MASON CITY – A local eatery has closed, and some are seeking answers as to how to redeem valid gift certificates.
The Whiskey Creek restaurant, located at 1519 4th Street SW in Mason City, abruptly closed late Tuesday. It had been reported in other local media that it would stay open through Wednesday.
Reportedly, the owner, Jay Kavigne, simply made a “business decision” to close up. It was said the food ran out Tuesday and the doors were locked.
Heidi Johnson, the Whiskey Creek LLC franchise systems administrator in Kearney Nebraska said Wednesday afternoon that “We just found out at 2 PM,” that Mr. Kavigne’s restaurant had closed.
As the restaurant shuttered late Tuesday – apparently a day early – a local man who has been a Whiskey Creek patron for many years is wondering what to do with his $150.00 Gift Card from this establishment.
“I’ve had this card for over a year, and haven’t yet used it,” the man said. “I read on NorthIowaToday.com that Whiskey Creek would be closing on Wednesday. So on Tuesday – late afternoon – I tried to go online, to get the phone number. But the website indicated that the place was, quote, Permanently Closed’.”
The man called the Whiskey Creek coporate offices (308-234-2757) in Kearney, Nebraska, and was assured that all Whiskey Creek gift cards were redeemable at any of the company’s franchises. “But,” he said, “Who wants to drive out of state just to use a damn gift card? Had I known that they were actually still open yesterday afternoon, I’d have gone in and gotten full value.”
Ms. Johnson says that anyone with a Whiskey Creek gift certificate could redeem it at another Whiskey Creek restaurant. Problem is, the closest ones are in Nebraska, South Dakota and Kansas.
“Or, you could call Mr. Kavigne himself,” she offered.
A call to the restaurant (641-423-4000) rang and went unanswered.
You redneck idiots are so funny Obama responsible for people who font want to work and the closing of whiskey creek? Lots of druggie and thief and lazy people are reason why. The man had 32 people under him so doubt that’s why and the dude whining about gift card you had a year to use it that’s your own fault you big baby.
Mercy Medical Center is rumored to be linked to this situation.
I’ve heard that too. The hospital has money it needs to get rid of.
Whiskey Creek is a prime property right in the middle of Mercy’s long term expansion plan. The good sisters want all the real estate between Mcdonald’s and Yes Way, just look at their investment in that area already. Regional Health Care is this city’s future and more property comes off the tax roles.
We also have a small unused gift card balance for Whiskey Creek but we’re not complaining. It was our fault for not getting in there to use it. We had plenty of time. We just don’t go out to eat very often. The Kavignes are wonderful people and we wish them the best for the future.
Jay was awesome. This wasn’t a wake up and close situation. I have known Jay for 30 years. He did all he could. Maybe if you had used that gift card they would still be open. The problem in this industry is lack of quality employees. It’s easier to sit on your butt and collect government money. So I blame Obama and his lack of ability to run a country. Get your money from that worthless sack of crap.
It’s Obama’s fault that the food was sub par and overpriced compared to other choices in Mason? Jay closed the restaurant due to not being able to find enough employees to stay open?
We have eaten there many times, and, always found the food to be very good as was the service. To many regulations by the Obama freaks are killing small business.
He should sell it at a discount on Craigs List in one of the states that has a resturant.
Excellent idea!
Thank your liberal demorats and their ever increasing laws to snuff out the hard working private sector – welfare welfare – they think government hand outs are the solution to everything – Clinton Foundation is nothing more than a Demorat mafia. 25% of Iowa counties are sanctuary counties for illegal immigrants and approved by the demoratic party. SICK!
So it is Obama’s fault that a restaurant in Mason City, Iowa closed its doors?
Jay Kavigne is a awesome man. He has supported tons of kids and their teams over the last 30 years. Sponsoring their little league teams, traveling teams, dance teams, cheerleaders, etc…. He has allowed squads to do car washes in his parking lot. He has been all in for Mason City. I wish more business owners could say they did half as much for MC as Jay has. Sad that Whiskey Creek had to close. Jay, your legacy will live on in the memories of all the kids you have helped!!!! Thank You JAY!!!!
I wish i would have known this. I would have made a point of frequenting his establishment more frequently.
I thought this property would close even sooner when they did 5 years ago they were giving away pulled pork meals at Roller City… I knew it would just be a matter of time… they pulled a copy cat like “Golden Corral”
Ha! Ha! sucks to be you man! I cannot believe that you were dumb enough to let this happen I wonder how many times you drove by the property in the past knowing you had the gift card. You don’t have any sympathy from me but just a coward move on your part DWI!!!
Good luck to the owner and his wife on the next chapter of their life. I’m surprised that this location couldn’t of stayed open under new owners tho. I understand wanting to do something else but I thought that he has spent a lot of time, money, and effort in this venture to just abruptly walk away? You would think that someone would be interested in buying that established business.
This happens quite often with restaurant chains. The franchise fees keep going up, until the managers can’t afford it. We ate at the restaurant at least once a month, and always had good food. The margaritas were quite tasty. Sorry to see it close.
I miss the Country Kitchen!
Maybe not wait a year
That sucks, I have a couple of gift cards also. I thought their food was good!
Their food sucked
The food was terrible, first time it tasted like they dropped it in the fire – ashy. The second time it was slightly less ashy but, still not worth the price.
No loss that it closed down – just surprised it took this long.
Their steaks had this odd sour taste that never grew on me, but they always seemed busy, so surprised to hear they closed.
Damn instead of bitching, explore the countryside and leave your safe space and see a different state. Whine whine whine.
Travel out of state just to eat at a restaurant? Your mother should have swallowed you when she had the chance.
Oh my bad, I forgot people are too damn lazy to get off their butts to see what America has to offer. Plus guy had a year to use card, must have been to lazy again to get off his father ass and you it. And to your answer about my mother maybe yours should have took it up the ass dipshit.