08/04/2020
To our beloved community:
It is almost impossible to answer all of the emails and messages we have received asking about the status and future of Rincon Market. Please consider this an answer to this outpouring of support and accept our apologies for taking so long to address the community’s inquiries and show of support. Our efforts were duly focused on trying to find a workable solution to the market’s closure.
At the end of March, we were forced to close Rincon Market after an attempt at pivoting to a grocery only and takeout model. However, due to extreme shortages in the inventory supply chain, staff losses due to fear of infection, and the uncertainty that we would survive permanently in this new model, we decided to pause operations until we had a better understanding of the outlook and a more solid framework from which to operate. We notified our landlord who verbally confirmed that they understood that we would not be able to pay rent until we reopened. The “Default Notice” mailed to us came with a verbal explanation not to stress about it and that it was “merely a formality”.
At the end of May, we had a plan to reopen and contacted the landlord to discuss the steps moving forward and to arrange to deliver a check to catch up on all past due rent. The landlord did not return the communication. A few days later, almost immediately after Governor Ducey’s order barring evictions expired, and with no additional notice to Rincon, the landlord locked Rincon out of the premises and terminated Rincon’s lease. During the lockout, we contacted the landlord and explained that we had been trying to meet to discuss reopening and becoming current on rent, and further, we would deliver that check that night if necessary
In response, the landlord demanded that Rincon agree to certain new lease terms that, even under the best of circumstances, were untenable and favored only the landlord’s interests. We attempted to work with the landlord to revise some of the lease terms and we again offered to come current on back rent, which would allow us to reopen in a matter of weeks. We were reasonably optimistic we would be able to come to terms. Unfortunately, the landlord rejected our offer to resume the tenancy and threatened legal action. In an effort to avoid expensive and protracted litigation and any potential liability on the remainder of the lease term, Rincon acquiesced to the landlord’s demand to pay all back rent, including for the month of June when it was locked out, and to relinquish to the landlord all of the food, wine, and other inventory items as well as every piece of equipment inside the premises that belonged to Rincon Market, including other equipment and items that belongs to certain third parties associated with Rincon’s ownership.
We would have loved to continue to serve our community the way we have for the last few decades and the last two years at Rincon Market. We have loved being able to connect with the vibrant neighborhoods surrounding Rincon, and we are currently looking for other suitable venues to continue the legacy of Rincon Market. Thank you for all of your messages of love and support – it is deeply meaningful to us.
