Wink Woodstock Closes Its Doors

After a hectic six months in business, , the hybrid restaurant nightclub which , is permanently closing its doors. The company had been plagued by financial troubles, between the four founding partners, and on Monday, a decision was made by owners Steve Rabb and Shannon Fannin to pull the plug.

"It has been a road travelled, certainly, with many lessons learned," Fannin said in an email sent to staff that evening. "I want to personally thank you all for your hard work. I think each and everyone of you have some amazing qualities, and I have really enjoyed the relationships I have built."

In an announcement posted on Facebook early Tuesday morning, Rabb explained his decision to the restaraunt's fans and followers, citing cash flow in particular as a problem area.

"Shannon and I have decided that there is no longer a path forward for Wink. The bottom line is we just don't have the capital to sustain Wink any longer," Rabb said.

Most recently, Wink faced issues with food and beverage distributers, the high cost of liquor versus the declining sales of a slow month, and a frequently rotating staff of employees - some of whom lasted only a matter of weeks.

Rabb took to Facebook prior to the closure as well, admitting to Wink's 1,500 friends that the team had made mistakes but were eager to correct them. He opened Wink's wall to public discussion about where their weaknesses were, and welcomed suggestions on how to improve.

"We are not there yet," Rabb told followers, "but we are listening, making changes, and are committed to getting it right. We are asking that you give Wink your feedback and another chance."

Sadly, the resulting ideas would have little time to be put into effect, as word went out to employees just five days later that Wink had served its last martini.

380 Chambers St is already back on the market, with a sign inviting leasing inquiries just under Wink's vibrantly colored hours of operation - a blunt reminder of just how quickly economic life moves in Downtown Woodstock.

Noel Stogs is a former employee of Wink Woodstock.