When The Shack shut its doors on May 18, many Kapa‘a-area residents weren’t quite sure what to make of it. Those new to the area, such as Chicago native Jeff Igou, expressed concern that their neighborhood bar was no more.
When The Shack shut its doors on May 18, many Kapa‘a-area residents weren’t quite sure what to make of it. Those new to the area, such as Chicago native Jeff Igou, expressed concern that their neighborhood bar was no more.
“I can’t believe it’s gone,” he said last week. “I tried to go there Friday night.”
He was two nights too late.
Others say it’s happened before, and sooner or later someone will come in and open it back up.
Some say the building’s owners already have parties interested in the space.
Ruby Claire, The Shack’s most recent proprietor, took over in July and said the popular burger and beer joint was already deep into debt, a fact echoed by several residents and a few ex-employees.
Former general manager Rachel Windham, who quit about a month before The Shack closed, said management and ownership did everything they could to reduce the debt, and though they were somewhat successful, past-due accounts from the vendors proved too much.
“It was emotional,” Windham said. “The place opened three years ago and I was there from the beginning.”
In the end, those who either worked at or frequented The Shack—or both—can’t imagine the building will stay vacant for long.
“It will totally happen again,” Windham said. “And when it does, I wish them the best of luck.”
• Ford Gunter, staff writer, may be reached at fgunter@kauaipubco.com, or 245-3681 (ext. 251).
