Restaurant crisis claims another victim as award-winning chef blames guest behavior

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

Washington state's award-winning restaurant The Whale Wins is set to close its doors for good after 13 years of business.
Named one of the nation's best new restaurants, The Whale Wins confirmed the closure to heartbroken customers after the news started circulating.
The restaurant has said that a depleting number of customers is one of the reasons why it's shuttering.
'The Whale Wins has meant the world to us, and to so many people who've celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and ordinary Wednesdays at its tables,' the business said.
'But like many restaurants, we're facing rising costs that have outpaced our sales — and we've also seen fewer guests walking through our doors.'
The restaurant's last day of operations will be on October 28, days before its lease will expire.
'This neighborhood staple will be sorely missed. Loved every single meal, coffee stop, conversation I've had in this space, and ooh … that outdoor space,' an Instagrammer wrote.
'This one hurts. One of my favorite, special, comfortable, experiences in town,' another fan responded on Instagram.
The Whale Wins was opened by James Beard Award-winner chef Renee Erickson, with partners Jeremy Price and Chad Dale.
The meals are inspired by Erickson's favorite places in Europe and England, many of which are wood-fired and vegetable focused. The foods are supplied by local beaches, gardens and farms.
'The Whale Wins is a warm, approachable, neighborhood restaurant — a place to enjoy great wines by the glass, draft beer, spirited cocktails and flavorful, ingredient focused food with friends and family,' Erickson explained on the restaurant's website.
Multiple guests have shared their own stories about the restaurant, many of which were 'positive experiences.'
'Whale is such a special place for me … our trio who is now multiple coastlines apart always came together here!,' a fan wrote, adding she eventually purchased a mug to keep her memories alive.
'My husband and I visited back in 2021 from NE and still talk about your restaurant today. Thanks for an incredible experience and meal that will live in our memories forever,' a commenter added.
'We watched with awe as you pivoted to meal kits and takeaway cocktails during Covid,' the Ocean's Initiative replied.
'You always set the bar deliciously and admirably high, and kept raising it. We'll see you at another Sea Creatures venue soon. A whale-sized hug from our pod to yours.'
Loyal customers have spoken highly of The Whale Wins' employees, all of whom will be offered jobs at Sea Groups' upcoming restaurants
While the love for The Whale Wins is high, Price revealed it had been losing money for quite some time.
'We've tried just about everything there to turn things around — adding a larder / taking out seating, streamlining the bar program, adding lunch / brunch, taking away lunch, many different happy hour promotions, wine events, a wine club, and on and on,' Price told Eater.
'It is a fantastic restaurant, but is older, and we find that many diners gravitate to what's new, rather than becoming regulars at established, mature restaurants.'
Operating under the Sea Creatures restaurant group, the company will continue running its other eateries to the best of their abilities.
The company will also be opening three new restaurants later this year, where jobs for The Whale Wins' employees will be waiting for them.
'It is a really difficult time for many restaurants. We do not have more closures planned, but I think we will continue to see lots of restaurants going under in the next year or so,' Price said.
'We're so proud of what we built with The Whale Wins. We hope you'll join us in sending Whaley off with love, gratitude, and plenty of rosé,' Erickson said.
Besides the Seattle establishment, legendary restaurants that have shuttered or plan to close over the past year include the La Grenouille, Robert De Niro-owned Tribeca Grill, Cole's French Dip, and Hector's Café and Diner in New York City.