Business & Tech
Ross & Co. Closes Restaurant In Hatboro
After about a year in business, the restaurant and bar closed its doors for good on Sunday night, its owner said.
Updated: 1:20 p.m. Monday
HATBORO, PA — When Bob Ross appeared before the Hatboro Borough Council last November, he practically begged for help, joining other business owners who hoped the government could provide support as they struggled to find their feet.
But the owner of GypsyBlu Amber decided to pull the plug of Ross & Co, closing the doors of the York Road business after just over a year in operation.
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"Sunday night was our last night," Ross told Patch on Monday. "It's a shame."
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.
Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
And while one 36-apartment complex is nearing completion and the other has begun construction, Ross said that "just wasn't enough," adding that the second apartment complex might be two years away from completion.
When asked why he was closing, Ross told Patch that it's "been building" and the business is now for sale.
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.
"I'm obviously disappointed," Hatboro Mayor Tim Schultz, who is also president of the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce, told Patch. "I feel like the borough tried its best. It was a great restaurant concept. I'm sorry it didn't work out."
At the council's Nov. 18 meeting, Ross threatened to shutter operations if he didn't receive help from borough officials.
Ross complained that he had received little assistance from the borough while trying to establish the business he opened in May to replace the home of the former Bernie's restaurant at 58 S. York Rd.
"Gamburg's is boarded up. You're going to have a second boarded-up business soon," Ross told the council at that meeting.
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.
It was unknown what the sale price for the business at this time.
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