Claras On The River Closes After 30 Years, Leaving Questions About Local Dining

Clara's On The River announced they'll be closing, and I can't understand why they're closing, and chain restaurants in Battle Creek are thriving.

I made a post talking about this, which was taken way out of context, and the point was missed over and over. First, I'm not bashing Clara's nor am I celebrating in their struggle. Second, I used Texas Roadhouse as an example. A handful of people attacked me, saying they hate T.R., but the point I made is they're busy 7 days a week.

Get our free mobile app

If you’ve been an established restaurant for 30+ years, and some big chain restaurants can come in and put you out of business, that’s a big problem. You know why Texas Roadhouse slaps?

Because many people feel every time you eat there, it’s consistent and good. The rolls are hot and fresh with that doom butter, and everything is as it should be. This isn't to say Clara’s isn’t. But in this age where inflation is killing us, and things are more expensive than ever, I know I don’t wanna waste my money or take a risk on not being fully satisfied with the quality of a meal I know I could cook better.

Basically, people don't want to throw money into a meal they won't be completely satisfied with.

Everyone is losing their mind about this beautiful establishment closing. But when was the last time all these people freaking ate out there? Not enough to keep it open, that’s for sure.

Here's an example of a place I LOVED as a kid that was special to me, no longer living up to the reputation:

A few months ago, I revisited Sign of the Beefcarver, a restaurant that is legendary on the east side and one that I have been gassing up for years. When I went, I couldn’t have been more disappointed. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were rehydrated; neither they nor any of the other vegetables were seasoned, and it was the blandest thing I had eaten in a long time. Does it still hold a special place in my heart? Absolutely. Was it the most bland meal I'd had in months, and will keep me from visiting again? Without question.

Sometimes those things we are nostalgic over just don’t stand the test of time. I got a LOT of feedback about a post I made, simply stating that there's no reason a cookie-cutter national chain restaurant should ever do more business than a local gem like Clara's, that has the most unique setting and the ability to craft their own menu. This is coming from someone with 15 years of kitchen experience.

In any competitive market, you have to be willing to take risks, chances, grow, and evolve. Otherwise, things like this happen. I know they faced a lot of challenges, but there’s a reason places like Texas Roadhouse are busy every night, and there’s no reason a place like that should have more guests than a business that resides within such a unique venue like Clara’s has.

At the end of the day, mistakes along the way don't make Clara's any less special for the people who adore them, and it's truly sad they're closing.