[sperry]

...Bully's.

http://www.rgj.com/article/20091208/BIZ/91208040

Bully’s Sports Bar & Grill, which operates 13 outlets across Northern Nevada, has filed for bankruptcy protection but plans to operate as usual in the meantime.

Owner Paul Sonner said today the impact from the state’s ban on public indoor smoking, timed with the recession’s pinch on consumers, has forced him to seek Chapter 11 reorganization.

Nevada voters in the 2006 general election approved the smoking ban in most public places with the exception of casino floors and bars that don’t serve food.

Sonner countered with several “Smokin’ Bully’s” establishments nearby his Bully’s restaurants where smokers could order food and have it delivered.

But it has been an expensive endeavor, he said, and no one realized the coming impact of the recession.

“Just when we were able to get back much of what we lost, when we were finally able to get back on our feet, the economy hit us,” he said. “It’s tough.”

In recent years, Sonner’s landlords have upped rent on his properties by as much as 12 percent, he said, but the recession has prompted re-negotiations and that has helped his bottom line.

He said he will continue to operate his nine Bully’s and four Smokin’ Bully’s outlets.
Aside from layoffs a year or so ago, Sonner said he has not had, nor does he anticipate, cutting his staff of 300 further amid bankruptcy.

“We told our employees their jobs are safe,” he said. “We’re in a pretty good position now staff-wise. I don’t see anyone else being laid off.”

In fact, he said, he’s bullish on the coming year.

“I think 2010 will be a good year for us,” he said. “I predict it will be our best year. We’ve done a lot for this community, and I think the community will back us.”