Massive layoffs as McMenamins temporarily shuts down sites in Oregon, Washington
Oregon-based McMenamins issued an alert Tuesday stating it was temporarily shutting down both its Oregon and Washington hotel-restaurant-bar operations, including the Elks Temple in Tacoma.
In an email sent Tuesday, the hotel-and-entertainment venue operator wrote: “We are sad beyond words to announce that, for now, we are closing our doors. Though we never imagined that we’d ever have to say see you next month, we believe it is the most effective way to do our part.
“As of March 17, the 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop (in Portland) is open with beer, wine, spirits and more ...; all other Oregon locations are closed for four weeks. All McMenamins in Washington are closed for at least two weeks. Our online shop is open, and you can purchase gift cards there and at 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop.”
The company emailed a statement Tuesday afternoon to The News Tribune from Mike and Brian McMenamin. The statement said: “It’s taken a lifetime to build this company, together with the help of our employees and customers. This is something none of us ever could have anticipated.
“After exploring all options, we are laying off nearly 3,000 employees — almost everyone at the company — effective today, March 17. This is drastic, but necessary, to allow our employees to file for unemployment benefits and ensure that there will be jobs to come back to when this extraordinary episode ends. And we are confident it will end. Until then, we thank you for your support and understanding and look forward to gathering with you again soon.”
Hotel bookings through the closure period also will be canceled, according to a worker answering reservation calls for the Elks.
“All concerts are canceled or postponed into April. If your show is canceled, credit cards will be automatically refunded; cash refunds are available at the 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop. To request a refund on tickets for postponed shows, email refunds@etix.com. We will be back – with beer, food and, most importantly, community (and tots),” the company said.
Restrictions and new limits on crowd sizes were becoming an increasing challenge at its sites. The Tacoma operations earlier capped its Spanish Ballroom show attendance at 250, including ticket holders, staff and touring artists, according to information it sent The News Tribune on March 12. in response to questions.
McMenamins opened its Tacoma location in April 2019. The family-run business also has Washington state sites in Olympia, Centralia, Kalama and locations in the Seattle metro.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 2:28 PM.
