Unpaid utility bill shutters El Rancho Grande
El Rancho Grande, the cafe and live music venue in Hampden, has been closed for the past several weeks due to an unpaid utility bill, according to owner Peter Schmader.
"We've got power issues," he said.
Since it opened in February of 2008, El Rancho Grande has never been about making money, Schmader said ...
"It wasn't supposed to be a flashy, high-rolling place," he said.
Schmader is holding benefit shows at other venues such as Golden West Cafe, hoping to raise enough money to get El Rancho Grande back in business.
"I've been putting everything into it," he said. "I still have hope."
(Photo courtesy of the venue)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
Please be advised: if you are an owner who states your business is "never...about making money" prepare to find a new career. While it's noble to think that profits aren't the single focus of your establishment, it's making money that allows you to stay in business.
And it seems kinda odd that a place needs to have a benefit show at another place of business just to keep their own business afloat.
Posted by: Rich B | October 5, 2009 1:08 PM
Oh, only flashy, high-rolling places are focused on making enough money to keep their utilities on and there doors open? After a comment like that, I wouldn't frequent your place of business if it does ever open it's doors. ., maybe you should re-open as a 501C3, non-profit entity.
Posted by: Lisa | October 5, 2009 2:08 PM
No es muy grande ahora.
Posted by: Owl Meat Gringo | October 5, 2009 2:13 PM