Another downtown Bakersfield business is closing, but don't expect another boarded up store front. The stage is set for a new business to move in its place. Business for the café in the Spotlight Theater lobby has been slow, but the theater is doing better than ever.
The theater's director says the show must go on, and he is looking for local entrepreneurs to come forward with ideas for a new casual café.
Several loyal customers were surprised the unique lunchtime favorite has to throw in the towel after six years.
"I'm really sad," customer Joyce Hulen told 17 News. "There are other places to eat but its not the same ambience."
Café owner Jan Fulton says she has to pull the plug just two days before Christmas.
"Things were looking pretty good this summer and even through september but October, things just sort of fell off a cliff," Fulton explained.
The café sits in the lobby of the Spotlight Theater where ironically, business couldn't be better.
"Right now, we're probably going through the most successful time period," Spotlight Theater artistic director Hal Friedman said. "This fall has been packed house after packed house."
The theater plans to mix it up, making it a café and concession stand, but don't expect the menu to go to the wayside. Friedman says,"It won't be chicken fingers and pizza" but something "more high class."
Friedman says several people have come forward with ideas, and he wants more Bakersfield entrepreneurs to try out for the part. He hopes the new café can work in partnership, helping to finance the theater.
"We're looking for anyone with an idea, so any local business person who is running a cafe, if they want to throw their hat in the ring, we want to hear from you," Friedman said.
The Spotlight Café will be open through Dec. 23, and owner Jan Fulton encourages everyone to come and say goodbye.
