Harr's restaurant in Waterloo Closing

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 6:29 am

In today's OWH there is a story that says that Harr's in Waterloo is closing. The building is being purchased by another Waterloo restaurant, El Bees and they will be relocating. El Bee's is the Mexican restaurant downtown and Harr's is along 275. There was no mention of loss of business being a reason, it sounds like it was a retirement driven decision. The closing date is April 28 so it is soon.

The story was not available on line at the OWH at this time.

Post by **Brad** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:49 pm

Its along the lines of Canaglia's and such, just kind of left the main stream as the clientele died off.

El Bee's is a good restaurant. I kind of liked it in down Town Waterloo, but I bet they want to be along the highway for more visibility and easier access and parking.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:55 pm

Brad wrote:Its along the lines of Caniglia's and such, just kind of left the main stream as the clientele died off.

El Bee's is a good restaurant. I kind of liked it in down Town Waterloo, but I bet they want to be along the highway for more visibility and easier access and parking.

You hit the nail on the head. It is difficult not to be sentimental about the loss of so many old line restaurants, as I have some good memories of many of them. Still, a restaurant owner cannot expect to just churn out the same old food from the same old menu in the same tired old atmosphere year after year and still stay in business. The clientele goes off to the nursing home, then you know where from there. And their children have more sophisticated tastes, as do the grandchildren. I hadn't eaten at Harrs in more than 20 years. I understand that their business had gone way downhill in recent years. They had great sweet rolls, and the strangest calamari I have ever seen.

scraper · Post by **scraper** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 8:50 am

You mean the menu of about 4 different cuts of steak, prime rib or crab legs served with a baked potato in foil with the triangle packages of sour cream and a bland side of pasta served in a restaurant that hasn't been refurbished in 30 years doesn't cut it anymore?

Post by **nebugeater** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 4:39 pm

scraper wrote:You mean the menu of about 4 different cuts of steak, prime rib or crab legs served with a baked potato in foil with the triangle packages of sour cream and a bland side of pasta served in a restaurant that hasn't been refurbished in 30 years doesn't cut it anymore?

I wouldn't call the sour cream packs triangles

scraper · Post by **scraper** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 4:53 pm

Maybe funnel-shaped is more accurate

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 8:44 pm

scraper wrote:You mean the menu of about 4 different cuts of steak, prime rib or crab legs served with a baked potato in foil with the triangle packages of sour cream and a bland side of pasta served in a restaurant that hasn't been refurbished in 30 years doesn't cut it anymore?

Hallelujah!

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:12 pm

I think it has to do with other factors. When in Leadville, Colorado, I ate at a place called Quincy's that ALL they served was prime rib. That's it. 3 sizes with potato and salad. The place was really busy and the food was great. They did one thing and did it very well. Maybe the best prime rib I've ever had.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:58 pm

The Lawry's Steak House in Los Angeles is the same way. There really isn't a menu. The carvers come around with the trays of steak and you tell them what color you want. Very high end - you have to wear a tie. One of the best Steak Houses I have been to.

guy4omaha · Post by **guy4omaha** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 10:32 pm

nativeomahan wrote:
Brad wrote:Its along the lines of Caniglia's and such, just kind of left the main stream as the clientele died off. . . .
a restaurant owner cannot expect to just churn out the same old food from the same old menu in the same tired old atmosphere year after year and still stay in business. The clientele goes off to the nursing home, . . .

I don't think the owner, a very elderly widow with more than 50 years in the business wanted to stay in business. She might want a year or two of retirement before the nursing home comes calling her. In all likelihood she probably wanted to retire several years ago. These restaurants, like their elder customers and owners, are signs of a grand generation passing.

ThatGuy · Post by **ThatGuy** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 11:18 pm

nebugeater wrote:El Bee's is the Mexican restaurant

They are very Mexican if you consider Taco Bell and Chipoltle Mexican. I haven't eaten at Harr's in years, but It's always sad to see an original bite the dust. Places like Outback and Timber Lodge are a dime a dozen. Harr's may be outdated, but I don't think that's a bad thing.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 3:26 am

guy4omaha wrote:
nativeomahan wrote:
Brad wrote:Its along the lines of Caniglia's and such, just kind of left the main stream as the clientele died off. . . .
a restaurant owner cannot expect to just churn out the same old food from the same old menu in the same tired old atmosphere year after year and still stay in business. The clientele goes off to the nursing home, . . .
I don't think the owner, a very elderly widow with more than 50 years in the business wanted to stay in business. She might want a year or two of retirement before the nursing home comes calling her. In all likelihood she probably wanted to retire several years ago. These restaurants, like their elder customers and owners, are signs of a grand generation passing.

guy4omaha hits the nail on the head here..

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 9:38 pm

A friend of mine was out biking over the weekend and they rode through Waterloo and said that Harr's had over an hour waiting line. Seems like people want one last visit before the lights are turned out. But I have to agree with the critics here - it has catered to a certain crowd for years - Like Mr C's and others of this time genre - almost nostalgic.

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