Latitude Island Grill, which added luster to Rohnert Park's restaurant scene when it opened by Roberts Lake seven years ago, fell victim to competition, legal woes and other factors, its owners said.
Owners Mark Young and Ron Goldin said two costly employee lawsuits, the Highway 101 construction and the economy were among the factors that forced them to close the business. The restaurant and the bar are open for banquets through Saturday. After that, special events that have already been booked will be held.
"It just became increasingly difficult to do business," said Young. He and Goldin spent $3 million to remodel the 13,000-square-foot former Wine and Visitors Center in late 2003.
Goldin said that at its peak, Latitude was doing $4 million in annual sales and had 80 employees. At the end, there were 50 employees, he said. Another factor, he said, was the nearby presence of big chain restaurants.
"It's very difficult to complete with corporate America, with chain restaurants," he said. "When you have Applebees and Olive Garden and Outback down the street, it's difficult to compete with the advertising dollars they put in and the specials they are running."
He also cited the costs of settling the two lawsuits, one alleging sexual discrimination and the other wrongful termination.
Goldin and Young operate Left Coast Restaurants and own four restaurants in Calistoga: Brannan's Grill, Checkers, Flatiron Grill and Barolo.
"We find the atmosphere in Calistoga, where you don't have chain restaurants and franchises, much better, more of an an opportunity," he said.
- Jeremy Hay
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