The Green Room Bistro & Juice Bar, the Carlisle eatery that last month said it had fallen on troubled times and might close, has been saved by several patrons who decided to invest in the restaurant, owner Patrick Andrews said today.
“They’re investing because they believe in the business,” he said.
Andrews couldn’t yet name those investors, but said they were customers who dove in when they heard the Green Room was in trouble. Due to their investment and insight, Andrews said he’s been able to see challenges and new ways forward for the restaurant, which specializes in local organic food.
On Oct. 15, Andrews announced that the Green Room would have to close its doors if it didn’t find investors, buyers or get other help to keep it open.
A number of issues had plagued the restaurant over the years, Andrews said. It got behind on paying sales taxes, didn’t adequately manage paperwork, had too large of a payroll and continued to employ an underperforming chef that had strained relationships with patrons, he said.
“I found myself wearing too many hats,” he said.
The Green Room will remain open but with some changes. Andrews is applying for a beer-brewing license with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board so that it can serve brew and serve craft beers on site. Andrews said his friend and managing partner of Web development firm 717 Studios Zachary Ziegler will be bringing his craft-beer-brewing skills to the Green Room.
In addition to the beer, the Green Room plans to offer select Pennsylvania wines to customers in the near future, as well as continue to expand its food-share program and catering.
Andrews also has hired Shaun Wolf of East Berlin, Adams County, to be the Green Room’s new chef.
The Green Room will also start opening at 11:30 a.m. for lunch for patrons who need to get in before noon, Andrews said. It will open for Sunday brunch as well.
