The economy has taken its toll on another longtime Ballard business. Bad Albert’s Tap & Grill will be closing sometime next month.
After nearly 17 years at 5100 Ballard Ave NW, owner and almost lifetime Ballardite Steve Katsandres says he had to make the tough decision to close. “We went through stock market crashes, this and that, 9/11, we’ve gone through everything,” Katsandres says. “We’ve weathered every storm. This one I can’t. It’s just too much.” The storm is a combination of the economy and health issues that he needs to tend to.
“To the people of Ballard, it’s been a great ride. I could never have gotten anywhere without the people who have supported me in the community,” he tells me at one of the tables in the dark restaurant with a red neon light around the perimeter. “In my heart I feel like I’m kind of letting people down. But I’m not because the people who know me, know how hard I’ve worked, how hard my staff has worked, it’s kind of emotional.”
The restaurant is for sale but Katsandres says he will probably close after the fourth of July weekend, possibly July 11th. “This place here is a great opportunity for somebody. Somebody who’s smart could really frickin take care of business here,” he says.
“In the end, Bad Albert’s will always be remembered for what we did and all the things I’ve tried to do for the neighborhood, for the community,” Katsandres says. (Thanks Zobmie for posting this in the MyBallard forum.)