A notice posted on the closed doors of The Runway by B’Sharas announces that “effective immediately the restaurant is closed.” (Photo by Carl E. Hartdegen)
WESTFIELD – The restaurant and lounge at Barnes Regional Airport closed abruptly this week and the appearance of the premises doesn’t suggest that it’s going to reopen.
A notice on the door of The Runway by B’Sharas, on the letterhead of Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport over the name of airport manager Brian P. Barnes, says “effective immediately the restaurant is closed.”
A customer said that the restaurant had been open on Wednesday but was closed Thursday.
A rental moving truck was seen parked near the restaurant, which had occupied space in the municipally owned terminal building since early in 2008, about 4:30 p.m. Thursday evening.
City police report that the airport manager asked them Thursday morning to observe the condition of the rented space before it was vacated. Officers report no unusual damage was seen and by midday Friday a peek through the windows showed only the detritus of the restaurant, mostly cardboard produce boxes.
The interior of The Runway by B’Sharas seen through a window shows that the restaurant is empty and not likely to reopen any time soon. (Photo by Carl E. Hartdegen)
An inquiry at the Airport Manager’s office was referred to the city’s Law Department where a spokesperson declined comment due to the ongoing litigation.
In investigation at Westfield District Court revealed that Paul B’Shara, the listed representative of the family restaurant, failed to appear at a Thursday hearing for an eviction proceeding.
Since B’Shara defaulted at the hearing, an order to take possession was issued to the landlord, the City of Westfield.
However, the court subsequently revoked the order, apparently due to a procedural issue which has not yet been documented in the public record.
Thus, it appears that the city is obliged to return control of the property to Paul B’Shara , if he demands it, until further court action resolves the issue.
But, it would appear to be unlikely that B’Shara would return to the airport to claim the property for the restaurant as it would have to be recreated since the space has been emptied.
