The (Possible) Closing Of Old Original Bookbinder's
There's hope yet for the historic restaurant, but things have looked grim for Old Original Bookbinder's ever since it temporarily closed up shop last week.
New scraps of information have trickled in each day: first there were mechanical issues, then liquor and wall decorations were removed, and as of this morning, some employees had been let go by way of text message. Another big nail in the coffin came earlier today when the Daily News reported that customers holding restaurant.com gift certificates were sent emails asking them to transfer them to some other restaurant.
Still, it's not over 'til it's over: Michael Klein has an in-depth explanation of what's happening with the place and all the measures needed to keep it from drowning. For the time being, it's only closed for 30 days, but the owners have filed for bankruptcy and are scrambling to come up with the $45,000 owed for utilities.
It's easy to dismiss a place like Bookbinder's as a tourist trap, but the food's been well received, and tourist trap or not, it's been around since 1865. Forgive the earnestness, but in a city celebrated for its history, it would be a shame for this restaurant to close for keeps.
Dan Gross: Jamie Kennedy exposes himself [Daily News]
Old Original Bookbinder's teeters on rescue [Inquirer]
Old Original Bookbinder's [Inquirer]
Old Original Bookbinder's [MenuPages]
[Photo: via jblyberg/Flickr]
