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Oh, No, Downtown Sacramento is Losing 55 Degrees

55 Degrees Restaurant Downtown Sacramento Astonished is not the word for learning that my favorite downtown Sacramento restaurant, 55 Degrees, is closing tomorrow. Saddened, stunned and disappointed are much better descriptive words.

Owner Ali Mackani made the decision last week to close 55 Degrees. Among his reasons are the rising cost of ingredients, overhead and the fact the slowdown in the economy has hit restaurants particularly hard.

The Sacramento Business Journal reported last month that the July Sacramento unemployment rate was 7.3% but that 2,900 (29% of those jobs) were in the leisure and hospitality area, and 2,400 of those were in the bar and restaurant business (when people cut back, they quit eating out).

55 Degrees was a place you could go to totally hungry and equally exhausted. The service was exceptional. You could plop down in a chair, ask for a martini and order the chef's surprise selection -- which was a multi-course meal of the chef's choosing, paired with extraordinary wine selections. You didn't have to think about what you wanted because the chef would always prepare a delightful meal, and you knew you would be pleased.

My husband and I tried to get reservations to say goodbye to 55 Degrees, but they were open only for lunch this week. Tomorrow, 55 Degrees will be closed.

No Towers, no Aura, and now, no more 55 Degrees. It's a sad day in Sacramento.

Posted by Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Real Estate Broker on 09/04/2008 03:59 PM

Comments (10)

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10 Comments on Oh, No, Downtown Sacramento is Losing 55 Degrees

Elizabeth, I am so sorry. Our neighborhoods are changing in unimaginable ways with this downturn in the economy. Several of my favorite places no longer exist... bummer...

09/04/2008 08:18 PM

by C Tann-Starr (TannStarr.com TannStarr.ws REMAX People Realty)

It was a one-of-a-kind restaurant, C. That's not to say there aren't others in Midtown / Downtown I like, but this was my favorite. 55 Degrees understood what customers wanted and it delivered on quality and service. I'm very disappointed to see it close.

When things turn around, and you know they will, I hope Mackani opens another similar. He has the Lounge on K Street, but it's not the same as 55 Degrees.

09/04/2008 08:42 PM

by Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Real Estate Broker (Lyon Real Estate)

You know, I have never been there. I guess I will not know what I am missing until he one day opens another location. :-(

09/04/2008 09:16 PM

by Erin Attardi, Realtor - Sacramento, CA (Lyon Real Estate)

we lost a couple of great places recently - it really is a sad time for a lot of people - good people that have worked hard to build a good rep and then presto - it SUCKS

09/04/2008 09:28 PM

by Central Oregon Real Estate | Thesa Chambers, Broker (RE/MAX Sunset Realty La Pine)

Your not alone, this is happening in our area as well, and I am sure everywhere in US.

09/05/2008 12:53 AM

by Ronald Gillis, CNSA Southwest Florida Notaries, Port Charlotte, 941-7-NOTARY (Southwest Florida Notaries (Mortgage Notary Signing Agent))

Elizabeth, I hope we start turning this around soon. We've lost restarunts and shops and title companies. We are down to three title companies. Three have closed. I talk with one of my Escrow Officers yesterday and she's low man on the totem pole. I am giving her two escrows and hope things pick up for her. I talk to several agents in my office and we're all giving her escrows. It so tough out there. You made me want to go there and have that Martini.....sounded so good! I am sorry.....we love the little luxuries that are familiar and that help get through our days!

09/05/2008 08:06 AM

by Jeanean Gendron ~ Redding & Shasta County Specialist (Real Estate Professionals--GMAC)

Elizabeth, at least you still have the "Grad"

dean

09/05/2008 07:50 PM

by Dean Guadagni (Inner Architect; Inner Architect Media)

Hi Jeanean: A martini with gin, not vodka, right?

Hi Dean: What is the "Grad"?