VIDEO: Michael's Pub Goodbye Party (And What You're Saying About Its Closing)
News of the closing of the bar and restaurant in Kings Contrivance got people talking.
The official news that Michael's Pub in Kings Contrivance was closing didn't give people much time to react to it – the bar and restaurant closed on Tuesday.
The original article can be found here.
Here's some of what people said on Facebook, in the comments section and on other websites. You're welcome to add your own thoughts below.
Robert J. Terry (via the Maryland Daily Record)
"A place like Michael’s Pub served as an anchor to the village center. But retail trends have worked against the village center concept for years now — it’s hard to thrive competing against big-box retail, chain restaurants and mega grocery stores, which Columbia has plenty of."
Milton Friendly (via HowChow)
"Best burgers in Columbia if you're a purist. No seasoning or duck fat (!!!) on the natural cut fries. Always a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. So long, Michael's. You will be missed."
Eddie Welker (via HowChow)
"Good riddance. Compared to Milton above, I felt the complete opposite about the place. Yes, there was a relaxed atmosphere about the place... but that was mostly from the workers not doing their jobs."
Brandon Miller (via HowChow)
"Good, bad or ugly, Michael's was the place to be in the early to mid '90s the night before Thanksgiving in Columbia. That was before cell phones but everyone knew where to go to see friend's home from school. I had not been there since 1997, plus or minus a year, so I have no idea what it was at the end."
Mary Love
"I am so upset to hear this. I really had no idea. We've lived in Kings Contrivance since 1985 and have been going to Michael's since it opened. We were just there on Wednesday, and saying how nice it is to have our own neighborhood pub."
Marty Nicholson
"Very sad day for Kings Contrivance, Columbia and Hammond High students!"
Liz
"You can't make money when you give away free merchandise to your friends who never pay. Knew this would happen, and time it did. So rude to paying customers. Very trashy staff there. Time for something new and fresh to move in, and please don't hire the same staff, or you will go broke too."
Eric
"Interesting that they are blaming the smoking legislation – it was a poor business decision that appeared to have sunk them. Expanding into extra space without considering that it would only accommodate a small base of existing customers and NOT bring in any new revenue is simply a bad decision. And I will miss the place although I haven't been there much since I moved from Columbia. Hope they don't allow a chain to move in. It was nice to have a local owner."
Jo-Anne Kahl
"What fond memories we have of Michael's Pub and the fine folks (employees and customers) that we have gotten to know over the years. You could always depend on Michael's for good food, a good variety, good fun and nice people."
jabo ginter
5:11 am on Wednesday, March 23, 2011
i was there on opening day-a fun fun spot when rouse left shane should have left!!!
jabo
Save Michaels
10:09 am on Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Save Michael's on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002235003430
someone who knows better
12:42 pm on Thursday, March 24, 2011
I have to agree with the comments, excuses and enlightenment from the Columbia residents/ patrons.
This wasn't the best bar in Columbia and it did have a certain comfortable atmosphere... BUT... from an owners perspective, don't leave the mice to play alone! This bar was notorious for free booze and semi good food. The wings and bleu cheese is what got me coming back but the laziness of the owners not shaking things up and not promoting your spot is what closed the doors. from the first time I walked through the doors I was never impressed with the menu and 5 years later it was all the same.
Losing money? look at whos handling it...
Losing patrons? where are you advertizing?
Losing repeat guests? Where are you looking for new ones? The seat is warm until a new spot opens with the next best thing.
Too little done too late!
I've worked in and opened many successful restaurants, and know that excuses are the bricks that build the house of failure! Bad business decisions and laziness contributed to the closing.
Now on to the next best thing
jabo ginter
1:05 pm on Thursday, March 24, 2011
screw u what do you mean inappropriate!! the truth always is hurtful for those who ignore it!!1
jabo
Pipino
8:46 pm on Thursday, March 24, 2011
I love to see the comments posted on this site it just makes me smile. It just goes to show you that everyone is entiled to their own opinion.
The true locals know that Michael's Pub was the areas best place ever to come and meet people of all ages, races and genders. Obviously, cash flow played a major part in this establishment closing its doors, as it would in an commercial envirnoment. Unfortunatly, after several negotiations it all came down to the almighty dollar. The owner was one of the kindest people that I have ever met and he put himself and his family in jeopardy of losing everything they owned for the sake of the patrons. I cannot say enough about the staff and how hard they worked as well.
Thanks to Shane and his wife and the WHOLE Michael's Pub staff and patrons for keeping the doors open this long. You all are unbelievable people and I will truly miss reminiscing with each and everyone of you. Keep on smilin and Cheers!!!!! Tomorrow is another day!
PS: We will never forget the what????? "**** ******"