01/07/2025
Greetings to all! We hope that everyone has had an exceptional Christmas and New Year. We will only be making this post on our page, but please feel free to share.
I wanted to take this final post to say thank you so very much to all of our supporters over the years, not only regarding the Red Poppy Bistro, but Rogue's Corner and Legit Dogs & Ice, as well. I wish you all the very best. Supporters like you have been wonderful and fueled our desire and passion, to carry-on in this industry over the years.
Please excuse our curt and sudden exit. I can assure you, the circumstances and closure took not only our family by surprise, but our entire staff as well. I cannot and will not go into great detail about the specifics, other than say that sometimes business partnerships do not work out. Sometimes ideologies, business roles, work ethics, plans & goals ... sometimes they just don't gel or have time come to realization.
Also, please excuse the delay in any type of detailed response, until now. Please understand that there is a very real, hard-working family on this side of the fence. There are real people; dedicated friends and employees, who found themselves suddenly without a paycheck. My priorities were focused on these very real human beings, with very real lives and families of their own. This includes my own family and children, who were very confused on why another successful business they helped create, was suddenly being closed, along with the financial strain, hardships and stress which came with that closure. Many of you sent private messages, and we may not have responded, as we tried to find a way to navigate through this. Please do not take offense if we did not respond directly. Many of you have become friends over the years, and we could not find the words. Thank you for your grace and understanding, in the matter.
While the vast majority of the public are supportive, there of course remains that slim demographic of of nay-sayers and haters, many which peddle their own conspiracy theories and worn-out negative comments. It's a new year and a new chapter in our family's future, so I really can't be bothered to even address those people -- however, I do feel the need to say the following: The Village of South Elgin, as well as our building Landlord/Management team, has been absolutely amazing and a pleasure working with. Not only have they been supportive in our move to South Elgin, but they've even helped us traverse the challenges we've faced since closing the Red Poppy.
I do find it strange and somewhat disheartening that there is even a slim demographic out there, willing to root for a family, a staff, a business to fail. Over the years, we've only wanted to create something new and special, while making a positive impact on our community. However, some haters would rather see another person destroyed, just so they can say they were right and get "likes" on social media. I suppose with 4 of the most successful failures ever, one can choose to look at us as tenacious and hard-working, or choose to look at us as failures. I will leave you to your own opinions and conclusions on the matter.
I personally think anyone can look back and wish they did certain things differently, especially when trying to create something from nothing. When conjuring something from pure imagination and vision, one can always wish they did something better. I certainly wish I did some things better, or in hindsight, was wiser to make different decisions-- I'm certainly not prefect, but I don't have regrets.
In closing, thank you for the support & positivity, and your willingness to take time to accompany us on this crazy journey -- I can honestly say on behalf of myself, family and staff, we'd do it all again. Thank you. Good health and travels to all of you, on your respective endeavors.
