In a newsletter sent to email subscribers, Cassy Vires and Josh Renbarger announced they will be closing Table, their nine-month old restaurant in Benton Park.
Excerpts from the newsletter are below, plus some comments:
“It is with heavy hearts that we send you this email today, as we sincerely regret that this will be our last weekend of service at Table. We made a good go of things, and it has been an uphill climb for sure.”
Vires was referring to the recent decision to ratchet back on the controversial “communal dining” aspect that, for our money, was what put Table on the map...what made it fun, and different. And Vires told Relish that the switch to a more traditional table arrangement was working, that each week had been busier than the last, but that factors like the ongoing cold weather had made it a tough season for any restaurant.
Then this:
“With a string of unforeseeable circumstances that have occurred over the past few months, keeping the doors open is simply no longer possible.”
This is a reference to Ian Froeb's report of a lawsuit filed last month by two former employees, alleging illegal tip pooling. The issue of server tips and tip pooling is complicated, but regardless, Vires says settlement talks are underway. "Lawsuits cost money, though," she added, "no matter which side of it you’re on.” Vires said the decision to close Table was made not because of poor performance but because of the financial obligations of the lawsuit. "The two incidents are definitely related," she said.
Then the good news:
“Home Wine Kitchen will remain open, and we do hope that we will see all of you in Maplewood.”
Vires said the silver lining is that she can now spend more time polishing the flagship restaurant. “I miss that kitchen,” she said, “and if the consolation prize is Home Wine Kitchen (SLM’s Restaurant of the Year in 2012), so be it.”
The final day of service at Table will be Sunday, March 9.
