BoomTown, Epicurean, & Henrietta's

[fsu813]

I know all three of these were popular at one time a few years back (not exactly sure when).

Can someone fill me with a brief history of these and why they aren't around today?

Thanks!

[jason_contentdg]

Loved all three of them when they were up and running, although we only went to the Epicurean a couple times.  Sweet potato fries at Henriettas and the sauteed mushrooms at Boomtown are surely missed....

[thelakelander]

Boomtown ended up moving downtown, Epicurean closed around the time Lisa Neary fell ill and 9th & Main was just snake bitten.  That's my brief summary of these establishments.  I'm sure there are others who can provide a more detailed history of them.

[AlexS]

Boomtown ended up moving downtown, Epicurean closed around the time Lisa Neary fell ill and 9th & Main was just snake bitten.  That's my brief summary of these establishments.  I'm sure there are others who can provide a more detailed history of them.

Actually that's a pretty good summary. Couldn't have said it much better myself. Henrietta's sweet potato fries rocked and the peanut gravy at Boomtown was fantastic.

[fsu813]

I wasn't aware that Henrietta's and 9th & Main were one in the same. I know they occupied the same property, but wasn't sure about the ownership. I'm aware what happend/what's happening with 9th & Main.

[zoo]

I think, though others may know differently, that the "snake bitten" issue with Henrietta's, Nosh, 9th & Main, etc had to do with property ownership? I believe the owner also wanted to be partnered in the operation of the leasing businesses, and it turned out restaurant operation was not the owner's forte?

Many folks I encounter from other parts of the region remember Henrietta's and the sweet potato fries well (and very positively), and lament the restaurant's end...

[thelakelander]

I remember it being an ownership issue as well.  It should have a bright future now since that situation has changed.

[Dan B]

I dont believe the ownership has changed. There are ongoing issues, but from what I have heard, the owner is still working to maintain ownership, and has even managed to catch up on back taxes for the property.

I was told the city really doesn't have any interest in taking it away, and is working with the owner.

[Dan B]

The City has a different story altogether.

Fair enough, my info did not come from the city. I will look into it further.

[Springfield Girl]

I heard the same thing that Dan did. Stephen, what have you heard?

[thelakelander]

Great.  Then its doomed.

[jason_contentdg]

Now if he was opening up the car wash...

[sheclown]

The Epicurean first opened as a coffee shop/juice bar.  Lisa and Debbi also sold organic food in the front of the store.  The restaurant was filled with antiques -- very elegant and yet comfortable.

Lisa told me that they were looking for a place to sit down and have coffee during some business deal when it dawned on them that there really wasn't a place anywhere around.  So they opened Epicurean.  Joe would know, but I think it was around 2000?

Lunch as added and then dinner.  The food was very good.  People came from downtown for lunch.  Then the jazz club was added, but Lisa's health was failing, she was physically over-taxed.  But it was sure nice for awhile.

It was wonderful on Main Street.  A restaurant on each block.  Nightlife.  Very cool.  Crowds of people hanging out on a Saturday night.