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*PAT KIRBY, 15, of Wood River, protests (Photo by John Bodmon) jjAbra-K-Dabra closes pizza spots j despite desperate protest by fan *Petitions and a loyal customer who chained himself to a pole did not sway corporate officials from closing the two area Abra-K-Dabra pizza restaurants.“Economics have done us under.” Richard Krug, assistant director of food operations for K mart Corp., said today.Owned and operated by K mart, about $2 million w as spent for construction of the restaurants, one on Edw ards-ville Road in Wood River and one on Lindbergh in Fiorissant. Mo., as a test marketing operation for a possible nationwide chain.Decorated like magic castles, the restaurants featured dining, a video game area, lounge, and live magic shows.Both stores have operated in the red since opening two years ago. Krug saidToday is the last day for the Florissant store. The Wood River Abra-K-Dabra officially closed Tuesday, despite one loyal customer who chained himself to a post in the main dining room, hoping his demonstration would persuade corporate officials to keep the doorsopen.Pat Kirby. 15, of Wood River, said, “I’m down there all the time. I go down every night.” He made his decision to chain himself to the pole after an employee friend told him the store might be closing“I bought a chain and a padlock from K mart next door,” Kirby said He walked into the restaurant about 4:30 p.m.. wrapped the chain around his waist and the pole, and remained chained until about 9 p.m. when an employee found the padlock key hidden in Lhe’kitchenarea.“It seemed like that w as the only chance I had to try to keep it open. ' Kirby said. The Roxana High School student went to the restaurant regulary with friends to play the w ide variety of video games. Asked what he will do now, Kirby replied. “Stay home.”Krug said he joked with Kirby as he stood his vigil and appreciated the student’s concern. Other students in the Wrood River area tried to keep the restaurant open by circulating petitions. Kirby said “The sales just w eren't there It's unfortunate It’s the last thing we w anted to do.” Krug said of the closing The Wood River store employed about 30 people, mostly part-time Efforts will be made to relocate some employees within the K mart operation Krug said the cooking equipment and fixtures will remain at the stores, which Kmart hopes to sell.Wood River Mayor I/on Smith was saddened by the closing. “They were great folks.” he said. “I had parties out there myself. They treated you fair and the food was good ”Smith also praised the restaurant's family-type atmosphere, and said. “It makes me sad to see it go. but I'd rather see them close up than lose money.”-STEVE DICK
Newspaper Details
Alton Telegraph
Alton, Illinois, US
Wed, Dec 28, 1983
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Adam G.
USA 23 Feb 2025
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