Rockford Closed

[Justin6882]

Sad news - I always thought it was crowded...I can't imagine that lack of business was the problem here.

New Raleigh: The Rockford on Glenwood South Closed

[miamiblue]

I agree. I only ate there once because every time we tried to go for dinner there was too long of a wait and the place was hopping.

Really a shame. This is the type of place we need to see more of, not less.

[Jones_]

This better be an April Fools. They are one of the places that make Raleigh tolerable.

[RaleighRob]

As I commented on NewRaleigh, everyone keeps saying "...but it was crowded whenever I was there..." brings the point---if it was a Friday or Saturday night, it don't mean much, especially in this economic environment. (Every place downtown is crowded those nights.)

If you have a favorite independent/local downtown restaurant or bar and are wondering if they are doing enough business to survive, go at off-peak time. Say, a Wednesday. If it is empty, then that's a sign of problems.

Also if people are skipping appetizers, drinks, and/or desserts, that's gonna cause trouble too...even if the seats are filled.

[miamiblue]

As I commented on NewRaleigh, everyone keeps saying "...but it was crowded whenever I was there..." brings the point---if it was a Friday or Saturday night, it don't mean much, especially in this economic environment. (Every place downtown is crowded those nights.)

If you have a favorite independent/local downtown restaurant or bar and are wondering if they are doing enough business to survive, go at off-peak time. Say, a Wednesday. If it is empty, then that's a sign of problems.

Also if people are skipping appetizers, drinks, and/or desserts, that's gonna cause trouble too...even if the seats are filled.

[Jones_]

I ate lunch there at least once a week and it varied from 3-4 tables to totally packed. I imagine rent went up and the owner was not willing to to go along with a commensurate rise in prices, but I really have no idea.

[RALNATIVE]

This is definitely a sad event. I recall back in the mid 90s that Rockford, along with 518 West, were the first two restuarants to open up in what is now Glenwood South. Back then, there was hardly anything worth visiting along that strip. So sad to see it go.