301 Bar, Bistro and Beer Garden Announces Permanent Closure
Another Tuscaloosa restaurant will not be reopening following closures caused by the novel Coronavirus pandemic. 301 Bar, Bistro & Beer Garden announced its permanent closure in a Facebook post today.
The restaurant, located on Greensboro Avenue, has been a staple of the downtown scene for the past five years, offering an upscale dining experience and one of Tuscaloosa's best brunches. 301 Bar, Bistro & Beer Garden has also been the site of the Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest for the past two years and was known for its incredible restoration of the historic Tuscaloosa Train Depot.
301 Bar, Bistro & Beer Garden owner Bill Lloyd said that the shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 outbreak have had a tremendous effect on the restaurant business.
"There is a great deal of uncertainty in the future of the restaurant business. Our market segment of upscale, full-service is the most uncertain of all. 301 was on pace for a record Spring," Lloyd said.
He was forced to make the difficult decision to not reopen due in part to a desire to take care of his employees.
"That is another reason for the timing of this closure. Because of the pandemic, the additional unemployment benefits from both the State and Federal governments will give them much-needed financial stability as the economy reopens and they re-enter the job market," Lloyd said.
"Thanks to everyone who has been part of the 301 Family—from staff to guests—from the ones who created the fine food and stellar reputation and service to the ones who enjoyed it and supported us," Lloyd added. "I am so proud of the restoration we did on this historic building. Great credit goes to my wife, Bebe Barefoot Lloyd. It is her amazing talent, vision, and work that have made 301 Bistro the beautiful place that it is. Thanks for a great five years."
The announcement comes after news last week that Tuscaloosa staples Wilhagan's Grille & Taproom, The Downtown Pub, and The Levee Bar & Grill are also closing due shutdowns caused by the novel Coronavirus.
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