The owners of The Garage on Ferry Street in Berrien Springs have announced that this Sunday, April 6, is their last day of business. The one-year anniversary of the purchase of the establishment, formerly known as AJ’s Uptown, is Friday.
“The decision to close does not come lightly and it is not one we wanted to make. While we cannot discuss specific reasons for our closing at this time, due to ongoing legal matters, we want to assure you that this is not the outcome we wanted, and we are extremely sad that we will no longer be a part of this amazing community as business owners.”
Posting on social media, owners Rick Moreci and William Ranick thanked the community and said they simply cannot continue due to a number of unnamed obstacles they continue to face.
“We understand that some may read this and feel that we have failed in running this business. We want to say with all sincerity that we tried our hardest to make this business a success… We were even nominated for Best New Business this year by the SW Michigan Chamber of Commerce. That does not happen by accident. If other unconquerable conditions did not exist, we are certain that this business would be a success, and that is thanks to our patrons and our amazing team.”
Patrons of The Garage posted comments of support and sadness to learn the news of the closure. Owners Rick and Will said they hope the location might still be a restaurant/bar after they are gone.
“We do not know what the future holds, but Berrien Springs deserves to have this kind of business in the heart of its downtown area.”
