Catch 22 restaurant
“Our hosts, bussers, servers, and management…would be fulfilling delivery and carry-out while customers hunker down in the safety of their homes,” Patrick wrote in an email to other downtown restaurant owners. More importantly, it did not make moral sense. “I had to lay off more than 25 employees at /pôr/ - the entire staff,” said Patrick, “that never happens.” Then again, a pandemic of this size and proportion never happens.Įmploying a skeleton crew did not make financial sense to Patrick. Next came a necessary course of action that would become painfully familiar for many businesses in downtown Louisville. “When we closed, I gave away some of food, but ended up having to throw out about $15,000 worth of perishable items.” “Because we depend on perishable food items, our margin of profit is incredibly thin - in good times,” says Patrick. Just as /pôr/ was emerging from the traditionally slow winter season, the coronavirus crisis hit like a Rocky Mountain avalanche. For many, the real draw is the 24 wines on tap. People come from all over to enjoy Spicy Ahi Nachos, Bacon Wrapped Dates and other deliciously eclectic food choices.
The restaurant has developed a loyal following. On March 5, 2019, /pôr/ relocated to a prime (and expensive) location on Main Street, just north of Lulus. What else could you want? From its beginning, /pôr/ was located behind Bittersweet, a sweet hideaway spot for Streetfaire goers, located midway between Steinbaugh Pavilion and Main Street. It combines great wine, great good, and great ambience. By taking a deeper look at /pôr/, you see why the popular restaurant could be representative of the coronavirus outbreak in downtown Louisville.įor many years, /pôr/ wine house has been an iconic dining destination in downtown Louisville. But that is like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound. Limited carryout items from the /pôr/ menu are now available through Bittersweet, Patrick’s other downtown property. The safest thing for all was to shut down.’ Catch-22.
“If I was to stay open, it puts my staff in harm’s way. pôr/ Wine House owner Patrick Walsh has the weary look of someone who has not slept for weeks. A dilemma or difficult circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions. The reason can be explained by the impossible choices best explained through the simple concept: Catch 22.Ĭatch-22. But at/pôr/, you see nothing but emptiness. Occasionally, you see flourishes of activity around The Waterloo, Zucca, and other Main Street restaurants. One of the most somber sights on Main Street in recent weeks, has been the inactivity surrounding /pôr/ Wine House. pôr/ Wine House – Catch-22 Photos and story by Chris Wheeler, a former 9News photojournalist and documentary producer.