Monday, August 31, 2009

Schimmel's in Chapter 11

Update: Mr. Schimmel made a very good comment. Scroll down in the comments section, it wil be under "Jay". Gave us a peek at what we can expect from Schimmels and what is going on with his restaurant right now.



Unfortunately for Jackson, Schimmel's filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May (The majority of money owed is for taxes.). I hate seeing this happen as I like to see local establishments such as this one succeed. Mr. Schimmel placed his bet on Fondren and blazed the trail others have followed. In some ways, Mr. Schimmel was the birth of the Fondren Renaissance and I hope the community will support his restaurant. When Schimmel's opened, there was no Auditorium or Fondren after Five and the 2906 building was a fading hulk of concrete and steel. Hopefully Schimmel's will enjoy its own Reniassance. Mr. Schimmel placed his bet on Jackson, its time for us to return the favor.

Note: SCHIMMEL'S IS OPEN!!!



Copy of BK petition

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

what a shame! It is a great resturant, but as we have seen as of late - ALL is moving to Rennaissance area...Ruth/Chris, Mint, AJ's etc.

Anonymous said...

Really? All? Nick's just announced it is locating to Fondren. What about Sal & Mookies, Walker's, and as Kinfish noted, the Auditorium? What about the numerous other establishments, old and new, in Fondren? What about the Ramey Agency which came back from the Parkway to locate in Fondren?

Anonymous said...

I don't even like the Fondren area but some of the eateries are quite good.....Que Sera Sera, Roosters, Etc.

Anonymous said...

What a great restaurant? is that a joke? The food has been average to poor since it opened. I can't tell you have many chances I gave Shimmel's before I stopped eating there. Now if you rate the place by the bar, then yes, it is cool. The actual structure is very nicely done as well. But the food was terribly average and the service was spotty at best. People vote with their feet, inspired by the gut, when it come to dining out. I am surprised that it lasted this long to be honest.

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to Nick's opening in Fondren, should be nice. I use to eat there when it was a Morrison's.

Anonymous said...

true- food not that great- Never was! Just another watering hole-

Anonymous said...

Kingfish, please make sure that everyone realizes that Schimmels is still open!! Jay spent money in Fondren when no one else was doing so.

Anonymous said...

Just another watering hole.

The size of this market is regularly over-estimated. There is only so much disposable income to go around.

Anonymous said...

The restaurant biz has been trending down since 2004.

National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index
Values Greater than 100 = Expansion; Values Less than 100 = Contraction
Source: National Restaurant Association

Anonymous said...

while I agree that there is only so much to go around, ever try to eat at Walker's on a weekend, or weeknight? It is packed and you should have a reservation. The quality of the food is the most important aspect of dining, which schimmels sorely lacked. Nice place, great bar, bad food, that is what people I know think. A restaurant cannot stay open as a "bar crowd" only and survive.

Andrew said...

Personal anecdote: I tried to book a private party for my wife's surprise bday there in February. It was a 14 person deal, so there was some money to be had in it.

I called Schimmel's first because I wanted to give them the first bite. The saleswoman was absolutely disinterested. I was trying to get a feel for their space, their minimum prices, etc. She told me the per person minimum, and didn't go into any detail about ways it could be made more special, which I asked for.

I then called Mint, and they went the extra mile, helped set it up, offered to do different things for free.

Mint was a shade more expensive, but we went there because they tried harder.

Schimmel's didn't try to get our money. We ended up spending around $2600.

Schimmel's kind of reminded me of those restaurants on that Fox show with Gordon Ramsey where the people's restaurants were dying and he came in to straighten them out.

I think it's unfortunate, but I wouldn't blame the economy or the area as much as I would blame the owner.

QB said...

On a different note, Underground 119 is pretty awesome.

Autogyro said...

Tell us about Underground 119, QB. I understand the menu has a Cuban slant. Is that right?

Anonymous said...

Quit blaming the economy !! Other restaurants in that area are doing well. The owner let alot of inappropriate behavior go on upstairsin its earlier days that ran alot of people off. Also, the food was average at best.......

Anonymous said...

The newest trend at Schimmels is for people to order five course dinners, leave a few dollars in the book and DIP! Server has to pay the check, and obviously quits. Not to mention the patrons now have the "english mentality" whereas- they leave no tip at all, which once again means, waiter quits. It's really hard finding help when you're employees are hired and quit like their "revolving door."

Anonymous said...

Underground 119

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009908200317

Anonymous said...

Don't blame the economy? LMAO

Anonymous said...

First and last time we went to Schimmels, the bartender lifted our credit card number and went on a large spending spree that evening.

Anonymous said...

I have heard numerous people say the food at Schimmel's is not good and that the service was terrible...

Anonymous said...

this reminds me of the joke about the restaurant where the food was terrible but thankfully the service was slow......

Anonymous said...

The food isn't any good and the service is at best, not very good at times.

Anonymous said...

Didn't Karen Irby get into a cat scratch fight there with some other fruitloop?

Anonymous said...

Speaking of Mint, I have tried it several times and have been left dissapointed and broke. It seems it is nothing more than another bar that serves average and expensive food. As for Ruth Chris, the price fixed three course menu has proven it is suffering and probably won't survive. But hey, you gotta pay Mattice his money, that is some way overprice real estate.

Anonymous said...

I certainly wouldn't blame this closing on the economy. When the owner's wife is starting fights in the restaurant, who wants to go back?

Anonymous said...

Why is Begley handling this? He's not a bankruptcy attorney.

Hookah said...

We were in Chattanooga vacationing last week and drove through a part of town that reminded us of Fondren.

Once we arrived at the restaurant we had a reservations for our waiter asked if traffic on the interstates were bad due to construction--I told him the route I took downtown and he proceeded to tell us we had driven through one of Chattanooga's worst ghettos.

I said, "Well damn--place looked just like Fondren to me."

Anonymous said...

Fondren is an ideological ghetto.

QB said...

Autogyro, nothing I've had at 119 is really "cuban." Nor is it a true tapas menu. Instead, it is a mixture of small plates. Crab cake and lamb lollipops were very good.

Anonymous said...

Of course there are those who think Fondren is "ghetto." Probably because there are no fake columns or "fancy" water features.

Autogyro said...

Thanks, QB (and Anon 4:47) for the clarification on Underground 119.

An old Jacksonian told me the Underground location orginally housed the old LeFleur's Restaurant before it moved out to the I-55 frontage road in the 1960s. That was quite a place back in the day.

Unknown said...

Kingfish,
Schimmel's is not out of the game yet! We, have made the commitment to "Reorganize" under Ch.11and focus on a way to modify the concept and still be a desirable venue. No restaurant is perfect, but our reputation has been built on a higher percetage of successes than failures.

The choice to 'Reorg" also provides the opportunity to sort out a solution, rather than run from passed obligations. Successful business owners never quit...they find another way!

A business has to learn to swerve with the curves of the economy, competition, quality of its product, and consistency of how its delivered.

While many of the positive comments are appreciated only a fool would not listen to the negative. Some have some merit, others not so much.

In closing, There are several points I would like to convey...
1) In the end, the buck stops with me and my ability to make this restaurant work...not the economy, perceptions of naysayers, or kudos from loyal guests.

2) We have been open 11 years and have been late on taxes and met our past obligations. There is no reason not to expect resolution this time as well.

3) We look forward to posting our new model for casual fine dining for your bloggers to read..and comment..anonymous or not.

4) The passion and desire to be an establishment that is a symbol of the new south...commitment to the city..and first class experience (as stated in Southern Living, Esquire Magazine, Taste Of the South, Portico....to name just a few) is alive and well.

We hit a few bumps in the road...and tried to decifer what was in our control to change....and not to focus on the variables out of our reach.

We look forward to the opportunity to show a bright new look very soon....Thank you so much for the positive comments and acknoledgments. I appreciate the opportunity to respond. js

Kingfish said...

Dayumn. OK guys, give the Big J credit for showing some brass ones and showing up here to update us on his restaurant. Hope it works. Sorry Jay, but we already sent in your restaurant to Chef R's tv show. TV never hurt anyone and seeing the Chef operate down here would be funny. ;-) All kidding aside there is one thing you could do that would really work here but I'm not about to put it on a website.

Thanks for your comments and I'm going to highlight them in the post so everyone can see them.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Jay for the update! Kudos to you for communicating.

Anonymous said...

Had lunch there today and it was not a pleasant experience. They were out of several of the things on the menu, the chicken salad was not ready, the server was not very nice or prompt. There were only 6 other people in the place. The hostess was very cheerful, which so much more than I can say of our server. Not an experience that I would wish to repeat. There are many more choices in area.

Anonymous said...

you will fail with your current attitude toward the customer. The chef is always right mentality doesn't work here, mabey in New York, but not here.

stilettoGOP said...

Wow, I thought it said a lot that he would get on here, own it, and explain what's going on. To me that showed he cared very much. But, "MAYBE" I'm wrong..

Anonymous said...

talk the talk-then- WALK THE WALK!

Anonymous said...

I give the guy credit. I do hope he focuses on that famous Ray Kroc formula - Value is equal to Quality Service and Experience relative to Price. Know many successful restaurants that execute this strategy and if he does those simple things, he will be back in the saddle, but also needs to focus on food...not just drinks.

Anonymous said...

Hats off to Jay for responding to the comments - both positive and negative. I agree that he invested in and made a commitment to Fondren before anyone else. I have never had a bad meal at Schimmel's nor have I had bad service. I will say it was a little pricey for Jackson. I love the food, but when given a choice, I will choose somewhere else with a cheaper price tag. I look forward to Jay's new approach, wish him well, and ask for the folks that don't like Fondren (or Jackson) to stay away and keep quiet. More for us!

Anonymous said...

Jay:

Could I have your email address?

Unknown said...

Thank you for allowing me post and respond to folks that have opinions...both good and bad. I welcome any constructive criticism from anyone anonymous or known that feels compelled to do so. My restaurant was a dream that started 11 years ago and all my proverbial eggs are in this basket. While an owner cannot necessarily build a new business model strictly by what the public sees from the outside looking in.....the publics perception is reality and it must be considered...and will be!

I like what one blogger said...and I live my life by it ....talk the talk ...walk the walk...Another motto is not to rely on the past...but.."What have you done lately"

Thanks for the feedback ....and I really appreciate all of ya'll making me and my business feel relevant. It is energizing to say the least....take care and you will see me sooner...rather than not at all!

Should anyone want to comment directly...jcsfinedine@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Jay you are a class act. Stay above the small nameless, cowards that bitch, but offer NOTHING themselves.

Join NOTHING, do NOTHING, volunteer NOTHING, invest NOTHING, CONTRIBUTE NOTHING.

You rock.

stilettoGOP said...

After seeing that from Jay S, I'll be making a stop soon to Schimmels. Have always liked it, just have had SO many choices to check out lately, so guess haven't been in a while, perhaps the case with others as well.

There's a dish there definitely worth wrecking your diet ;) - something, tenderloin, grits, and apple. was awesome. Anyhow, will be there soon! Best of luck.

Twittatron3000 said...

I agree Jay. You rock.

But stay away from the local grist miller's trap that people who post here join nothing, do nothing, volunteer nothing, invest nothing and contribute nothing as that 'near stroke' crowd just don't know how very little they don't know.

Anonymous said...

Schimmels food is awful- service is awful and prices are to high for something that taste like sysco.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Kingfish said...

All right, has nothing to do with this post or thread. Keep it on Schimmels.

Denise said...

Anonymous,

This is Denise Schimmel and I was Jay's wife when you made the unfounded comments and still consider Jay to be a dear friend. I have NEVER engaged in a "fight" or anything similar inside Schimmel's restaurant or outside the restaurant. If I have ever been rude to someone, there was cause and you can rest assured on that. I can only remember twice having to be rude and it was probably to you. Jay and I both worked so hard to keep that restaurant alive, Jay much more than me. We sacrificed time away from our children and familiy many times that you were spending holidays with your family. Jay was/is an amazing man and entrpreneur and I feel certain you will hear of his success elsewhere in this country someday. Please don't be a coward and anonymously make comments on this website. Feel free to reach out to me directly at your earliest convenience. Deniseschimmel@yahoo.com.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.