Copia closes through Thanksgiving, maybe longer

As visitors and employees remain shut out after Copia’s unexpected closing Friday afternoon, interim chief executive Garry McGuire released a statement Monday about the struggling center.

“The current economic crisis has made it difficult to obtain capital and applied additional pressure to our financial turn-around,” McGuire said.

Copia “is working on a significant debt restructuring and liquidity program that will allow it to continue to serve its food-and-wine education mission,” McGuire wrote in an e-mail.

“Temporarily suspending Copia’s operations will protect the interests of our employees by securing their wages while we negotiate a go-forward plan.”

Any long-term plans or potential reopening date won’t be announced until after the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the statement.

In a separate story, McGuire told decanter.com, “We are in the final stages of negotiation to reach a resolution of the financial problems facing the center.”

The center would re-open on Dec. 1, Decanter reported. Copia’s Web site lists no special events until Dec. 3, when it is slated to host a winemaker dinner for Vision Cellars and Black Coyote Wines.

In September, Copia laid off 24 of its 80 full-time employees and introduced scaled-back seasonal operating hours of three days a week.

On Nov. 14, Copia announced plans to sell off its 12-acre riverfront property on the Oxbow in an effort to find cash to help service a $78 million debt created by years of operating in the red.

Copia leaders have said they hoped to lease back part of the current campus to continue a full slate of wine and food programs in Napa, while opening a new facility in San Francisco.

Calls to Copia’s bond insurer, ACA Financial Guaranty Corporation and interim CFO Joe Fischer were not returned by press time.

53 comment(s)

verum wrote on Nov 24, 2008 10:48 AM:

" By "securing thier (employee's) wages", is that to say the employee's are getting paid during this period of closure? What does this statement really explain? "

Rob C wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:12 AM:

" What it means is that the electric was about to be shut off... "

krusty wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:19 AM:

" Twenty bucks says they never re-open. "

amazed wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:22 AM:

" "Negotiate a go-forward plan?" Sounds like bankruptcy planning. And I thought employees' wages were "protected" by the unemployment insurance system. "

commenter wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:32 AM:

" I read it as being closed means the bleeding stops - so there is enough money to pay current payroll obligations. I would guess that means they are out of $ and cannot afford to even cover employee costs for one more day.

They sound to have been borrowing to cover payroll. No more loans, no more payroll, no more open. "

reason-ator wrote on Nov 24, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Blame it on the Corps of Engineers. All those people from the east wanted to come to Copia, but the bridge was out.

If only there was another way to get to a place that nobody wants to go ......... "

5th generation napan wrote on Nov 24, 2008 12:27 PM:

" Unfortunatly I feel COPIA was mismanaged from the very beginning. They tried to be an elitist art destination that just doesn't fit in this town. New York maybe, but not Napa. They should have been friendlier to the local community, had more cooking competitions, (promoted) like the Iron Chef, and classes, and promoted more contemporary local art and more of a local documentary museum of the Napa "AGRICULTURAL" experience that is gone. Now that would have been a destination point for locals and tourist.
Sadly, now the beautiful gardens are destined to become a "Beautiful Napa Destination Hotel Lobby" most likely.
I really do feel sad, because I do not believe what COPIA became was really the true vision Mr Mondovies had for it to be. "

kevin wrote on Nov 24, 2008 12:45 PM:

" Didn't the City guarantee some of Copia's loans? Did they ever get paid back? "

Dwayne wrote on Nov 24, 2008 12:45 PM:

" I wonder if they went to Washington to stand in line for a bailout... Everyone else is... "

lizbuttermaker wrote on Nov 24, 2008 12:56 PM:

" Garry McGuire is probably still getting a fat paycheck. SO unethical. He should be held accountable, as well as the board that let him do this. "

hellokitty wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:02 PM:

" maybe they are planning on closing copia for ever and planning in putting a really expesive hotel there... lol "

Napagirl69 wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:38 PM:

" Don't let em fool you. I've talked to several employees that were impacted and some ex employees that were laid off in Sept. Copia as it exists now is done. They were told Friday Copia was closed permenantly through the rest of the year. They have a small crew of Management, Wine, and Maintenance employees, about 10, standing by to maintain building for prospective buyers and inventory assests. Copia's board is looking to lease a space in downtown Napa to continue operations. This is what Copia's upper management doesn't want out to the public. All Copia employee's are being paid wages and vacation time owed.. "

Rob C wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:48 PM:

" Shout-out to Peggy Loar... "

telebender wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:52 PM:

" FREE CONCERTS IN THE PARKING LOT!!!
the musician's union sues entities like Copia that fail to put on contracted shows- but the acts have to show they were there, ready to play...usually they show up, do a couple of songs in the parking lot, and find a place to spend the rest of the night... "

psoren wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:52 PM:

" Another example of American excess and poor planning. Whoever thought they could spend $55 million on this failed project and adopt the following attitude:

"Our previous model was to hope people would come to us. That’s a tough way to run a business. You have to be much more proactive.” (NVR 9-27-08)

What school of business did these clowns attend? You spend $55 million and hope people come to you - try a major advertsising campaign you fools.

But I guess when it is not your money, who cares, right?

Let's hope no one is foolish enough to fund their San Francisco venture without an updated business plan. "

exnapan wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:56 PM:

" What about those of us who have paid for our children and grandchildren to go to Copia this weekend to build gingerbread houses? Where is that money? "

auntielmo wrote on Nov 24, 2008 2:03 PM:

" So what does this mean for the Christmas parade that ends there on Saturday night? Isnt there suppose to be a tree lighting ceremony, hot chocolate & meet with Santa at the end of the parade?

I am wondering if the construction of the first st. bridge has caused some of the financial problems Copia is having. No thru traffic. And it looks like a war zone happening right next door. Plus the noise & the dirt that the construction is putting off. Just a thought. "

commenter wrote on Nov 24, 2008 2:22 PM:

" If you paid by charge card in advance - initiate a charge back with your card company for services not rendered (once the date/time passes). If you did not pay by credit card, you are a debtor like the others, just lower on the list. Pay be credit card should be the rule for advance purchases. The fee we all pay (in increased cost of goods) is the insurance that the goods/services will be provided. "

nogrooveinsolano wrote on Nov 24, 2008 2:32 PM:

" Payback! This time is for real. And this is what you get for not hiring me for these past few years. Well done Copia. Roll your credits and fade to black. The End. "

localchick wrote on Nov 24, 2008 3:39 PM:

" Seriously, nogrooveinsolano? You really think that Copia's downfall is all related to them not hiring you? How would your employement have helped those of us who were employed there to keep it open?

I truely hope that Copia makes a comeback.

I miss you guys! "

Annabella wrote on Nov 24, 2008 4:34 PM:

" Poor planning + bad timing = failure.
Napa has too many "build it and theywill come projects." Expect more failures.
Napa better get on the ball and off this elite crap movement and start preparations to obtain some of Pres Elect Obama WPA projects to improve its infrastruction. Napa git your head out of the clouds...grapes jus ain't gonna save you. "

epicuria wrote on Nov 24, 2008 4:34 PM:

" Unquestionably Napa and Copia were mismatched. The residents with taste, who appreciated what the center had to offer, amount to no more than 5%. The rest fall into the Sarah Palin subculture of good 'ol boys and girls. This place, full of Joe and Jane six packs, seeths with resentment toward education and refinement. Pearls before swine, as the expression goes...

Copia engaged in copious amounts of advertising and promotion, but the bodies didn't come in sufficient quantity. Mondavi's initial $25 million swayed people to go forward without a realistic sense of what it would take to sustain this behemoth. This is true with other wine and art centers around the world.

But good for the few of us locals who did appreciate what was offered. We sure enjoyed a delightful seven year run. "

gardengirl wrote on Nov 24, 2008 4:54 PM:

" Yay, localchick!

Sure, Copia has made lots of mistakes, and unless you're some kind of freak of nature I'm certain that those of you so willing to bash Copia have made mistakes too.

It's really fun to kick high profile institutions and people when they're down. Distracts us from our own imperfections and fears of taking risks.

I think it would be far more interesting to be part of the solution instead of the problem. Do something positive instead of stating the-very-boring-already-said-many-times-before-obvious.

Yeah, a lot of people in this community don't like, even hate Copia... this ain't news. If Copia goes, then what will you Copia-haters have to hate to make yourselves feel better? "

marcydeeds wrote on Nov 24, 2008 6:09 PM:

" For everyone who signed up for the Gingerbread class, there is another alternative. It won't get your money back but you can still have the fun experience. I highly recommend it.

A new restaurant called The Little Gourmet recently opened up at 1040 Main Street (where Loco's used to be by the back of the Opera house). It's a fun family friendly restaurant that appeals to kids as well. On Dec. 14th and 21st they are having Gingerbread decorating sessions. It's only $22 a kit!! We signed up for both weekends and can't wait!

So far, we have been thrilled with the food and the service at this new place. I assume the Gingerbread House events will be equally pleasant!

I highly recommend calling them if you don't want to disappoint your children. They can be reached at 257-7700. "

checkursix wrote on Nov 24, 2008 7:05 PM:

" What a great spot to move the HOPE Center. the Table, and the winter shelter! Just look at all the birds you can kil with one stone! "

tiredofcomplainingnapkins wrote on Nov 24, 2008 7:55 PM:

" Did somebody say, BAILOUT, haha "

pernodboi wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:33 PM:

" Thanks for the reconmendation marcydeeds! I do like a new restaurant. "

pernodboi wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:40 PM:

" The comments from the PR firm are a load of @#$%. Why close the restaurant if they needed money? It brought money in - especially during the holiday party season.

By employees I bet they don't mean any one who worked at the shop or restaurants.

In another article (the Slavation Army Thrift closing) a blogger mentioned that those folks could not get unemployment benefits, something to do with working for a religious outfit. Does anyone know if the employees of Copia are eligible for unemployment, since they worked for a non profit? "

Dwayne wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:56 PM:

" ".....If Copia goes, then what will you Copia-haters have to hate to make yourselves feel better?..."

Well, downtown Napa has always been a joke... Gotta keep our sense of humor though... "

surfdogge69 wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:05 PM:

" pernodboi--Yes Copia employees can and are collecting unemployment. Those that had 401ks that money is also protected. It is managed by a 401k company and is held until it is requested or rolled over into another account. JK was doing ok, but still not well. The gift shop workers were Copia employee's also, thus covered as are the Julia's Kitchen employees. Copia took over the management of the resturaunt earlier this year from Patina Corp which leased the space from Copia and ran the resturaunt. Julia's Kitchen barely sustained itself, much less the rest of Copia.. "

surfdogge69 wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:14 PM:

" The City of Napa should find a way to work with the Bond company to purchase this. They can consolidate city offices into one location, have a theater, restaurant that could lease the space and pay the city, a convention, meeting center, visitor center, a city park in the gardens for wedding and other event rentals, and keep the Farmer's Market in the parking lot. The only drawbacks would be the 30 year lease that Copia signed with the Oxbow for parking easment that saved Steve Carlin from having to build a 1 million $$ parking structure. He wouldn't have gotten a permit to build the Oxbow Market without this easment agreement. Another drawback is that Copia has very little storage space, however the City has an agreement with the county on first dibs on the County yard on Water street behind Fillipees Pizza. They have parking for city vehicles and lots of warehouse space. After bridge construction the city can take this over also and all city buisness can be concentrated in one area and save the whole area for local Napa, also generating income for the city with events, resturaunt, rentals of the gardens, a great demo kitchen and outdoor concert venues. Combine this with the eventual river trail and what a center for the City of Napa. A no brainer. "

wasnapagirl wrote on Nov 25, 2008 5:44 AM:

" We old timers with no class had a downtown worth going too. We knew everyone and there were no snooty kids without regard to Napa Folks. Copia was targeted at the well to do folks. Many Napa do not fall into that catagory. I hope that put in something that Napa folks will want to come to. Get your nose out of the clouds. "

skippert wrote on Nov 25, 2008 7:39 AM:

" So let me get this right. Copia is closed, but santa will still be meeting kids there after the parade? Why there? I knew this was coming. "

indigo99 wrote on Nov 25, 2008 8:22 AM:

" It is unfortunate that 5th generation Napa feels that "They tried to be an elitist art destination that just doesn't fit into this town." First let me say that art is part of the culture, it is hardly elitist to be an artist (especially in these economic times), want art education in our public schools and want a place to view art made locally or beyond. In this country alone more people will visit museums this year than they will by contrast all other ticketed sporting events. It is not "elitist" when more than 1/2 the population is doing it.

What is elitist? The "us and them" mindset is what is elitist. Contrary to popular belief by people have lived in this valley for generations, it is also a good number of members of the wine industry that do in fact show off 'outstanding personal abilities, intellect, wealth, specialized training, or experience.... and whose views on a matter are taken most seriously or carry the most weight." Maybe it's time to readjust your perceptions about who us and them really is.

Perhaps Copia is the victim of a number of things; mismanagement, bad economic times, hampered by a mysterious 'elitist' local opinion, poor programming, poor marketing, and the current bridge construction too. Copia as a business may be an example of what not to do, but Copia the place reminds us that to be a vibrant thriving literate culture that other people want to spend money to visit we should have a art, and cooking, and gardening, music, farmers markets, poetry, movies, a lecture series, etc. At least for the time being those community events and unique on going programs will have to move to many places. Hopefully they move out of Napa Valley altogether. "

localmama wrote on Nov 25, 2008 8:28 AM:

" I really wish I had cashed out my 401K when I left there years ago. I wonder what happens to it now????? "

napamama wrote on Nov 25, 2008 9:46 AM:

" The Holiday Parade will end up at the Oxbow Public Market - Santa and all. "

katies wrote on Nov 25, 2008 10:00 AM:

" epicuria - I was wondering if those you refer to in your comment with "taste", "education " and "refinement" are those who deeply appreciated the proudly defended displays of the "pooping pope " awhile back? "

rob c wrote on Nov 25, 2008 11:29 AM:

" Thank you, epicuria for your elitist screed condemning the great unwashed while mourning the loss of your personal MOMA.

But did you know that the "swine" you reference also ponyed-up taxes in support of this seven year exercise in hubris?

You see, the deal was that in exchange for "Joe Six-Pack" tax money, the city gets a "seed" to grow a vital local economy. We held up our end of the bargain - Copia got the tax money, but what did your intellectuals do with it? Pooping Popes indeed.

And while the perps are either dead or left town, taxpayers now hold both the empty bag and the white elephant building that is on its way to being a mausoleum for both the flawed vision, and attitudes such as yours. "

Napoli wrote on Nov 25, 2008 12:28 PM:

" When did McGuire become "interim" CEO? When he decided he didn't want to be held accountable for his failed illusions of grandeur? "

Ferrarigtc wrote on Nov 25, 2008 12:31 PM:

" Lets turn the parking lot into a autocross track!!!!! Sunday Sunday Sunday "

epicuria wrote on Nov 25, 2008 12:40 PM:

" You got it wrong robc. Copia has been responsible for a significant net increase in tax revenues. The combination of Copia, the complex at the Hatt Building and the restoration of the Napa Valley Opera House has added immensely to the financial strength and attractiveness of the city. Napa Town Center has been eyesore since its inception. Thank god we have other developments offsetting its lack of appeal.

All bets are off of course as the economy goes into its tailspin. But all businesses are feeling the effects.

The so called ~ Pooping Pope ~ exhibit is a case in point that the yahoos just don't get it.

From an article at the time:

"Placing statuettes of defecating people in Nativity scenes is a Christmastime tradition so old and so strong in Spain's Catalonia region that even the Roman Catholic Church here doesn't dare try to ban it.

'Unfortunately, there are intolerant people who are offended by any little thing,' Josep Maria Joan, director of the Toy Museum of Catalonia, said Monday. His museum has a permanent collection of the figurines, known as caganers.

Spanish artist Antoni Miralda's exposition "Poetical Gut" at Copia, a food, wine and arts museum in Napa, Calif., features ceramic figurines of the pope, nuns and angels with their pants down, squatting over their bowel movements.

In a tradition that dates back to the 18th century, Catalonians hide caganers in Christmas Nativity scenes and invite friends over to try to find them. The figures symbolize fertilization and the hope for prosperity in the coming year, according to Joan. . . .

But Joe Six Pack is deeply offended. Which is the way it should be. "

epicuria wrote on Nov 25, 2008 12:43 PM:

" surfdogge69 has proposed a very realistic alternative for the space... once the recession/depression ends, if it does.... "

Napasince1850 wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:33 PM:

" Epicuria, it is sad that you feel the need to be dismissive and impolite in your assessment of Napa. It says more about you than it does about the community.

There are many locals who, believe it or not, have fine educations, even advanced degrees (are you shocked?) and we appreciate art (wow, even more stunning!)...

I'm afraid Copia's failure was utterly predictable, not for the reasons you state, but for a host of others.

When a man builds a monument to himself, it is often only of limited interest.

Hubris, poor planning, dreadful architecture, a lack of vision, and questionable business practices come to mind. "

jt wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:36 PM:

" in other words prescience is precisely in-line with implications. this is how it is desired you feel about it for now. it is hard to stay ahead of the curve but you are forgiven, and your sins will be washed away. it was never in any ones plans that the city of napa would fail to become a beautiful and accepted kinsmenship. true the history is to some a forlorn tale, but the horizon leans forward. "

Rob c wrote on Nov 25, 2008 2:02 PM:

" Lumping Copia with the Opera House does it a disservice. The Opera house is an example of a "step-by-step" process requiring a good business plan and donations in stages for its long completion. Its difficult "birthing" and funding required careful thinking and planning every step of the way - and even then there were moments when it threatened to grind to a halt.

Copia had no vetting of its business plan as the money pile blinded everyone.

As far a on-going taxes, the apartment buildings originally envisioned for the land would have by now contributed far more and would have been more of a public service than what has resulted. And that wouldn't have gotten any tax gift to kick it off, either.

Plus are you adding offsets including the tax dollars that went to the "trolley to nowhere"? Plus the tax benefits that will occur when equity holders write-off their losses?

Regarding the statuettes, you miss the point. It is a metaphor for all that was wrong about the vision. The fact one has to go to great lengths to explain it only reinforces the limited audience who can appreciate it - a limited audience Copia could never afford. Plus it is always expedient to invoke ignorance as intellectual refuge from the indefensible.

But at least in this post citizens only got called yahoos. "

epicuria wrote on Nov 25, 2008 2:32 PM:

" I can't disagree with the statements above with the exception of the benefits of the proposed apartments which would have only reinforced the image and reality of Napa as a blue collar town.

I was not defending the vision and implementation of Copia which suffered from all the faults mentioned. I was making an observation about the demographics of the City of Napa and the prevailing Sarah Palin style resentment of cultural "elitism". The "limited audience" is just far more limited than assumed by outsiders.

Of course a city of our size will have some percentage of discriminating residents. But Downtown Joes with its blues bands is far more representative of this burg than Silos at the Hatt building featuring Wesla Whitfield singing Cole Porter and Jerome Kern. How many locals have been to the Di Rosa Preserve or attended a concert of the Napa Symphony?

If we make it through this eoncomic tsunami some sort of mixed used building and grounds along the lines described by surfdogge69 will rise to take Copia's place and the gentrification of Napa will continue apace. "

Rob C wrote on Nov 25, 2008 3:05 PM:

" Did you know Jerry Garcia was named after Jerome Kern?

Maybe there is hope for "blue collar" Napa yet... "

jt wrote on Nov 25, 2008 3:13 PM:

" or maybe it did mean that napa would fail to become an accepted kinsmenship. i hardly know nor do i care, but it does go to show that a classless culture can probably have an negative effect on retail sales. if copia was a chain they might see 50%-100% higher sell thru in other cities. guessing is the majority of what i do so i'm possibly wrong. "

jmo wrote on Nov 25, 2008 4:11 PM:

" Surfdoggee69 may be onto something. "

gardengirl wrote on Nov 25, 2008 8:15 PM:

" Hey mr. smart one surfdogee69. Great ideas. Good to hear your voice. Jacksondog says 'hey' too.

Commenter is right by saying 'the bleeding stops.' But I think all Copia employees who, for whatever reason think they don't need to file for unemployment yet, should do so NOW to take care of themselves and make sure their co-workers know this too. Even if Copia re-opens, you're entitled to unemployment insurance for this interim. Know your rights. Go here to file - http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ "

snowmom2 wrote on Nov 25, 2008 9:23 PM:

" Perhaps we could turn it into a homeless shelter. There's a great kitchen where volunteers could cook. That way the homeless wouldn't have to live under the bridges just one block from Copia. Or at least have one wing for the homeless..........and the tourists could tour the other parts of the complex. "

Paddy wrote on Nov 26, 2008 7:15 AM:

" epicuria - you are a pip. You apparently live in a bubble and my guess is you are one as well.

You represent all that is going wrong with Napa. The snobby gentrification of a town that used to be more a village than a city. No matter how much lipstick you put on I still hear "oink, oink". "

surfdogge69 wrote on Nov 26, 2008 8:18 AM:

" Thanks gardengirl. Our best to you and jacksondog too. You've done great with your expanded roll at the gardens keeping them going. You are right on the money about the unemployment rights. Check out the website at the grand 'ol opry and give us a holler. Don't forget the parade on Sat. Support all local Napa buisness, Oxbow Market, Fillippes etc... "

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