Daily (more or less) commentary on news and events in Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, with occasional excursions to other locales.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Booby's Closed
Longtime Strip stalwart Booby's has closed. The sign on the door says "Temporarily Closed" but I have heard that all employees were let go as of December 8th and a couple of other businesses are already eyeing the spot..
It saddens me to see another vacancy on the Strip. My best guess is that the restaurant part wasn't getting any business anymore and sunk the ship. I've been to many shows on the weekends, and they were always packed. Too bad there's not more on that end of the Strip to help keep some of these businesses afloat.
It wasn't always about the food. Years ago it was a cool place to catch up with your friends to catch a movie at the Varsity. It was an iconic place to go and hang out with your friends and hear some kicking music. The sound ordnance didn't help them. I (a long time resident of Carbondale) am sad to see it go. I just hope something good goes in there and it doesn't sit vacant for years.
I moved away 25 years ago but when I come back to town I always went there for their unique and affordable subs.
From an "outsiders" perspective I'd have to say that the city fathers have done their very best over the years to drive businesses out of the strip! Sort of killed off the proverbial "golden goose" with all their regulations and anti-partying stances.
Another failed business owned by home rentals albiet lindsey fischer. Is any one surprised? Hopefully some other interest can make a go of it. And the strip isn't dead, it has evolved. The hip areas of town are now the square and Grand ave. which were nothing when the strip was happening. Places change and usually for the better. Carbondale still offers a lot for it's size and has grown in many positive ways. Embrace what the area has to offer for it is rather unique and far better than most areas in spite of it's size.
I have not been to C-dale in 25 years. Would love to see a map of what is on the Strip these days. Rocky Mountain Trading Company had just burned down when I got to town. Now I understand there is a big hold in that spot again.
Oh nooooo! I know people have said Booby's hasn't been as good lately, but we've lived away from C'dale for 20 years after growing up there. Booby's is ALWAYS on the list of places to eat when we visit (along with El Greco's and IV's). I hope someone can tell me what is on Booby's Tyrolean Special sandwich!? I always meant to memorize it, but kept putting it off! ARRGGHHH!!
I use to have cocktails there with my old buddy Ed...you may remember him from the 70's, queer as a three dollar bill but the greatest guy you'd ever want to meet.
Booby's was another "strip" icon. anyone in c-dale in 1978-1980 would remember the local Harley guys (bikers) would start to meet there evey day at 11a. and sit in the first both on the left as you came in...it was referred to as "the window to the world".
Booby's was another "strip" icon. anyone in c-dale in 1978-1980 would remember the local Harley guys (bikers) would start to meet there evey day at 11a. and sit in the first booth on the left as you came in...it was referred to as "the window to the world".
this is the saddest carbondale news since the closure of the varsity. what is wrong with people???? I grew up in c'dale, went to Booby's all the time, and the yellow sub plus the elvira pinball game helped me become the woman I am today. Damn!
It saddens me to see another vacancy on the Strip. My best guess is that the restaurant part wasn't getting any business anymore and sunk the ship. I've been to many shows on the weekends, and they were always packed. Too bad there's not more on that end of the Strip to help keep some of these businesses afloat.
ReplyDeleteA venerable institution for decades. Why has this not been reported in the media?
ReplyDeletePoorly run local restaurant and bar goes under - is this really news?
ReplyDeleteGlenn Poshard has toenails older than Booby's. And they probably taste better, too!
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't always about the food. Years ago it was a cool place to catch up with your friends to catch a movie at the Varsity. It was an iconic place to go and hang out with your friends and hear some kicking music. The sound ordnance didn't help them. I (a long time resident of Carbondale) am sad to see it go. I just hope something good goes in there and it doesn't sit vacant for years.
ReplyDeleteI moved away 25 years ago but when I come back to town I always went there for their unique and affordable subs.
ReplyDeleteFrom an "outsiders" perspective I'd have to say that the city fathers have done their very best over the years to drive businesses out of the strip! Sort of killed off the proverbial "golden goose" with all their regulations and anti-partying stances.
Another failed business owned by home rentals albiet lindsey fischer. Is any one surprised? Hopefully some other interest can make a go of it. And the strip isn't dead, it has evolved. The hip areas of town are now the square and Grand ave. which were nothing when the strip was happening.
ReplyDeletePlaces change and usually for the better. Carbondale still offers a lot for it's size and has grown in many positive ways. Embrace what the area has to offer for it is rather unique and far better than most areas in spite of it's size.
I have not been to C-dale in 25 years. Would love to see a map of what is on the Strip these days. Rocky Mountain Trading Company had just burned down when I got to town. Now I understand there is a big hold in that spot again.
ReplyDeleteI grew up playing the pinball machine in the back of Booby's and now I am a research scientist. Life is amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh nooooo! I know people have said Booby's hasn't been as good lately, but we've lived away from C'dale for 20 years after growing up there. Booby's is ALWAYS on the list of places to eat when we visit (along with El Greco's and IV's).
ReplyDeleteI hope someone can tell me what is on Booby's Tyrolean Special sandwich!? I always meant to memorize it, but kept putting it off! ARRGGHHH!!
Oh, and Brian, what is the Square? and what part of Grand Ave. is 'in'? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI use to have cocktails there with my old buddy Ed...you may remember him from the 70's, queer as a three dollar bill but the greatest guy you'd ever want to meet.
ReplyDeleteBooby's was another "strip" icon. anyone in c-dale in 1978-1980 would remember the local Harley guys (bikers) would start to meet there evey day at 11a. and sit in the first both on the left as you came in...it was referred to as "the window to the world".
ReplyDeleteBooby's was another "strip" icon. anyone in c-dale in 1978-1980 would remember the local Harley guys (bikers) would start to meet there evey day at 11a. and sit in the first booth on the left as you came in...it was referred to as "the window to the world".
ReplyDeletethis is the saddest carbondale news since the closure of the varsity. what is wrong with people???? I grew up in c'dale, went to Booby's all the time, and the yellow sub plus the elvira pinball game helped me become the woman I am today. Damn!
ReplyDelete