Second restaurant closes in Marion area
McGillicuddy's last day of operation is Sunday
Staff reporter
Business owners close their doors for a number of reasons — low sales, no customer base, or they just want a change in professions.
For David and Brenda McGinness, owners of McGillicuddy's Restaurant, they're closing their doors because they cannot find and keep good employees for their successful business.
"We said we'd quit (the restaurant business) when it came down to just the two of us," David said. The couple has been advertising with signs in the window, seeking quality help. They have had quality employees but just like any other food service business, employees tend to come and go.
When quality employees leave for different jobs, there isn't anybody waiting in the wings to replace them.
During the past six months, the McGinnesses found themselves being their only employees.
When a job offer was made to David, the couple thought it might be time to make some changes.
Beginning Jan. 3, David will return to a previous profession as a machinist at Bradbury Company in Moundridge, and Brenda will return to her first love — Kraft Korner and The Flower Shoppe. David will start on the first shift for training then work the second shift.
"The restaurant business is good," Brenda said. "We've lived off it for the past five and one-half years, but it's time we do something different."
The restaurant business has been for sale for several months but no serious offers have been made.
The McGinnesses are hopeful someone will purchase the building and business, and reopen the restaurant.
"We hate the idea of locking the doors," Brenda said. "We recognize there's a need for full-service, quality restaurants in Marion."
All equipment and furnishings will be left in the building, so it would be a "turn key" operation for a buyer.
Being the second restaurant in the Marion area to close in a couple of months, the McGinnesses said closing their doors was a difficult decision for them to make.
"We've appreciated the customers we've had," Brenda said. "We've made some really good friends. It's feels like family; but we have to do what we have to do for ourselves."
Both agreed they could not keep up the break-neck speed of working open to close, five days a week, without any assistance or relief.
Kingfisher's Inn closed in October, stating lack of customers and low sales as reasons for closing. Kingfisher's Inn also is for sale.
"We're proud of the business and what we've done here," Brenda said.
The McGinnesses will honor commitments the restaurant made in hosting some events in January.
Otherwise, their last day of operation will be Sunday.
Future business plans
Brenda can't wait to dive in again with their other two businesses, Kraft Korner and The Flower Shoppe.
The McGinnesses made it clear Kraft Korner and The Flower Shoppe were not for sale; noting the building, owned by Centre Lodge #147, is for sale.
Brenda plans to downsize the retail portion of her store, eliminating those items that haven't sold well.
"I want the business to get better, not necessarily bigger," Brenda said.
She plans to find ways to provide better customer service, and fulfill the needs of the community by providing the products and services that are needed.
By attending different markets, Brenda also hopes to learn new ways to operate her business. She may even try to her hand at selling antiques.
The McGinnesses have owned Kraft Korner for more than 13 years and want to continue as Marion business owners.
With more time for themselves, the McGinnesses hope to get a breather and maybe pick up former hobbies — David and his woodworking, and Brenda and her crafts.
"I'm looking forward to getting my house in order and taking care of household chores," Brenda said of the additional free time she hopes she will have.
The change of pace will be different for the McGinnesses and for patrons who have come to enjoy a friendly cup of coffee and the special of the day.
