March 17, 2020

Dear Friends, 

Anyone who knows me knows I am direct and believe in open and honest communication. I’ve always considered that the best policy, though it’s needed now more than ever — from the highest levels of leadership, down to the everyday citizen.

After much consultation and hand wringing, I made a decision today to not reopen Blackbook until we can ensure it is a safe place for our guests and employees. 

The intimacy of our space and our communal table concept just doesn’t allow for adequate ‘social distancing’. Yes, there are ways we could modify our seating to meet the letter of the law, but we want to meet it in spirit as well.

We explored moving to a delivery/pick-up model but our small kitchen makes that challenging. It’s something we’re still trying to figure out.

Most importantly, I’m responsible for a staff of 25 people who mean the world to me. Their wellbeing is paramount. Paradoxically enough, closing Blackbook until the worst of this crisis is behind us gives them more options and stability than if we were to stay open in some different incarnation. So that’s what we’re going to do.

When we started Blackbook, we set out to build an inclusion bar where everyone is welcome and can befriend people in a fun, positive environment. It’s heartbreaking not to be here to serve our neighbors and friends during this unsettling time. But we’ll be back, and we hope you will be too.

Please make this time away from each other special. Read that book you keep putting off. Get to know your loved ones better. Help a neighbor in need. Grow.

Stay safe.

Dean