Providence's Liberty Elm Diner Needs Help Today

[Holly Moore]

Due to delinquent taxes The Liberty Elm Diner in Providence (777 Elmwood Ave) could be forced to close its doors tomorrow (Friday).

The Liberty Elm Diner is one of the old original Worcester Dining Car Company diners. They do a lot of good for their neighborhood. Besides committing to replanting trees on Elmwood Ave, the diner has employed youth from the Institute & Practice for Nonviolence and held neighborhood trash cleanups.

They have a fallen into the same trap as many struggling restaurants - getting behind on their sales taxes and ignored the warning notices. Yesterday they were informed that the state would close them down tomorrow, Friday, unless they pay part of the past due taxes - $5000 for now.

They are open today until 8 PM. It would be great if Providence locals stop by for dinner or to buy a gift certificate.

There is hope. They are getting a lot of publicity. Last week they won Rhode Island Monthly's Reader's Poll for "Best Diner in Providence," and are set to be featured on Guy Fieri's next season of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." He filmed there this past Tuesday.

Yes they should have paid their taxes. It is money held in trust. But sometimes the cash just isn't there. It is easy to slip. Food is probably COD. Employees need to be paid or they walk. Electric bills must be paid or the power is turned off. You pay what you can, when you can. And since most taxing authorities let things slide for quite a while, it is too tempting for a business in trouble to let taxes slide.

The owner filed her tax returns regularly, without payment, in the hope that when push came to shove they would let her work out a payment plan the business can afford.

A lot of people in Providence are joining in to help save the Liberty Elm Diner. It is a business worth saving.

Edited July 30, 2009 by Holly Moore (log)

[johnnyd]

The Diner is still open and only needs $5k to cover debts by August 28th. Do drop by if you are in the area.

[Chris Amirault]

Big article with Guy Fieri in the ProJo about Liberty Elm. Never thought I'd be glad to see that guy show up in town....