Beermann's closes its doors

Beermann's BeerWerks restaurant in downtown Lincoln closed its doors after New Year's Eve. But one key ingredient in the success of Beermann's restaurant is still thriving."We're still brewing beer in Roseville," said George Mora-les, former general manager of the Beermann's restaurant. "Beer-mann's BeerWerks brewery is still open and brewing all of your favorite flavors, including Lincoln Lager."The decision to close Beer-mann's restaurant, located at 645 Fifth St., and the Horseshoe Bar and Grill in Loomis - both owned by David Rosenaur - came suddenly to employees."Mr. Rosenaur just came in and told us Jan. 2," Morales said.A few workers were at Beer-mann's Jan. 2 to do some clean-up work after the New Year's Eve bash, but the restaurant's last day of being open to the public was Dec. 31."We really, really appreciate the opportunity to serve both communities," said Karen Fox, Rosenaur's fiancée who spoke for him. "Lincoln welcomed us with open arms and has been nothing but gracious to us. As for Loomis, we just wish we could have done more in that town."Both Beermann's and the Horseshoe are up for sale or lease, Fox said.Before opting to focus his energies on the Beermann's brewery, of which he's a partner, Morales said he considered buying the Horseshoe, where he had served as the operations manager since October. However, Morales didn't consider buying Beermann's because of its size. "About 19,000 square feet - that's way too much restaurant for a single man," Morales said of the two-story International Order of Odd Fellows building that housed Beermann's.Seventy nine people lost jobs because of the closures. Morales said 54 were employed at Beermann's and 25 worked at the Horseshoe."Angry, very angry," said Jason Glover, a cook for five months at Beermann's, when asked how he felt about the restaurant closing. "(Beermann's) was making money, very good money, and then for them to close it for no reason, you wonder, 'Why?'"Fox said she and Rosenaur, who have been together for 17 years, decided it was time to part ways with the two businesses because of a recent move."We moved to Southern California quite a few months ago to retire," Fox said, noting they live near Carlsbad and La Jolla. "We thought we could still manage the two restaurants."But the long distance be-tween their home and the two restaurants proved to be too much, she said. Besides, they fell in love with their new home and never wanted to leave."Every morning, we wake up to the ocean and the lagoon here," Fox said. "And then in the evening, we sit and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. It doesn't get any better than that."While leasing one or both restaurants is a possibility, Fox said Rosenaur really is looking for a buyer."We would consider leasing it only to a major, national tenant, someone who has a strong track record," Fox said.Fox said Rosenaur had been involved with Beermann's restaurant since its renovation in 1998. He was going on his ninth year at the Horseshoe.Only a few months ago, Beermann's restaurant was planning some major renovations. Glover said they were looking at locating a steakhouse upstairs, but those plans were put on hold when the head chef left. Then, employees got wrapped up in the holidays and all of the Christmas parties and bookings.It's really rough on the employees and their families, Glover said, adding he recently got married.Closure of Beermann's restaurant took patrons by surprise as well.Tom and Lisa Vacarro went to Beermann's one day last week for a meal and a pint of their favorite beer, only to find it closed."I was shocked to see a 'For lease or sale' and 'Closed' sign on the door," Lisa said in an e-mail to the News Messenger."We were there for New Year's Eve," Tom said. "They had a big party upstairs. They didn't tell anyone then they were closing. We were surprised they were closed. They are always packed."The Vacarros have friends who worked at Beermann's and both expressed concern for the employees."The waiters and bartenders were so nice," Lisa wrote in the e-mail. "We really hope they had prior notice."Morales said any patrons who have gift certificates for Beermann's restaurant could write to the company at 801 Riverside Ave., Suite 106, Roseville, CA, 95678, for a refund. As for the beer, Morales said the brewery is still operating at 8284 Industrial Ave in Roseville, near door to the Roseville Telephone Company. The brewery still is hosting tasting parties from 3-8 p.m. Fridays. For more information, call (916) 781-2337.Beermann's BeerWerks beer is available at area supermarkets, Morales said, including Safeway and Raley's. It also now is being served on tap at Dillian's Bar and Grill in Lincoln."I'm really going to miss Lincoln," Morales said. "I made a lot of nice friends there. I hope some day to return to Lincoln."- Richard Myers can be reached at richardm@goldcountrymedia.com.