This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
As a long-time resident of the Avenues and supporter of local merchants, I was dismayed by the city's abrupt decision (prompted by the complaint of one disgruntled neighbor) to close the patio of the Avenues Bistro on Third, thus depriving owner Kathie Chadbourne of half her dining space and threatening the survival of her business ("After complaint, Salt Lake City closes Avenues Bistro patio," Tribune, Nov. 13).
Kathie has done the city a huge favor by creating this unique and charming eatery, into which she has put her life's savings and untold hours of creativity and hard work. She created a large garden behind the restaurant to grow produce for the kitchen. In other words, Kathie puts into practice exactly the kind of local thinking and self-sufficiency that should be rewarded, not punished.
Furthermore, the Bistro is a highly successful independent business, just the kind of original place that distinguishes great cities. Fortunately the Avenues and other Salt Lake neighborhoods are seeing a resurgence in businesses of this kind, an exciting development the city leaders should be actively supporting, not shutting down!
For these reasons, I, the restaurant staff and hundreds of her loyal customers are asking the mayor and the City Council to please reconsider their ill-advised decision.
Keller Higbee
Salt Lake City