Corrected to include Quarry Ponds Cafe as a current tenant, not Toast
Molly Hawks says she isn't worried about her namesake restaurant flying the coop. A notice of default, the first step in the foreclosure process, was filed recently against Quarry Ponds LLC, owners of the Granite Bay shopping center which houses Hawks Restaurant.
Quarry Ponds also includes such eateries as Pizza Antica, Quarry Ponds Cafe and a Peet's Coffee as tenants.
Molly Hawks, however, plans for business to continue as usual while her landlord's financial matters are settled. And that's good news for local foodies who've come to enjoy Hawks Restaurant for its seasonal American cuisine and thoughtful wine list.
"We're just looking forward and hoping that any changes are for the best," says Hawks, who owns the restaurant with husband Michael Fagnoni. "It's been a rough year for us personally, but things are looking great for the holiday season. We're hoping that if there's a reorganization that it's an opportunity to bring in some new tenants and revitalize the center."
According to foreclosures.com, Quarry Ponds LLC is delinquent on $1,562,508 from a 2007 loan for $19.2 million.
Quarry Ponds opened in 2007 as a five-acre retail development modeled after European-style shopping centers. Hawks Restaurant has been a tenant from the start, known for its impeccable food presentation and emphasis on regionally sourced ingredients.
Yet these are tough times for independently owned restaurants, not to mention local shopping centers in general. According to research from Colliers International, the retail vacancy rate for Roseville/Rocklin shopping centers hovers at 13.6 percent - up from 13.2 percent in 2009's first financial quarter.
But for now, Molly Hawks plans to keep the meals coming.
"As far as we're concerned, we have too much invested to go anywhere," she says. "But we still need everyone to support us on a regular basis. Please think about local family businesses."
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.