Pocono News Section

Another Downtown W-B Business Calls It Quits

Another Downtown W-B Business Calls It Quits - Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 5:09PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Wednesday, Oct 3, 2007 @05:09pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- The rumors are real - Club Mardi Gras is closed little more than a year after it opened. A lack of steady business seems to have shut it down.

King's College Senior Michelle Morgan said, “I think it's really sad, it's disheartening because they're really trying to build up downtown Wilkes-Barre. To have it closed is a shame."

Heavy equipment has already been hauled away. Wilkes-Barre Police are no longer working their weekend details. College kids say it leaves them with even less to do after hours. “It's less for us, it's a shame," added Mornga.

King's College Senior Kristy McAndrew said, "it's upsetting because the more places the better for us to go.”

Over the summer Campus Square Billiards bailed out too, but as one door closes, several new ones have opened. There's a new optometrist in town - and some lawyers.

The company that owns many of these buildings says a new Thai restaurant will be up and running in three months.

Over on the square the tables are already set at Cafe Toscana. A pair of Albanian - Italian brothers from New Jersey say they'll serve you Northern Italian cuisine starting October 11th. "It’s exciting to have different things open on the square the more the better,” added Morgan.

And both downtown realtor Humford Equities and Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton say to sit tight - more may come. Club Mardi Gras could re-open under new local owners by Christmas. "Naturally we’re disappointed a business closed but we're very confident new business is going in that location very shortly. There’s lots of interested parties to take over that spot," added Mayor Leighton.