOOTING THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT.

Anonymous said...

OBAMA PEEPS. Are moving here from NY and PHILLY bc its EASY to get free EVERTHING....Salisbury WILL turn into detRIOT ...Trust me.

Anonymous said...

11:30 Tia's closed way before Longhorn Steakhouse came. Get your timeline straight. You off at least 4 years. Also Tia's across the country went out of business because their style of food was not that popular on a national level. Has nothing to do with location.

Anonymous said...

I've been to famous Dave's at other locations and really enjoyed it. Problem with this one and many others in Salisbury is that service is horrible and the food prep is even worse. The places that stay in business are the ones that have good service or good food (almost impossible to get both in salisbury). I'VE GOT A REALLY A REALLY GREAT IDEA!!!!! have BOTH great service and food. that's how to stay in business.

Anonymous said...

Someone else pointed this out but Dave's was never famous for good BBQ. My first visit was about 15 years ago when they opened in Columbia and I knew better to try them when the local place opened. You can get better BBQ out of a can.

Common sence. said...

Green turtle ....will do very well there BUT WILL be a target by the STATE POOPERS SHERIFF SP..THE 3 Amigos will be staking out the place in the mall Parking lot looking for Revenue.......

Anonymous said...

I happen to be in a unique position to know how alot of restaurants in town are doing financially. I can tell you that Joe is absolutely correct. There is NO FUTURE for locally owned full-service, sit-down restaurants in this town.

Anonymous said...

Food was nothing to get excited about. But I don't like the Olive Garden or Red Lobster and they are always packed. Go figure.

Anonymous said...

I've heard that Peaky's in Princess Anne is on the verge of closing. that would be a shame.

Anonymous said...

Been here for around 40 years , never seen such a change in local companies . Everything is gone , nothing I like about what's happening.
On one side of town I have to learn Spanish , on the other side of the tracks I need to speak hip hop talk like yo mamma , dog.
On one side of town the colored people don't use sidewalks they walk down the street. On the other side of the tracks the Mexicans are changing tags from one car to the other.
All of them are affordable housing projects that we pay for.
Oh well , I'm just a 71 year old cracker , 2nd infantry division, recon , 38th infantry reg. , bring em.

Anonymous said...

IMHO I truly believe you are going to see a few of the big box retailers at the Centre Of Salisbury Mall close very soon. Don't be surprised to Macy's, or Sears, maybe even Dicks. Look - this has been an extremely tough winter. Now comes the fall-out.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Went to Famous Dave's 1 time. It was dirty like a lot of the local restaurants. Also pricey and the food was mediocre.

That's a he66 of a big Dunkin Donuts!

Anonymous said...

Try the Cellart Door just off the Downtown Plaza in Salisbury -- it's owned and run by our next County Exec! Good food and a nice place to get together.

Also like the Irish Penny, Ikebana and Taj Mahal, and hope Fratellis's reopens soon.

The only decent chains here are Chicago Uno and Chilis.

Anonymous said...

11:10 is right. Also those who say Famous Dave's went downhill.

Adams is great BBQ, better than Dave's hands down.

Anonymous said...

Respectfully, I am not sure you can blame any local political official for the demise of a business unless a specifically enacted law prohibits the ability to conduct business. It is more likely that the overall poor economy is to blame.. Across the globe, businesses and governments are facing dire economic situations. This is beyond some local politician. I do agree with an earlier comment that too many of those willing to work are forced to support too many of those who are able to work but choose not to. And this is a national, if not global epidemic..

Anonymous said...

Regarding Famous Dave's the food there was average. It was good for an occasional visit, but other restaurants were superior in food quality and service...

Anonymous said...

I never tried the restaurant, but the catered food really sucked!

Anonymous said...

What is going next to Staples? Next to replaced BK on Mt Hermon? Next to Target? Need Chick-Fil-A south! Close nasty Wendy's south.

Tina said...

Ummmmmm did anyone think it could possibly have something to do with it simply being the rent is too high and that business was not there for it to stay open? I don't think it was a big conspiracy or that the food completely sucked. Maybe the business model just didn't work for this area.

Anonymous said...

Before you resolve yourself to the franchise donuts of Dunkin, treat yourself to Bay Country Bakery on Rt50 inCambridge. I swear you will not find a better honey dip. Yeah, it's worth the drive.

Anonymous said...

The Knorr brothers are fortunate that in this economy, they do have an anchor, being their Evolution Craft Brewery to keep their corporation in growth potential even in a poor market. I doubt it was designed to keep 4 restaurants afloat in tough times but it doesn't hurt. Each of their restaurants feature a different atmosphere to side with their various creative menus. They range from high end, to take your shoes off and pick some crabs at the Roost. They will survive these economic times, many other local endeavors aren't so fortunate or diverse. Keep up the great work Tommy, John and staff.

TC

Anonymous said...

10:54 - College Scooters (down 13 S a bit) put them out of business, not the Gov. I shopped around for Scooters and College Scooters kicked the crap out of them on price, their warranties, service, and overall friendliness. Seems like Scooter Boys' employee didn't give two youknowwhats when I was shopping around.

Anonymous said...

What in the heck is happening around here. It seems as though every other day another business folds. There are so many vacant buildings I have lost count. I saw where Quiznos is closed now on the South side of Town near the college. And the other Quiznos on the North said of Town is closed to. This Town looks as bad economically as I have ever seen.

Anonymous said...

Can anyone say Obamacare? For two years I have been warning of this. Problem is, Democrats just don't care. That's why they keep voting for Democrats.

Lyle Chipperson said...

You people are amazing. You've never been there or only been there once and you're surprised that it closed? Without people supporting local businesses, they won't stay open. I don't care if they're a chain or not, they still have local people working there. Without clientele, no business will stay open. Plain and simple.

Scott said...

2:26
You are right! It's the best bakery and Doughnut shop on the shore!
The Doughnut's are the freshest you will find. You won't want buy Dunkin Donuts once you try them. It's always packed and worth the trip!

Anonymous said...

How can you have great service when most of you on here can't stand anyone that's not from the area and those from the area are only a few who do work and the remainder are on some form of assistance. If you want good service you need to teach good manners and how to treat people.think about it.

Anonymous said...

Green turtle gets a million dollars of money from md state gov, your tax dollars for "economic" growth, even though they have 19 other locations. Sure they can take over famous daves with the money you gave them. Oh, and the mil, they don't have to pay it back "under certain conditions". Free food and beer for only those connected!!

Anonymous said...

Tia's sucked. Dave's sucked, and Green turtle sucks. Green Turtle only works because of the alcohol, and the DESPERATE locals who do nothing but DRINK, DRINK, DRINK. If you frequent GT, you're an alcoholic, and deserve the worst.

Anonymous said...

It's the booze. If a restaurant's concept revolves around drinking beer and eating wings, burgers or other bar food, it's a winner. If the concept is mostly about the food, well, GOOD LUCK with that plan.

Throw in 20 to 50 flat-screen TV's for the patrons to watch "their team," you' ve got a sure-fire winner.

Simple as that...

pissed. said...

WHY IS GREEN TURTLE GETTING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM MD....?????????????????????????????????????????????

Anonymous said...

Now that Buffalo Wings is open I haven't been back to Green Turtle. Cleaner, nicer at BW - but that is must my two cents worth.

Anonymous said...

The closing of Famous Dave's BBQ took me by a total surprise. I thought with Pork in the Park and all, it made for a nice fit. My wife and I just ate there last weekend although we did not eat there often. I guess one never knows around here. Like another poster said earlier, Zias is gone, both Quiznos are gone, even McDonalds closed in the Centre. I think the economy is a lot worse off than what the gov officials are letting on.

I would not be surprised if Hobby Lobby were next. For that matter there are about a dozen or so more that could fold very soon.

Anonymous said...

Speaking of poor leadership in Salisbury I just looked at the first 7 minutes of Jimbo and Fake Day's State of the City. It was nauseating. No one there to recognize so he had to recognize "Chuck Cook from the Governors Office." LOL. I wonder if O'Malley even remembers Cookies name when they meet.

There were no elected officials recognized except Laura Mitchell. He even recognized Jake Day's wife for being a school teacher at Pittsville Elementary School. What the heck did that have to do with Salisbury and why did it deserve recognition. There were only department heads and "city employees" in the audience.

They were doing this little rotation talk between Jim and Jake and Jake pointed out the first thing he said he was going to do when he got elected was appoint a new fire chief and then he pointed to Rick Hoppes. LMAO. It's sad that the only audience were people that were told to be there only to make it look like a crowd.

The Jim and Jake Show - talking about their accomplishments last year. What a joke.

Anonymous said...

I don't know if many of you have noticed, but there are an awful lot of food places that are closing. From scanning over some of these comments, Mrs. Pauls is another one that has closed recently and then on the south end, nothing has replaced the Lighthouse diner and that building is still empty.

Anonymous said...

How about Long John Silver across from SU. That is another vacant building, I saw an Available sign up there.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Anon 1057 - just because they are well dressed you make assumptions? Also make assumptions bc of how they paid?

March 16, 2014 at 11:14 AM

So!! I see it happening all the time and most of them can't even speak proper English. Them damn foreigners are eating better than I am.

Screw them! Send them back to their own country.

My grandparents came here in the 1930's and the government gave them nothing. They survived, so can the damn illegal aliens. Send the future Democrats back to their own country.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
OBAMA PEEPS. Are moving here from NY and PHILLY bc its EASY to get free EVERTHING....Salisbury WILL turn into detRIOT ...Trust me.

March 16, 2014 at 12:30 PM

Actually much of the problem is ECI and their friends, relatives and girlfriends moving here until they get out. ECI has provided us with thousands of released Democrats to spread cancer in our city.

Anonymous said...

Lyle Chipperson said...
You people are amazing. You've never been there or only been there once and you're surprised that it closed? Without people supporting local businesses, they won't stay open. I don't care if they're a chain or not, they still have local people working there. Without clientele, no business will stay open. Plain and simple.

March 16, 2014 at 4:42 PM

Sir/Madam, if they went there only once that means the placed SUCKED!! It's not our responsibility to waste our hard earned money to keep any business afloat.

Anonymous said...

Scott said...
2:26
You are right! It's the best bakery and Doughnut shop on the shore!
The Doughnut's are the freshest you will find. You won't want buy Dunkin Donuts once you try them. It's always packed and worth the trip!

March 16, 2014 at 4:51 PM

The same people trying to plug their own business for free advertising. LMAO... Like nobody knows what you are doing.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Tia's sucked. Dave's sucked, and Green turtle sucks. Green Turtle only works because of the alcohol, and the DESPERATE locals who do nothing but DRINK, DRINK, DRINK. If you frequent GT, you're an alcoholic, and deserve the worst.

March 16, 2014 at 5:55 PM

You are 100% correct. Their menu sucks and it's only for the drunks that have their names on their own mugs there. Not for me.

Anonymous said...

pissed. said...
WHY IS GREEN TURTLE GETTING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM MD....?????????????????????????????????????????????

March 16, 2014 at 6:28 PM

Because you voted for Democrats... Dumba**.

JoeAlbero said...

7:39, So what. Here's how I see it. Let them see how quick their business goes up and they can call me by the end of the week and buy an ad, should what you suggest is actually true. On the other hand, maybe it is someone who actually enjoys their food. If I thought someone was abusing comments to get free plugs on a regular bases, I'd reject their comments. They have not done so.

Here's the FUNNY part. You don't see much of that happening with a business in Salisbury now, do you? What does that say!

Anonymous said...


The only decent chains here are Chicago Uno and Chilis.

March 16, 2014 at 12:57 PM

Matter of opinion. I don't like either.

Anonymous said...

like i am going to drive all the way to cambrigge for a doughnut great idea

Anonymous said...

Technically- with regards to the McDonalds in the mall they didn't renew the lease because Jakes Wayback moved in. Famous Dave's didn't renew their lease either. Their business has been tanking for a long while because the food and service were horrible.

ginn said...

I'll have to chime in here and back-up what 2:26 & Scot say, great bakery, friendly with good coffee.

Unknown said...

Prices here are relative to everywhere else. The problem is jobs here don't pay well. Its a vicious cycle. If people were paid better and could afford to live they would spend money in the local.businesses. The eastern shore lacks good education and good jobs. Its pathetic. Its bad when you have to leave the place you grew up and family to make a decent living and have a quality life!

Anonymous said...

McDonalds in the mall was shut down by the Health Dept.

Anonymous said...

Weren't Zias and Breaktime victims of greedy landlords? Maybe I heard wrong. OBTW, Dave's was terrible. I liked Zias. Hope Fratellis comes back. Love Cactus Taverna. Don't tell me nobody can afford to eat out. Every place north of Price Buick is slammed every night. Except Dave's of course.

Anonymous said...

Quizinos filed for bankruptcy and started closing store in preparation.

Anonymous said...

9:50,Im with you.

None said...

WHAT!
you are going to blame the police for arresting people for driving drunk, lol. You're a special kind of stupid aren't you.

Driving drunk is against the law, so is tipsy driving. We all know what the legal limit is and it is our responsibility to follow that law.

None said...

Another person blaming the police for people getting busted for DUI's. I could care less if the police stakeout bars to catch people driving drunk. After all the concept makes sense. If wife beaters and sex offenders frequented the same establishments would it be pretty smart for LEO's to stake out those establishments too. C'mon man, drinking and driving is illegal and statistics have shown leads to a lot of deaths each year so if them staking out the bars and stopping one drunk driver a year from possibly killing one person then it was well worth it.

Anonymous said...

Any restaurant that does doesn't make it in Salisbury has only themselves to blame. They either have done a terrible job running their business, have bad food, or a terrible location/bad lease. Every restaurant is packed on the weekends. Famous Dave's wasn't very good. Long John Silver's with their fried fish and KFC's chicken wasn't good (Royal Farm chicken is better. Many local restaurants are doing well as they are packed whenever I go.

Anonymous said...

Texas Road House is the best chain around and they are always packed.

Anonymous said...

7:09 Guess who was instrumental in getting ECI built in Somerset County--Rick Pollitt. He worked in Som Co--thats where he perfected the art of crony corruption.

Anonymous said...

The consumer has spoken. If they like your business they frequent your establishment, if your not good at what you do, they won't.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Scott said...
2:26
You are right! It's the best bakery and Doughnut shop on the shore!
The Doughnut's are the freshest you will find. You won't want buy Dunkin Donuts once you try them. It's always packed and worth the trip!

March 16, 2014 at 4:51 PM

The same people trying to plug their own business for free advertising. LMAO... Like nobody knows what you are doing."

Bay Country Bakery really is that good. Years ago, I used to bring pies home when I went to visit the family. They love them to death. Eventually, it got to the point when they would call and ask when I was bringing pie next.

Next time you are in Cambridge, stop in. You'll agree that they are the best bakery on the shore, I'm sure of it.

Anonymous said...

The entire Quiznos chain, nationally, filed for bankruptcy.
Not just salisbury

Anonymous said...

Haven't seen much going on around Fratelli's that indicates a rebuild taking place. Break Time ran into major money trouble when its owner ran his charter boat aground and severely hurt some paying clients.

Anonymous said...

"It's the booze. If a restaurant's concept revolves around drinking beer and eating wings, burgers or other bar food, it's a winner."

Honestly, 6:10, that's just the environment that I would want to avoid. And the flat-screens for the 'fans' - no thanks. Now, I don't begrudge anyone who likes this environment - have at it! But I do believe that there is opportunity in this community for something other than generic sports bars.

Anonymous said...

Your comment about local government and local businesses is wrong. I am sure Famous Dave's is closing because of their national business model. Greene turtle, a much more local company seems to be thriving . Analyze your statements please.

Anonymous said...

they were expensive. can't have a rack of ribs for $20 in a high taxed city. not too many ppl can afford to eat out like that all the time. should not have charged so much.

Anonymous said...

11:17 Drive by Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Texas Road House they are packed all the time and their spending more than $20 for a meal.

Anonymous said...

Service and good food brings them back!

Anonymous said...

Fratellies won't be rebuilding, the university has offered to purchase the land for their expansion plans.

Anonymous said...

Famous Daves is to close on March 30, 2014. So it will only be available for just a few more days. The Centre site simply does not generate enough revenue.

Anonymous said...

Whay can't everyone see what 11:55 said. It is true. Has nothing to do with the economy. It's just not good food.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't say that Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Texas Road House are exactly good restaurants but it seems that they have a more established customer base and national advertising. Salisbury is not really have the most sophisticated tastes when it comes to dining out. There are a handful of locally owned restaurants that offer quality food at similar price points. Part economy and part lackluster BBQ/food.

Anonymous said...

Its funny as how they were open last night (Sunday). Maybe you don't know as much as you think. They are closing on the 30th. Stop rushing to try and be the first to post news and just post the facts!

Anonymous said...

Salisbury is not the only place that this is happening. It's all over the state of Maryland. We have a terrible government running our state.