Chrissie Hynde's Restaurant VegiTerranean, In Akron, To Close

AKRON, Ohio — Chrissie Hynde (HYND') is citing the struggling economy in the closing of her vegetarian restaurant in her hometown of Akron, Ohio.

The Pretenders front woman posted a notice Sunday on the VegiTerranean restaurant website.

She says that she and the staff had tried to keep the restaurant open but that the economic climate made it impossible. She opened the downtown eatery four years ago.

Hynde campaigned in 2009 against a recall effort targeting Mayor Donald Plusquellic (plus-QUEL'-ihk) and credited him with doing a good job to revive downtown. He survived the recall effort.

The Pretenders are known for such hits as "Back on the Chain Gang" and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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Information from: Akron Beacon Journal, http://www.ohio.com

Comments

[Mthompson300]

04:24 PM on 10/06/2011

A confirmed carnivore, I ate there several times and the food was excellent. One thing: it was not vegeterian, it was vegan. there is a difference. No butter, no cheese, etc.

Also, I heard some of the reasons for the closing may be internal and have nothing to do with the economy, but I thank her for trying to do something for the city (even though the staff could sling some attitude with the best of them).

And finally, please hold the snarky comments about Akron. We've heard them all and don't care what you think.

[frank day]

03:36 PM on 10/05/2011

Most restaurants fail.

The fact that it was veg. is beside the point.

[LODGE4]

02:30 PM on 10/05/2011

Maybe she just wanted to meet Paul McCartney.

[Greg 135]

09:16 PM on 10/04/2011

When you open a niche restaurant you have to expect to struggle. Opening a vegetarian restaurant may only appeal to 15% of the public. It's like opening a restaurant only for people 30 to 40 years old. Why limit yourself your target demographic and thus limit your income?

[frank day]

03:34 PM on 10/05/2011

I don't know about that.

Have you ever tried a veg. restaurant?

The one in my town does a bustling business especially during the lunch hour.

[Greg 135]

09:13 PM on 10/04/2011

As someone who has lived in Akron for over 20 years, Akron is simply not big enough to sustain an all vegetarian restaurant, there simply isn't enough demand. Other restaurants that serve meat in the same area are doing well enough.

[BuckyJamesDio]

02:26 PM on 10/04/2011

She looks so healthy.

[hoy156]

01:53 PM on 10/04/2011

sadly not putting many asses in concert seats, either.

[fivemillion]

01:20 PM on 10/04/2011

maybe try serving real food. people might come.

[Stephen Thorpe]

08:10 PM on 10/04/2011

Yes,....vedgie only was a nice idea, but a very small percentage of the restauraunting public.

[JScott]

10:55 AM on 10/04/2011

Yup she's not the only one. There are lots of celebs that open restaurants that later failed and closed.

[grailknight]

09:31 PM on 10/04/2011

Yep, putting a famous name on the sign will not guarentee that the hoi polloi will beat a path to your frozen custard stand. Many celebs don't understand one thing about the restaurant business, is that it requires as much time and energy as rehearsals, performances and touring. Not to mention you also have to serve up something people want!

[HonkyTonkMan]

10:37 AM on 10/04/2011

Akron, that's where you open a vegetarian restaurant.