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Chain restaurant in Batavia bites the dust

By Howard B. Owens

With little fanfare -- only a small sign on the front door -- Ponderosa Steakhouse announced today that it is closing its Batavia location. The simple sign reads "This location has closed. We thank you for your patronage."  It then says that people with coupons can take them to one of Ponderosa's locations outside of the area.

Bob Price

Wow-it's too bad-it's been there for a long time-I think over 30 years-but the quality of food really declined the past couple years.Last time I was in there,it was just about $15 for 1 person,and the buffet items were poor.Just hope anyone didn't purchase gift cards recently.....

Dec 3, 2009, 12:50pm Permalink
George Richardson

It looks like a perfect location for an Alamo Drafthouse Franchise or local knock off of the same very successful concept originated in Austin, Texas. Google Alamo Drafthouse to see what I mean. Drinking pitchers of beer while chowing down with your buddies, really enhances the movie watching experience. The Dukes of Hazard Movie had me in stitches. It reminded me of Batavia, kinda.

Dec 3, 2009, 3:06pm Permalink
George Richardson

Over 200 lbs? Damn, I weigh that after my second French Fry. How tall are you? Under four foot I'll bet, and what were you doing in there anyway? You can't hold $50 dollars worth of food, so why bother? Mmmm buffet.

Dec 3, 2009, 6:14pm Permalink
Bob Price

Three words....Old Country Buffet,but that'll never happen(don't know if they are still in bankruptcy or not)- the one in Clarence now has breakfast buffets on Sat. and Sun. for only $5.99(Everything included)-can't beat that! The place I like best for local breakfast is Scooters in Batavia(I wish they had a daily deal for them).....there used to be Golden Corral on Transit Rd.in Clarence a long time ago-it was excellent! Maybe the space will become another coffee shop........

Dec 3, 2009, 6:41pm Permalink
Ken Rumble

Try 350 lbs with sweatpants for extra stretch!! This is not a surprise, food was not very good. I would like to see a Quaker Steak and Lube joint in that location.

Dec 3, 2009, 6:44pm Permalink
Jerry Buckman

Waaaay back as a kid in the good old days, we'd climb that wonderful, old, former watertower in the winter and throw snowballs at the customers waddling in and out of that place.

Perhaps there's a better choice than another all-u-can-eat haven?

Dec 3, 2009, 8:11pm Permalink
George Richardson

Mistler's Movie Palace. Based on the very, very successful concept of the Alamo Drafthouse, in Austin Texas. I mean, just the thought of it makes me want to go there. Fried Frickin' Pickles with a Fem Flick? How can I say no, even when I want to? Uhhhh,nnnnnn,o.k.
Can we go by O'Lacy's after? Just so I can say hi to the guys? Man, it works for me.

Dec 3, 2009, 8:29pm Permalink
Sean Valdes

I hope the staff had a warning about this happening. Very few restaurant workers have any sort of savings and really rely on week-to-week or day-to-day instant pay especially right before Christmas.

That location didn't have much individual diner traffic, but they did do a killer bus tour business. It's not a bad location, a little away from the main drag of Batavia, but with ample parking and the infrastructure in place for a foodservice operation - it should sell quicker than some other foodservice operations locally. We've done some catering for a few different chain restaurants that have held meetings in Batavia looking at various sites - all of their focus seems to be on the developing west end though.

Dec 3, 2009, 9:58pm Permalink
Lorie Longhany

My father used to bring my boys up there when they were teenagers (they loved the all-you-can eat). We always called it 'Poundofgrossness'.
I agree with Howard -- NO CHAINS!

Dec 3, 2009, 10:06pm Permalink
Bea McManis

The last two times I went there for lunch, there was a waitress who couldn't keep her hands off the men.
While this may seem like a man's dream, it was extremely disconcerting in a family dining environment.
Perhaps, if it becomes a rowdy bar then she will find the perfect place to work.

Dec 3, 2009, 11:29pm Permalink
Susan Kennelly

Sean Valdez wrote.....I hope the staff had a warning about this happening. Very few restaurant workers have any sort of savings and really rely on week-to-week or day-to-day instant pay especially right before Christmas.

My son hasd a couple of friends that work there. They all showed up for work and with no advanced warning... The D.M went in at 6 pm and told everyone that they were closed and they no longer had jobs. Also told them they had to come in the next day to help clear up and clean out. I would have told him to kiss my butt!

Dec 4, 2009, 4:31am Permalink
Bruce Wiseley

I guess Howard is part of the "Thought Police". and certailly in favor of the Fairness Doctrine. I though this was an open place for a discussion, or do you think you can just delete anything you don't like or agree with? Of course, I'm not sure why I'm wasting my time writing this, because it will not last long. Bumpkin is as Bumpkin does. AMF Howard!

Dec 4, 2009, 6:07am Permalink
John Roach

No chains would take out"
Penny's
Tops
Aldis's
M&T Bank
HSBC
Home Depot
Lowe's
Duncan Donuts
McDonald's
Wendy's
Burger King
Tim Horton's
Radio Shack
Hess
Wilson Farm
Sunoco
Verizon
Dunn Tire
Bank of Castile
Holiday Inn
Aspen Dental
Target
BJ's
Wal Mart
K Mart
Pizza Hut
Comfort Inn
State Farm
Midas Muffler
Cole Muffler
Roto Rooter
Time Warner (Roadrunner)

and many others. Do you really think enough small business will come in and take up the slack? I don't. You might not like some "big box" stores, but I don't think you can pick one and not the other.

Dec 4, 2009, 6:47am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

John, not everything you list is technically a chain. Bank of Castile, or example, is a regional business (with a strong presence in the community). Some are also franchises, which is is a mixed bag on what they really mean economically to a community. Others are locally owned companies with a licensed national corporate identity. There are also businesses there that are not a threat to the current local business base because there are not local businesses in that sector (Time Warner, or even to some extent, Dunkin Donuts (no local donut shops, though they complete with local coffee shops).

In the restaurant sector, Batavia (and all of Genesee County) is blessed with a number of great, locally owned restaurants. So definitely, I see no need (and certainly no economic benefit) for chains to come in.

What happen to Pondarosa is a case in point of one of the problems with chains. Locally owned restaurants can and do fail, but before they do, the owner is going to do everything he or she can to save that business. For chains -- oops, you're not making your numbers compared to our other locations, you're gone. No loyalty to anything but the bottom line. And of course, we've discussed before how little economic benefit communities derive from chains.

And the fewer chains, the greater opportunity to entrepreneurs. The question "Do you really think enough small business will come in and take up the slack?" is just a straw man that really misses the point. Nobody is going to wave a magic wand an make all chains go away over night. But as a community, we can do more to support our local business owners, which over time will have a greater and greater positive economic impact, and eventually lead to more jobs and more local entrepreneurs.

Dec 4, 2009, 6:45am Permalink
John Roach

Of course, I do not agree. I do not think you can say some chains like Wal Mart are not good, but a franchise chain. like McDonald's or Tim Horton's are ok. But, that's a matter of opinion. I shop, eat and buy at both. I also do the same at many of your sponsors

Small, locally owned, businesses can make it, as shown by your list of sponsors on the left. I think both types have there place in the economic health of the area.

Dec 4, 2009, 6:56am Permalink
Bea McManis

Posted by Howard Owens on December 4, 2009 - 6:45am
....and eventually lead to more jobs and more local entrepreneurs.
I find that most small business ventures depend on family to do those jobs, especially at start up. There are some successful local enterprises that are now big enough to hire from the outside, but it takes quite a while to get to that point.
This site is a good example of an entrepreneur venture. It is growing, it has advertisers, and it provides a service supplying local news and social networking. You have the luxury of having interns, who work for nothing but the chance to put you on a resume' and a good recommendation.
When, in your business model, do you see yourself adding to the local economy by providing jobs?

Dec 4, 2009, 7:13am Permalink
Lori Ann Santini

Just a thought. For the young lady that had debated a bakery this might be a good time to jump. Parking is abundant. The location is ideal even for walking. You have numerous larger businesses and senior living complexes very close by. You could offer delivery within a certain distance. Couple the bakery with a bookstore or a boutique to fill in some of the extra space. Mmmmm I can smell it now.

Dec 4, 2009, 7:44am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Bea wrote: "When, in your business model, do you see yourself adding to the local economy by providing jobs?"

You mean besides my own and my wife's? Those were two jobs that didn't exist in Batavia before The Batavian.

To add more FTEs, we're probably a couple of years away. Meanwhile, our free-lance budget is increasing.

Lori Ann, you and are thinking alike. I had the same thought.

Below is a picture of my Dad's old bakery that I took while I was in El Cajon last week. The location is only a bit smaller than Pondarosa, I'd estimate. That said, it would be a hell of a financial task to get a bakery opened in that location, and while I think Genesee County can support a bakery, I would question whether it can support one of that scale.

<img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs080.snc3/14750_187041982…;

Dec 4, 2009, 8:53am Permalink
John Roach

Howard,
That is what I think Bea means. Most local "mom and pop" businesses are run by family, like yours. If things go well, they might hire a few more people, usually at minimum wage and without benefits.

True, many chain stores only pay minimum wage and have no benefits, so they are the same as the local businesses.

Dec 4, 2009, 9:04am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I don't think that's what Bea means at all. And your assumptions about "mom and pa" shops aren't reality (from where I'm sitting right now I can look out on Main Street and count four businesses in visual range, and think of several more close by that put that assumption to the lie), and further -- it would be better to have 100 one-and-two person businesses than one business employing 100 people, and those 100 people are just as likely as not to be earning minimum wage rather than potentially building wealth for themselves.

Dec 4, 2009, 9:11am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

And John, how does having more money leaving the community (though chains) than staying in the community (through locally owned businesses) lead to a healthy economic mix? How is that even remotely a good thing?

Dec 4, 2009, 9:17am Permalink
Bea McManis

Wow, that was quite a facility. A bakery, that size, in Batavia would do well. Especially with a good bread product. There is nothing better than the aroma of fresh baked bread, perfuming the neighborhood, to attract customers to the store.
In Philadelphia there is a bakery that does a booming business all year long. But, at Christmas, they shine!
They offer the best Christmas cookies and cannoli ever. It is so popular that people line up around the block to pick up thier orders. Years ago, they started entertaining those waiting in line with musicians playing Christmas carols. It is a tradition that still holds true today.
John, that is exactly where I was going with that train of thought. There is nothing wrong with keeping the jobs in the family. It is a reasonable and economical way to start a business.

Dec 4, 2009, 9:20am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

And btw, John, I'm not about to go around surveying my advertisers about salaries and benefits, but I bet many of them provide something.

For my dad, there were some restrictions, but many of the employees received full health benefits and the long-term employees were enrolled in a generous profit sharing plan. I'm just saying I have some experience and knowledge in this respect and just don't buy that locally owned businesses are sweatshops and horrible employers.

Dec 4, 2009, 9:21am Permalink
Jeff Allen

Howard writes:"Locally owned restaurants can and do fail, but before they do, the owner is going to do everything he or she can to save that business. For chains -- oops, you're not making your numbers compared to our other locations, you're gone. No loyalty to anything but the bottom line."
So do locally owned businesses run at a loss out of loyalty to the community and their employees? When businesses are losing money they close, whether they are locally owned or part of a corporation.
I don't see why Ponderosa closing a location that is bleeding money makes them a bad company. A locally owned eatery in the same spot, under the same financial duress, would have done exactly the same thing and they often do it in the same manner i.e. South Beach or the "temporarily closed for remodelling" (Pontillo's, Mother's).

Dec 4, 2009, 10:27am Permalink
Bea McManis

Posted by Howard Owens on December 4, 2009 - 9:11am
it would be better to have 100 one-and-two person businesses than one business employing 100 people, and those 100 people are just as likely as not to be earning minimum wage rather than potentially building wealth for themselves.

Howard, I understand your point of view. We've been down this road before.
I still can't fathom an entire community supported by one and two person businesses. While owning your own business is your dream, it isn't a dream or ambition that is shared by everyone. That doesn't make them less ambitious or less worthy of receiving a living wage.
There are some professions that are vital to a community but are most effective in a facility that hires 100 people (nurses, for example). Should each nurse open his or her own business then contract to hospitals?
Teachers, should each teacher put up a shingle on their door or contract to a school?
Building wealth for oneself is great and I wish anyone who undertakes opening their own business great success.
There are others who, by a number of circumstances, prefer to help create that wealth and receive a fair compensation for their labor. Where is there a place for them in a community of one or two person businesses?

Dec 4, 2009, 10:29am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Jeff, there's a lot of assumptions packed into that statement.

There are all kinds of circumstances that businesses operate under.

One thing, a small business owner who is struggling isn't necessarily losing money, or isn't necessarily without cash or credit reserves. Just because a business is struggling doesn't mean it's doomed to fail, and if there is any chance of saving it, the sole proprietor is likely to do everything possible to save it (depending, of course, on a myriad of factors, including but not limited to the time in business, the amount already invested, past profitability, future projections, options for improvement, available cash, etc.).

And just because Pondarosa closed don't assume it was losing money. Chains often close outlets for simply not performing with a suitable profit margin. I'm not saying one way or another in Pondarosa's case -- I don't know. I'm just saying, chains close profitable locations all the time because they want to maintain a certain corporate profit level and not support locations the CEO believes no longer fit that profile.

Dec 4, 2009, 10:34am Permalink
Mary Margaret Ripley

With all due respect it is not as easy as just "opening a bakery." The rent or mortgage for the Ponderosa building would be well over a $1000.00 a month not including heat, lights, water, staff, equipment and inventory. You would have to be a pretty experienced business person to run a bakery of that size. Opening a bakery is a major undertaking that needs to be carefully thought out and planned.

Dec 4, 2009, 11:11am Permalink
Chris Charvella

The building needs some pretty serious repairs in the kitchen as well as quite a few new fixtures hot water tanks, HVAC etc...). Ponderosa refused to amortize new equipment and fixtures and instead chose to spend tens of thousands a year fixing up the existing dilapidated equipment. I would advise any prospective buyers to stay away from any arrangement that includes purchasing the kitchen equipment.

Dec 4, 2009, 12:14pm Permalink
Darrick Coleman

In response to Lori Ann Santini's comment above: "Couple the bakery with a bookstore or a boutique to fill in some of the extra space. Mmmmm I can smell it now."

Batavia already has a locally-owned, independent bookstore, Present Tense, which has been here for 4 years now. They have a great selection of new and used books and can order in just about anything within a few days and with no shipping cost. You can click the Present Tense ad right here on The Batavian and check out their website.

It's important to support businesses that are already here so that they remain in our community.

Dec 4, 2009, 12:49pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

Here's a thought, how about opening a Goodwill Thrift Store in the building. God knows Salvation Army will tell you, they are Overwhelmed with a Mountain of clothing at their location, that they just cant tackle. The need is there, for discount clothing, for those that cant afford top of the line clothes for their families. You would also be suprised at the locals that frequent the Jackson St. thrift store. Successful, wealthy, middle class, and poor shop in places like this. Business is Booming. Just a thought..

Dec 4, 2009, 12:50pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Darrick - I couldn't agree more. My whole family loves Present Tense. Not only do they have a great selection of books (and can order what they don't have), they have a wonderful selection of gifts at very reasonable prices. I think I may just have to stop in tomorrow.

Dec 4, 2009, 12:56pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Chris, don't you think that unless somebody was going to open another buffet, the whole place -- kitchen and dining area -- would need to be reconfigured? There would be extensive remodeling. And I can only guess, but I think it's a good guess, that the kitchen area isn't big enough for something like a bakery.

Karen, good thought on a Good Will -- a well run, clean thrift store can bring a lot of shoppers (and thrift store shoppers aren't all poor, not by a long shot) into an area. And two thrift stores situated close together can be a real magnet for shoppers with money, the kind of people who travel to find unique, quality bargains.

Dec 4, 2009, 2:13pm Permalink
Chris Charvella

In short, Howard, folks typically don't remomdel when they purchase a restaurant. They attempt to use what's already there.

Dec 4, 2009, 2:16pm Permalink
Bob Price

I bet a chinese buffet will go into Ponderosa location.A Goodwill store or a VOA store would be nice also.Goodwill was where the Genesee Mattress is now.Another second hand store is AMVETS-they have them in the Buffalo area.

Dec 4, 2009, 4:32pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Here is your opportunity Howard. Move The Batavian into the Ponderosa, divide up the space you don't need and lease it out to a couple of other local small businesses. Win, win, win.

Dec 4, 2009, 6:03pm Permalink
Gary Diegelman

If anyone has ever eaten at Golden Coral they would agree that this is the restaurant that should come in.I agree with Mr. Roach with the economythe way it is it would be nearly impossible for a private group to start up a new restaurant. We already have a great home town restaurant with Sport of Kings in town. My vote Golden Coral!

Dec 4, 2009, 6:16pm Permalink
Ron C Welker

Bea,
I understand completly,its even hard for me to talk about their burgers ans fries. Las Vegas trip agenda as follows: Rent car, check into hotel,put on shorts and flip flops, head out to In-Out. In fact I must get going on trip plans after the holidays.
Ron

Dec 5, 2009, 10:04am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I've never gotten the love for In-and-Out. When they finally started opening stores in San Diego County, blocks-long lines would form. When Dan Quayle came to town, it was a big deal that he stopped for a double-double.

I don't find the hamburgers anything special and the fries are like fried cardboard.

Look at this line I found outside Hodad's in Ocean Beach while I was there last week:

<img src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs060.snc3/14750_189133632…;

I could name at least a half-dozen places in Batavia that have better hamburgers than either In-and-Out or Hodad's.

Though, at least Hodad's isn't a chain and it's a community institution. Its enjoyed a surge in new popularity after being named one of CNN's best five places in the country for a hamburger.

Dec 5, 2009, 10:29am Permalink
Ron C Welker

Howard............millions of people disagree with you, matter of taste or lack of it. I think you have been quoted as saying the best mexican food you ever had was right here in Batavia,hard to believe with you being out west and all.

Dec 5, 2009, 10:38am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Ron, I think what I've said is best Mexican food in WNY.

And I'm sure millions of people agree with me about In-and-Out. I know others who don't get it either.

Dec 5, 2009, 10:51am Permalink
Ron C Welker

Possibly the In out (the only one I have visited) is in Las Vegas, they have exceptional burgers and especially great fresh cut fries to die for.
I also can and do purchase great burgers at several locations in and around Batavia for eight or nine dollars or more. I guess my point might have been with fast food burgers.
Joe has great a great Mexcian menu to choose from made with fresh products and meat purchased locally, dont get me wrong I eat there often and as always am pleased.
Like I stated: "Its all a matter of taste"

Dec 5, 2009, 11:32am Permalink
bud prevost

There was a chain under a couple of different names out west soup plantation/sweet tomatoes. Huge,fresh salad bar, 6 different soups and fresh baked rolls. I would love to see one of those here, along with an ElPolloLoco grilled chicken restaurant.

Dec 5, 2009, 1:22pm Permalink
bud prevost

Thats a Delta Sonic car wash.
The fast food chain is a drive in, used to come to your car with the order. Tater tots, and coney foot longs tasted great after a few pints of ale.

Dec 5, 2009, 3:19pm Permalink
Lorie Longhany

I'm really surprised that Tom Wahl's had such a short run in Batavia. Maybe it was a poor location on the east side. The Ponderosa site might be more conducive -- room for an outdoor pavilion maybe. They have great burgers and the Avon location is always hopping. No high fructose corn syrup in the home made root beer, either.

The Charcoal Corral at the Silver Lake Drive-In also has a fabulous burger. As a matter of fact, all the food there is great. Talk about an incredible small business model -- this family owned business has become a regional destination to tens of thousands every summer. The owner is very very good to the staff (numbering in the 100's -- many of them teenagers). He treats them like family. My daughter worked there a couple of summers. She was scheduled to work on her birthday one night and he had a cake made for her (unbeknown to her) and when the rush ended he pulled a good deal of the staff off their jobs, gathered them all together to celebrate.

Dec 5, 2009, 5:32pm Permalink
Bea McManis

The dot.coms used to have nightly softball games. It was almost unheard of not to stop at In and Out on the way from the office to the games. The fresh cut fries, in particular, were the best ever.
It's all a matter of taste.

Dec 5, 2009, 8:01pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

Not to get off the subject, but, I had been to the local Ponderosa twice. Now mind you the place has been in business for years. I(entitled to my opinion) thought it dirty and the food old. I chose not to bring my family there. I'm sure there are people who did enjoy it, and there's nothing wrong with that. To each his own right?
My name for the place was Pondegrossa, I have called it that for at least 15 years. I think if they would have kept the place a little cleaner and the food a little fresher they would have stayed open. Just my opinion....

Dec 6, 2009, 9:02am Permalink
Bob Price

+1 on what you said Karen.It really declined the past few years,and a big turnover of help doesn't help things either.Usually had to visit the bathroom before I left.....

Dec 6, 2009, 11:18pm Permalink

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