Restaurant closes in Goldsboro
By Laura Collins
Published in News on March 30, 2010 1:46 PM
A popular restaurant in Goldsboro has closed its doors.
Ham's Restaurant, located at 1003 N. Spence Ave., closed Monday after 10 years in business. General Manager John Runkle declined to comment on the abrupt closing, but Amanda Jones, marketing manager for the corporate office, said it came down to the economy.
"Unfortunately, we did have to close," she said. "Sunday was our last day of business. Because of economic factors, we've had to close the less profitable locations. Looking at how the economy is in Goldsboro and how it's doing in sales (it was closed)."
Ms. Jones said the local Ham's employed 30-35 people.
"I don't know if it was a complete surprise. They were told at a meeting this morning," she said.
Ms. Jones said there are no plans to reopen at another location in town, but added that the employees and management were offered transfer positions at other Ham's Restaurants in Greenville, Sanford and Chapel Hill.
"Hopefully many will accept that offer and continue with us," she said.
Steve Hicks, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce executive director, said he is sad to see the restaurant go.
"You're certainly sorry to see any business close and as a chamber member, we regret to see that," he said. "Ham's is a delightful place to eat, and they've contributed a lot to the community and non-profit organizations. They often provided lunches for different chamber events and things we do here."
Hicks also acknowledged the unstable economy.
"We're in a very unfortunate economy right now, and we're beginning to see that some of the smaller chains are struggling," he said.
Ham's is based in Greensboro and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October. Chapter 11 is a form of corporate bankruptcy that allows a business to reorganize and try to become profitable again rather than to close and liquidate entirely.