At noon today, I spoke with Beatnix co-owner Penney Simpson, who told me the burgers and lattes shop is closing.
Beatnix served up a wide variety of tasty burgers, but it was just as well known as one of Waco's most active concert venues. However, during a recent show, Beatnix received a surprise visit from the fire marshal.
Beatnix wasn't in violation of its maximum occupancy. Simpson said there were about 50 concert goers present and the occupancy is 100. But the fire marshal still found enough technicalities to hand Beatnix some debilitating fines.
Simpson said the restaurant had just that day been given a good check-up by the city and health department when the fire marshal came calling.
But Simpson wasn't moping on Friday. Along with selling off some of her equipment to Wild Bill's Outlaw Steakhouse in West, she was making plans for the next step. Simpson and co-owner Benn Stimmel have looked at a possible new location.
Simpson said they were considering pouring their next effort into a concert venue, possibly without burgers. But an outcry from Beatnix fans convinced Simpson to continue to grill burgers.
It took Beatnix 18 months to move from Lake Shore Drive to its latest location. Simpson said she hopes it won't take as long to move into a new home. She wasn't certain if a possible new location will keep the Beatnix name or re-brand.
