Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Casbah Could Close

Posted By on Tue, Feb 10, 2009 at 3:07 PM

The Casbah Teahouse may be pulling up stakes after 13 years at 628 N. Fourth Ave.  

Citing the economy, rising food prices and slowing business due to construction on the Fourth Avenue underpass, the eatery’s owner said she is currently looking for ways to keep the doors open, but will close at the end of the month if none are found.

"Right now, the whole world economy is really struggling, and The Casbah is a microcosm of the macrocosm," said owner and operator Carol Ann Krueger. "We’re just looking for a way to change ourselves to keep up with the times."

Krueger said she has scheduled a closing celebration from 7 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28. She is currently seeking investors, partnerships or ideas from the community in an effort to continue on.

If a solution is not found, Krueger said she may move the business to Boulder, Colo., where an investor has expressed interest in helping continue the Casbah’s legacy.

The Casbah Teahouse opened at its current location in 1995 and employs about 10 people. Known locally for eco-conscious attitude and vegetarian fare, the eatery closes each summer and opens up shop at dozens of West Coast festivals, where it has a loyal following among festival-goers as well.

Call 740-0393, or visit www.casbahteahouse.com for more information.