TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) — Across the country, many small businesses have had to permanently close their doors due to the pandemic. The owner of two businesses in Tallahassee is doing just that. Bruce Moore, an owner of Finnegan's Wake said, "A decision had to be made based on our unique circumstances here."
Moore, along with his wife, not only own Finnegan's Wake but also Fifth and Thomas. Moore said the circumstances involve not renewing their lease and the unknown surrounding the Coronavirus.
"Not really knowing what the future holds or even when bars are going to be able to reopen," said Moore. "We felt it was right for us not to reopen when the governor lifts the restrictions."
The restaurant first posted the closures on Facebook, which spawned more than five hundred shares, and hundreds of comments from past patrons. Some left memories while others said they were thankful for the years the business gave to the community.
"That is what this place exemplified is it being a small town," said patron Sameer David. "You get to know everybody. Like I said this was the social hub that everybody gravitated too."
With 25 years of serving patrons between the two businesses, Moore is amazed at the reaction from customers after making the announcement on social media. He said, "We've gotten a lot of really wonderful comments and posts from people who have been here. It's been great for us. It makes us feel like we really had a valuable product and nice service to offer to people and they appreciated it, like we appreciated them."
David added, "The people that worked here, the people that came here, I'll miss that camaraderie. But, at the same time, 15 glorious years. We've done everything here."
Moore added that if other opportunities present themselves, later on, he and his wife will try to take advantage.
