07/16/2025
Hi Creekside Folks!
This might be kinda long. Just not sure how to shorten it any more than it is and still be informative.
First, I would like to say that there have been a lot of happenings in between the lines for both parties. This has been a long journey, and it is not over. It would take a novel to proceed with every little detail and reasoning behind every decision that has been or will be made. Much less, I can’t speak for the other party involved. I ask that folks not come to their own conclusions as there are lots of details not included in this post for both sides.
I know everyone has been wondering about the happenings or lack of at Creekside. I couldn’t give you updates as I had none to give until recently.
So, this is the short of the story:
The damage to Creekside was wind driven water damage. To sum it up, the water damage was a result of the wind removing several pieces of flashing off the roof along with the hood vent for the grill was blown off its foundation leaving these areas open for the rain to enter and drain down. The left side of the building is where damage occurred. Miraculously, as far as I am aware, we had no water damage from the river rising.
During the discussion with the building owner about the damage from Hurricane Helene, I found out that they were not carrying insurance since sometime in May 2024. I was insured for the upgraded side of the building (The back Porch and dining room in which there was no damage) and my property (equipment, etc.). (My claim has not paid out as of this date, and is still in negotiations)
Since Helene, a lot has happened. The owners and I tried to sit and work it out together on our own and we decided we could use some professional ideas. So, we voluntarily entered mediation with an attorney and came close to an agreement. Unfortunately, they became uncomfortable with the possible agreement we had discussed in that meeting and backed away. The decision was made that attorneys were needed for both parties.
During all this time, the owner has had 2 knee surgeries with complications he was able to struggle through. Then suddenly in late February, he became extremely ill and was fighting for his life. I can’t give you any details as I wasn’t privy to that information as attorneys were involved at that point. The only information I knew was what was coming down the “mountain chain” that goes around. I do know it was life threatening and he was in and out of the hospital for months. I may not have been able to communicate with them personally, but I sure did send a bunch a prayers up for him and his family.
Finally, on July 7th after numerous attempts for voluntary mediation, He was healthy enough to be able to attend a zoom mediation meeting complete with attorneys and a certified mediator. Unfortunately, it ended in an impasse, meaning no agreement could be reached.
What I do know after mediation is that they are not interested in leasing to Creekside Market any longer. The offer to sell was at a price that I find unacceptable and unrecoverable. I came to this conclusion by taking several things into consideration: believing the market value was way off along with the flood zone and the risk of possible septic failures in the future as it cannot be repaired. As much as my heart wants to continue, I would be crazy to pay their price.
After all, in the end, it is worth the price the owner believes it is worth.
For my part, I have not taken lightly the decisions I have made. They have been hard and heartbreaking. I am sure they feel the same way.
To lose friendships is a very sad thing but at times unavoidable. No matter the heartbreak.
My heart has been heavy these past months. My staff and my community depended on me to be there and get back open. The love and support I have been shown is truly amazing. I still receive requests from you to open back up. The amount of support both emotionally and financially this community showed the Cedar Mountain businesses during our fundraiser and hardship has been unbelievably incredible. I have used my portion to stay in good standing with some of Creekside recurring debt so that reopening could be a possibility and go smoother. I guess God has a different plan…
My staff, Kimberly Thomas, Jen Whitmire, Cindy Nicholson, Elisa Pace, Meg Gandolfo, Chloe Chamberlain, James Bowers and Bryson Bess and I would like to thank you for all of the incredible memories made here over the years. As a community you have watched us evolve and grow from a small wayside store and grill into a true community destination that always felt like home. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for that support. We want you to know we love our people and miss you dearly.
For our folks across the county, country and yes, the world, we will truly miss seeing your children jumping out of the car, running to the river to play, leaving the car doors open. Lol
For all our folks who made friends, met their partner, had wedding receptions, Birthday, anniversary, or just special occasions. Our couples who married here, to the couple who had us turn Creekside into an Italian Bistro just for a night! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!! We would love to serve you all over again and make more beautiful memories!
To all of you Saturday Night “Live after 5” folks
What an Amazing journey! Lol
To those of you who may not know, Dave and Teri started Creekside Market in 2009. Thanks to them, “Music came back to Cedar Mountain”. I came aboard in 2012 after Teri had some health issues. I managed Creekside and Dave went to work for Jeff. It was shortly after that when my mother volunteered her time to help me out there (it was just me way back then) that she named Saturday nights “Live after 5”. So, when I purchased Creekside Market on January 11th, 2016, I just tried to carry on with the tradition.
Wow, if we had an entire weekend to tell stories about Saturday nights, I don’t think there would be a silent moment. Led Zeppelin sang something similar to this….” Good times, Bad times, you know we’ve had our share.”
And I wouldn’t have it any other way!!
With all this being said, If you know me……I don’t give up!!!
I may be done at 8960 Greenville Hwy, but does that really mean I’m done?
Humm……...maybe…. maybe not………. We’ll see…..
