Reason for Haskells Closing Still Unclear

A former staffer at the recently shuttered Eddie Haskell’s Patio & Grill in Rogers says the last day the business was open was Jan. 10.

The next day, the locks were changed, bringing to an end five years of doing business and putting numerous employees out of a job without warning.

Rick Harris, the owner and general manager of the upscale restaurant/night spot, has not responded to telephone and email messages from the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal seeking comment.

But one of his former employees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said staff members and even management were caught off guard by the closure.

“And even then [Harris] told us they would be open [again] soon, just as soon as the lease was renegotiated,” the staffer said. “But who changes the locks if you’re renegotiating a lease? Or even just a day late with the rent?

“He just didn’t give us a heads’ up or anything. Which is pretty [unfair]. He employed a lot of students and several single moms.”

The employee also said there was speculation at the restaurant that Harris fell behind on making lease payments. It is also worth noting that in the fall of 2011, the restaurant stopped regular lunch service during the week.

Harris was leasing the approximately 4,900-SF space on the first floor of The Shoppes at Pinnacle Hills from Hunt Ventures.

Its spokesman, John George, did not comment on Eddie Haskell’s exit, citing a policy of not discussing its tenants.

He did say that a well-known, independent restaurant group in Fayetteville is close to moving into the space, which still is fully stocked with furniture, fixtures, equipment, etc. from the previous tenant.

“They will probably open within the next 30 to 45 days and it will be a great addition for us,” George said.