JR's Hometown Grill and Pub, a popular restaurant chain in south-central Michigan, is shutting down all four locations. The owner revealed the closures through a social media post earlier this week.
JR's Hometown Grill and Pub permanently closed its doors at all locations, including Adrian, Brooklyn, Milan, and Tecumseh. Signs at these restaurants confirm the closure, and owner Robert Loudermilk discussed the abrupt shutdown with The Daily Telegram on Thursday.
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JR's Hometown Grill and Pub Closes All Locations Amid Rising Debts
Loudermilk explained that his inability to obtain long-term financing since early December led to mounting debts. These financial troubles, he said, have been escalating for about a year and a half.
The Adrian branch of JR's Hometown Grill and Pub, located at 1368 Division St., was closed on Thursday afternoon, January 25, 2024. This closure and the chain's other locations were due to growing debts, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges in rebuilding staff, and rising operational costs.
Notices posted on the restaurants' doors and windows, shared on social media on January 23, revealed that the pandemic's effects, staffing issues, increased operational costs, and declining sales contributed to the decision to close.
In these notices, Loudermilk stated, "I have no option but to close the restaurants," adding, "For the last 18 months, I have personally shouldered the financial burden of the business. The failure to secure long-term capital has forced this decision upon me."
The JR's Hometown Grill and Pub locations in Brooklyn, Milan, and Tecumseh permanently closed their doors on January 23. Meanwhile, the Adrian branch, located at 1368 Division St. next to Meijer, was initially scheduled to remain open until January 28. However, as of Thursday, a notice on the restaurant's front door confirmed its permanent closure, too.
Loudermilk expressed deep distress about the decision to shut down the restaurants. He described the growing debt as " annihilating" him and his family. Loudermilk conveyed his devastation over the closures, emphasizing his efforts to handle the situation responsibly. "I want people to understand that I've tried my best to honor all commitments during these last few days," he said.
JR's Grill Closes, Leaving Gift Card Holders Anxious
Just months after selling thousands of dollars in gift cards, JR's Hometown Grill and Pub announced its closure, sparking concerns among many cardholders. WTVG highlighted a group of frustrated customers worried about their unused gift cards potentially becoming worthless.
While the Adrian location of JR's will accept outstanding gift cards until their supplies last, as reported by WLEN, this reassurance hasn't calmed many patrons who fear time is running out to redeem their restaurant credits.
Juva Johnson, speaking to WTVG, expressed her concern about potentially losing $140 in gift cards. "I bought them during a Black Friday deal, paying $25 for each $50 card. Now, I'm just hoping I don't get stuck with them," she said.
Sisters Sarah Holtz and Jane Cattell told WTVG about their family's staggering $2,000 in gift cards. Holtz shared her frustration, noting the yearly Black Friday sales that encouraged bulk buying of these cards. "It feels like all that money is just gone without any real chance to recover it," she lamented.
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