Tracy Frey had high hopes in the early spring of 2022 when her “Roll On In” sushi roll/bowl and “Buzzed Bull Creamery” ice cream/alcohol franchise concept launched. She waded through the pandemic and waited a year to open. On Thanksgiving Eve, she closed permanently.
The one restaurateur, who can truly feel her pain is her next-door neighbor—Renee Hajek of Stay. Social Tap + Table, who’s one phone call away from possibly closing herself.
“We are devastated to hear that they are closing. It was a risk that we’ve all taken, opening new businesses in the slow-to-grow downtown Evans, despite the Covid-caused halt in progress. But they forged forward in hope, just like we did,” said Hajek, who’s been awaiting word for almost 3 weeks for Columbia County Superior Court Judge, Jim Blanchard Jr. to decide whether to uphold the Counties’ decision to revoke Hajek’s alcohol license. The County says too much of her sales come from beer and wine.
Despite the early success of the Columbia County Performing Arts Center and the stream of families entering Lady A Park, Hajek says she and Frey were led to believe there would be more customers.
“We all assumed that we’d have more foot traffic by now, including the apartment building tenants (not built yet); and that we’d have more support from our county. But we feel like they have prioritized the food trucks and businesses outside of Columbia County, rather than promoting what we have worked so hard to build for the fledgling downtown area.
Hajek has lasted about 18 months with her tapas, self-pour concept. Frey made it nine months and decided not to continue. Some told ABD they liked the food, but the confusing menu caused extra wait times.
“It is another tragedy for our whole community that could have been avoided. It’s another huge blow to what we have already experienced in the past few months. They have become like family to us,” added Hajek.
