So after losing their liquor license due to what sounds like gross negligence (apparently they just let it expire); the dissolution of the business partnership (Tim Keller left last month); a sudden shutdown for “exciting renovations”; and the unceremonious exit of the staff (principally, chef Colleen McClean), I’m getting a lot of people asking me if Rare will ever reopen.
It’s a fair question. Personally, I really hope it does. Owner Brian Fowke has been adamant that it will (“pending permits and other delays Rare will re-open on May 2nd”), but let’s just say there isn’t a chorus of optimism out there in the ether on this.
If he’s right, he’ll prove plenty of doubters wrong.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Bummer.
Frenchy told me one time that the cream always rises to the top. I always liked the sound of it.
If there is a will there is a way.
Good luck Brian.
Bart.
We are scheduled to host an event on April 29th with Brian at Rare, and I have not heard any changes to that plan, so my take on it is that it will re-open somewhere around that time.
Eric
Let’s hope so!
Colleen’s a free agent? She MADE that kitchen. I hope she gets picked up somewhere soon!
I don’t know how he’s going to open without a general manager, chef and support staff. You’re right Mark, Colleen did MAKE that kitchen.
Do you mean ‘Whither goeth Rare?’.
As an ex employee of Brian Fowke I can say that the only thing bouncing harder than Brians cheques are his promises.
Brian Fowke couldnt run a bath let alone a successful restaurant and the fact that Metro hasnt closed its doors yet is a credit to the hard work of employees … who fail to get paid time and time again.
So things not going so well Mr Fowke ?
What goes around comes around. :)
I have also given my blood, sweat and tears for over a year to ensure that dining at Rare was an enjoyable experience for the guest. It was a sad day when we were suddenly out on the street. To be fair, we were all given the opportunity to work at Metro, but why would you when an owner doesn’t even bother to renew a liquor license?
As an update, there are no changes as of yet to the restaurant and if they have to get a new liquor license expect that Rare will not open anytime soon. There as of yet isn’t even any notice posted to the public (which is required for all new licenses) stating they are requesting a new liquor license for the space.
As another ex-employee of Brian Fowke, I feel that the above message should be sent personally rather than publicly.
I am trying to remain neutral in all this. I do feel very badly that Rare is closed. I enjoyed working there, and my staff and I had a fantastic time every day. It is a shame.
I do not have any idea whether it will re-open.
I think Brian Fowlke should sell, and quit while he is ahead…if he is bouncing checks to employees….he aint doing well with suppliers either….that is just bad biz
Cari Reid was the only good thing about metro and she left along with everyone else….Will BHC stay afloat?
Sally … Cari Ried, though culinary gifted, ran Metro into the ground early on in the game with a massive lack of knowledge when it comes to things like … ordering only what you need, employing only who you need, and actually participating in service.
You girls … always sticking together
watch some gordon ramsay’s! see all those problems at the dieing restaurants? its quite similar in reality too.
There are many issues that create failure. Individual blame is ignorant to the overall problem. The owners of Metro were unable to demonstrate leadership; which results in failed management and unmotivated employees!
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