February 8, 2008

Dougie's On The Run - Closing

Email from the folks at Dougie's On The Run:

Dear Friends,

It is with sadness that we announce that Dougie's on the Run will be closing for business. A combination of unforeseen factors has forced us to make this difficult decision. Sunday night at Willowglen and Sanzo will likely be our last time to serve you. We will be open from 4:30-7:30 PM. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have supported us. This is a wonderful community and we hope you will continue to support local kosher dining establishments as much as possible.

~Caycee and Aaron Polun

According to my records, they opened for business at the end of October (Hat tip: AS).

Posted by Greg at February 8, 2008 9:43 AM in , | TrackBack
Comments

Baltimore is pathetic. It's amazing that we can support a 7-11. Keep lining up for kosher bite everyone, its 12 cents cheaper.

Maybe he should just shut down until its warmer outside, maybe that will help.

Posted by: hungryman at February 8, 2008 11:28 AM

Whether or not you ate there often, never, or occasionally its a sad day for Baltimore.

This city gets sadder and sadder. I'm ashamed to be a native.

Posted by: Sad That Dougies Closed at February 8, 2008 11:39 AM

I disagree with the previous commenters. We support businesses that support themselves. This is a free market and the rules of capitalism apply here, just as they apply anywhere. It's not realistic to expect a business that is open for 3 hours a day, without a central location, operating on slim margins, and selling low-dollar items to survive for long - anywhere. This has nothing to do with Baltimore, and everything to do with poor planning and research coupled with unrealistic expectations.

Posted by: Bill Selliger at February 8, 2008 11:48 AM

It's hard enough to maintain a kosher restaurant in this townin an actual retail space, let a lone frmo a truck that's only open 3 hours a day. A lot of places also depend on large families coming to eat all together, which was impossible with Dougie's on the Run.

He would have had a chance if he opened an actual restaurant.

Posted by: Andrew at February 8, 2008 11:51 AM

I agree with Bill; this isn't a comment on Baltimore, it's a comment on the business model. The market supports what works. Just this week I wanted to get dinner from the Dougie's truck, but found that they were only open for lunch that day; walk-in traffic is also an upside to having a store front. A store, or a store with a dinner truck might have worked, we just don't know.

Another good point from hugryman: launching in the Spring might have given them a longer run.

Best of luck to the Dougie's folks in future endeavors.

Posted by: Greg at February 8, 2008 12:43 PM