Residents React To Ross & Co. Closure In Hatboro

HATBORO, PA — Residents are reacting to the news last week that Ross & Co. closed its doors permanently after the restaurant and bar lasted only a year in business.

Ross & Co. was expected to be a crown jewel for a business community hoping to reap the benefits of a housing boom with two apartment projects planned in the York Road business district.

But owner Bob Ross told Patch that he couldn't keep the business afloat. So Ross & Co. shut its doors last Monday, and Ross put the business up for sale.

Commenters posted their thoughts on the Patch story on the Hatboro-Horsham Patch Facebook page, everything from stating that the space was too big to getting no support from the borough.

"Oh no...another one bites the dust! What's with this town?" one commenter said.

"I think the problem is it's a huge space and they were never packed, and even when there were a lot of people there was still a lot of empty tables. I’m thinking rent was too high to sustain that much space and turn a profit," another commenter stated.

Ross appeared before the Hatboro Borough Council last November, practically begging for help. Ross threatened to shutter operations if he didn't receive help from borough officials at the Nov. 18 council meeting.

He was joined by other business owners who hoped the government could provide support as they struggled to find their feet.

"The Patch clearly says he begged for help within the borough and received none," another commenter said of Ross's appearance before the council. "He literally asked for help before he made these decisions. It’s in black-and-white. He didn’t wanna do this, but he was forced to."

Ross has 45 years in the restaurant business, including 19 years with TGIF.

Ross took over the GypsyBlu Amber location in June 2020 during the pandemic and has the business thriving, winning numerous Best of Montgomery County restaurant awards.

Ross had worked with borough officials to become a part of its First Friday event, hoping to draw more customers to a section for outside dining.

Mayor Tim Schultz told Patch last week that he was disappointed with the closure, but felt that the borough had done the best that it could to help Ross & Co.

"This location just has such crazy luck," another commenter said.

Before Ross & Co. opened, 58 South York Road was the home of Bernie's restaurant. Bernie's closure came just after a raid by state authorities last year for a liquor license violation.

Several new businesses have opened in Hatboro recently to replace those that have closed.

Businesses are hoping to get a boost with the arrival of two new apartment complexes on York Road: A 36-apartment complex nearing completion and another that recently began construction.

Another commenter expressed disappointment that borough officials aren't doing enough.

"Those who are running the borough clearly do not listen to other voices," another commenter stated. "It’s a shame because we all deserve a town that cares, and clearly those who meet about improvements to the borough are not invested in new business or residents."