Back in September, Whatever 75 announced they would be closing for good on October 27.
“COVID came along and was very challenging and changed the trajectory of a lot of businesses,” said Jessie Votary, Whatever75's owner. “We have always done our business on a shoestring, so after COVID there was a lot of debt from COVID relief, and the economy has taken a turn in the wrong direction, so we are seeing people spending less money at restaurants.”
Sighting exhaustion, both in terms of emotional and mental but as well as financial, Votary has been waging a battle on multiple fronts.
“Our former restaurant the Red Rabbit closed in 2022, and one of my claims to fame is that I formed worker-owned companies,” said Votary.
What this means is that employees were able to buy shares in the company, but following the closure of the Red Rabbit, partners launched a lawsuit against Votary.
“One of the downfalls of worker ownership is that everyone gets to win when there are wins, but when there isn’t one person ends up hung out to dry, and that was me,” said Votary. “This lawsuit has been raging on for about two years and it’s cost me about $100,000 in lawyer fees.”
The business owner claims that not a shred of evidence has been produced, despite all of her assets being tied up.
With her staff at Whatever 75, Votary gave them the bad news a few months ago allowing them to look for future employment.
“You see the people on our website and they are still here making great food and serving people,” said Votary. “They are going to stay until the end, which is pretty amazing.”
The loyalty of the employees was never lost on Votary, who said employees were paid full living wage or higher during the pandemic. Despite this year being a down year, the support for Whatever 75 was also much appreciated.
“We’ve always had a really substantial local following, particularly for takeout, but also for dine in, and then the tourists round that out seasonally,” said Votary. “We have lots of regular guests that are very sad that we won’t be seeing them anymore.”
The Facebook post from Whatever 75 hinted at the good things coming to the space.
“I can’t give specifics, but there are some local folks that are taking over the space,” said Votary. “They are going to open their own concept, and I think people will be happy when it gets going.”
The closure of Whatever 75 will be the end of a long adventure for Votary, who is very much looking forward to a rest.
“If I really still loved it, I would still do it,” she said. “When I first opened my business there was no guarantee of money, you know you scratch and claw to try and make something, but for me i just don’t love it anymore.”
