BOULDER CLOSES BEER SHOP’S TAB
World of Beer’s eviction from its Pearl Street premises over the weekend took many by surprise, but news reports indicate several recent closings across the country.
The Tampa, Fla.-based chain was evicted by Conscience Bay, which owns the Tenth and Pearl building that encompasses 919-951 Pearl St., for $116,163.66 in back rent.
“We were disappointed to learn that the franchise owner of the World of Beer location in Boulder has not met his financial obligations with his landlord,” company officials said in a statement. “Boulder has been wonderful in embracing WOB with sales meeting site expectations.
“We are hopeful the franchisee reconciles his financial commitments and will continue to serve the community of Boulder.”
Records with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office indicate the location was owned by franchisee Jason Rappaport, who has four other franchises nationwide.
Rappaport could not be reached for comment Monday.
At a $15,594.84 monthly lease rate, the sum represents more than seven months’ unpaid rent — nearly the entire time the restaurant was in operation.
The lease started in April 2015, and World of Beer opened in May of this year following extensive renovations.
“We did try to work with them,” said Conscience Bay president Ben Woolf. “We tried to be as supportive as we could, but at the end of the day, this is where we are.”
Woolf declined further comment on his tenant’s struggles, but an online search reveals news reports and Yelp reviews for 20 shuttered locations since 2012 — more than a third of the current 77 stores.
At least 10 of those closures came this year, including the World of Beer in downtown Denver at 1555 Blake St., which closed in February.