WICHITA — The future of Olive Tree Bistro and Chelsea’s Bar and Grill isn’t the only thing up in the air for Latour Management.
There are reports that Walter Morris Cos., Latour’s landlord for Piccadilly Market & Grill at Central and Rock, is now showing the space to other possible tenants.
Latour president Joumana Toubia says that’s true. But she adds, “I want you to know that Piccadilly is a viable option for us.”
She’s not sure what will happen with the space in the new year.
“They asked us if we’re ready to commit,” Toubia says of signing a new lease. “I said I need a little bit of time. I’m not ready.”
Her Olive Tree and Chelsea’s are being evicted from Comotara Center at 29th and Rock.
A lawyer for her mostly out-of-state landlords there says Toubia hasn’t been paying rent. She says she’s stopped paying it because of a lack of property maintenance.
Toubia says rent isn’t an issue at Piccadilly.
“No, no, no, no, no,” she says. “We have no issues there. . . . I’m telling you there are absolutely no secrets.”
But she’s waiting to sign a possible new lease.
“We want to evaluate some things. This is exactly where we are. No more, no less.
“I have a lot of options.”
What happens with the Olive Tree and Chelsea’s is a factor.
“Honestly, I have lost all faith,” Toubia says of remaining at Comotara. But, she says, “There is a chance. . . . We’re still talking. Unfortunately, right now it’s amongst lawyers.”
Meanwhile, Toubia says Walter Morris asked her about showing the space.
“I said, ‘Do it,’ ” Toubia says. “That’s fine. Let them look at it. We were completely in the loop. We were informed.”
And in the end, she says, “It might shape up that we’ll commit to another round.”
She has to work out all the details while taking care of several restaurants and catering.
“I take it one thing at a time. I don’t want to clutter my plate.”
There’s one thing that particularly helps keep Toubia going.
“I have had tremendous support from this community. Unbelievable.”
9 Comments
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They’re behind in their rent. Oops, did I say that out loud? Hope all they’re employees don’t jump ship and go work some place else like Cibolas, or Garozzos, or … I REALLY like Picadilly but tell me no one saw this coming.
No way she could “clutter her plate”, she’s too busy spinning them! Maybe park some cars and bus some tables in her spare time also.
Alas, not paying the bills doesn’t seem to be anything new for Latour. Our AR department had to send numerous past-due statements to Latour for a pretty hefty amount a couple years ago and then they refused to pay the interest even though it was six months past due (the only time in my career I’ve ever had to threaten legal action). Our boss decided we could do without their business after that debacle. But all financial drama aside, Piccadilly has a fantastic bakery and I *will* miss the chocolate strata cake.
Here again as alot in the last year. The losers in the midst are the employees who have worked hard to create these places and the owners take the money and run. Months later they reopen some where and have money in there pocket. Least the lowley hourly people. Amazing, kind of like our govt. Hence the power of the [lebon] dollar. Any idea how to change the trend?
Antoine would roll over in his grave if he knew what his family has done with a formerly thriving enterprise.
I’ve been to Picadilly three times in the past six months and service was terrible each time. The first two times, I endured it. The last time, ignored by wait staff for 10 minutes, we left – never to return. I was sure it was just a bad the first two times – but three strikes and its out. Too many other good places that care about service and food for me to waste time at Picadilly. Jason’s and Mediterranean Grill, for instance. Good food, low price and good service.
The food is bad, overpriced, and the service stinks. The only good thing is that the portions are small.
@briand123 – Are you serious? Hourly employees generally get unemployment benefits, no?
Business owners are the “creators”; they carry the risk & deserve what they get.
Employees agree to do a job for a wage; they can (& do) leave an employer high & dry, any time, for any reason.
This is capitalism, not a “trend”.
Furthermore the Toubia family has been American for decades & generations. Disparaging their country of origin is outrageous.
If you’re looking for a problem to solve, stop hunting for splinters, and check the giant log in your own eye.