87-year-old Old Barn restaurant closes in Burbank

This place was bought a few years ago by a couple of guys who had no experience in running a business and had trouble getting financing. They were in way over their heads. One of the partners was actually a used car salesman before he tricked a bank into loaning him money.He got rejected by about a dozen banks before he found one dumb enough to lend him money.

They had no business plan. They thought they could just sit back and collect money.

After it became apparent that they weren't attracting any customers they didn't do anything to try and change that.

They continued to take deposits even when they knew they were going bankrupt.

The place basically had turned into a dump and won't be missed.

That place really went down hill when the new owneres took over. I'm surprised it didn't close sooner.
Those guys were a couple of goofs.

My wedding was supposed to take place there. We lost our deposit. We heard the rumors back in May and they denied them. I am glad we found another place to have our wedding reception.

That place reall was a barn. Glad to see it go. Those owneres were a couple of real sleazy guys.

They thought they were bald Tom Selicks. Ha, ha.

Sad to hear the restaurant was run down by the new owners. Personally I have not dined there in nearly ten years, yet I will always have fond memories of my times eating at THE BARN. Had my first filet mignon at this place in the mid-fifties. Too bad it is gone.

A bit of enlightnment for the simple minded crucifying the owners of the Old Barn. Nine out of ten small business owners close thier doors within five years of establishing or purchasing thier business. And in these very trying economic times, this rate of failure is only likely to continue or grow. It is a shame that families and couples planning parties at the restaurant are adversely impacted by this ordeal. But keep in mind, so are the employees, loyal paitrons and owners of the Old Barn. No one wanted this to happen, most of all the latter. Taking over a 80+ year establishment doesn't mean that you are guaranteed success. Buying the Old Barn meant capital expenditures not associated with the old owner and, with the volume of customers remaining the same and in fact dwindling (remember, this was a favorite spot for aging seniors), they were bound to fail. Labeling these gentlemen as crooks is shortsighted and unjust. Casey, maybe you should feature a story on how the Old Barn had record crowds this week just before the lights were turned off and the doors shut. Where were these folks, who are so sad to see the Old Barn go, for the last three years?

Benny,you should be ashamed of yourself. If this happened to you would you still be sitting on your pedestal?

I heard the new owners banned smoking when they bought the restaurant. Then they lost their customer base.

Is this true?

Danno, this is untrue. They were totally against it, due to the fact that they knew it would affect business.

Concerned for the accused wrote:

Danno, this is untrue. They were totally against it, due to the fact that they knew it would affect business.

Yes, the owners did not support a smoking ban, but did honor it when it became law. For get danno, he's one of those right wing smoking advocates who supports anarchy in the United States.

It sounds like they're saying the Illinois smoking ban cuased this restaurant to fail.

Pam. They are not blaming the smoking ban on going out of business. I just responded to the remark that Danno wrote.

Benny, another thing. Both gentlemen managed banquet facilities for many years. One, right before they purchased The Barn and the other within a couple years. It just so happened that he was selling cars until the purchase became final. Make sure you know all the facts before you try to discredit someone. It just goes to show you dont have a clue.

I remember going to this place as a kid, haven't been there in a while and sad to see it go. Yes taking over a new business, with new debt and overcoming the "new owner" rumors is tough, but i've heard of a number of people getting burned on wedding deposits a few weeks before the wedding. For that, yes they are scum. and since when is smoking right wing?

Deposits, THEY DID NOT TAKE ANY DEPOSITS KNOWING THEY WERE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS!!!!! Unless you know the facts, which you dont, "I heard" just proves that. So keep your comments to yourself.

Unless you have been in the position of taking over and trying to save a dying business...you have no right to say people are scum or losers. Your comments (Deposits, Elizabeth, Benny.....) are unfounded and based on ignorance of the situation.

I can only hope that within your lifetimes, that you have the courage to undertake such a task....and also fail miserably so that you have the taste of what you spew right back in your know-nothing mouths.

These owners did everything they possibly could to maintain the quality of the business and save the employees jobs. Unfortunately, it did'nt work out. The owners lost ALOT trying to keep the business and it's many employees above water....but tough times dictate. Plus loyal customers showing up once a year doesn't help.

The business was dying before the new owners. That's why it was sold. Do not place the blame where it does not belong.

You three keep visiting Burger King and McDonalds and let the established businesses fall....and you have no one to point the finger at but your stupid ass selves.

Deposit lost wrote:

My wedding was supposed to take place there. We lost our deposit. We heard the rumors back in May and they denied them. I am glad we found another place to have our wedding reception.

I am SURE that you didn't lose your deposit. Quit whining and get on with your life.

Martha wrote:

That place really went down hill when the new owneres took over. I'm surprised it didn't close sooner.
Those guys were a couple of goofs.

You sound like a disgruntled ex-employee. Taco bell not working out well for you? I know who you are.

Martha wrote:

That place really went down hill when the new owneres took over. I'm surprised it didn't close sooner.
Those guys were a couple of goofs.

How is your son doing? In jail yet? Ex hosts who could not perform should not be so angry. You need to let go and possibly meds?

One of the owners has passed away Jan. 4th