[UPDATED] “I don't see Chippewa supporting itself.”

Mike Paulus |

Don Baker, 5-year resident of Chippewa Falls, building/restaurant owner, and city council member … is done. Baker has resigned from city council and has moved to California where he has family. And according to the Leader-Telegram, his two downtown Chippewa Falls businesses – including train-themed burger joint Bridge Street Station – are in foreclosure. He told the L-T that he hopes Bridge Street Station will stay open through the winter. He also said this:

  • "People don't come downtown," he said. "That part has been very frustrating, because I don't see Chippewa supporting itself. It's just not growing."

… and also …

  • "Downtown needs to change - it needs to be vibrant, it needs to be special," Baker said. "It needs an identity, and it doesn't have one today. If we don't change, we will languish."

This is sad news. We don’t take these statements lightly, coming from Baker – he gave downtown Chippewa Falls a pretty damn solid go over the past few years. He does cite the economy as the major factor for his exodus. (Opening a restaurant in any location at any time is a risky venture, and Baker got truly unlucky with the current economy.) But when he talks about Chippewa not supporting itself, you’re getting into some trickier territory.

On one hand, it’s well documented that getting people to support their downtown is like pulling teeth out of a rabid hyena. On cocaine. However, there’s part of me that wonders if Chippewa Falls was the right place for a high(ish) concept restaurant like Bridge Street. I feel like lots of people might have been put off or intimidated by the whole thing. Perhaps a more low key place would have faired better.

At any rate, Baker isn’t the first unique business owner to experience trouble in Chippewa Falls. Lillybelle Bakery, anyone? Native Bay? A pessimist might say that Chippewa is sending a message.

UPDATE: An email from Bridge Street Station general manager Judy VanGuilder:

  • I picked up the latest issue of VolumeOne and opened it to an article about Don Baker and Bridge St. Station. After I read it, I was given the impression that Bridge St. Station was closing its doors. It is just the opposite! I am the general manager at Bridge Street and I am working hard to keep the doors open. I have in fact, expanded the business hours to now include Friday and Saturday nights, midnight-3 am to cater to the late night crowd as well.
  • The fact that Don left has moved back to California, and that some of his buildings are in foreclosure, at this point, has nothing to do with the operation of the restaurant, as they are completely separate entities. Yes it is true that our location has made it difficult for us, but we are still here, still selling awesome burgers and that is the way I intend to keep it! As far as I am concerned, we are only growing and getting stronger!
  • –Judy VanGuilder, GM