Walking out the backdoor into the alleyway behind the Beacon office, one of us always mutters, “That smells good.” That’s one of the advantages of working in a place that butts up against the Red’s Wines & Blues kitchen. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so sad to see it go.
Red’s Wines & Blues owners Bill and Jana Goodman announced Monday that this Saturday will be its final day of business. The popular restaurant is closing its doors. The Goodmans said the restaurant and full liquor license is available for lease or new ownership.
I hope someone makes a bid … soon. When I moved here in late February, Red’s quickly became our staff’s version of Cheers. We ate, drank and listened to music there. We brainstormed over long meetings. We launched our newspaper at a party Red’s hosted. Partly because of its proximity, partly because of the martinis, Red’s was our first stop on a Friday night.
Red’s closure follows that of the Painted Horse Grille, another downtown restaurant that closed indefinitely earlier this year. There’s still plenty of dining options in the Flathead Valley, but it’s disheartening to witness two close in the heart of Kalispell.
Glasses raised, here’s to the Goodmans’ hospitality the last few months and here’s to whoever moves in downtown to replace them. Come quickly, there’s a small staff down here eager to find new second homes.