It's my difficult responsibility to inform you I made the decision to
close Famous Murphys effective March 3, 2008.
Famous Murphys opened on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1987. It was a family partnership that sustained my dream to open a restaurant that survived the passing of my parents and my brother's desire to change his pursuits. I will be eternally grateful for their support.
During the twenty-one years the restaurant operated huge changes have occurred in the way business is done, the landscape of Reno, competition and the economy. I don't attribute any of the blame for Murphy's demise on the evolution of those business conditions, but rather my reactions and lack of properly anticipating those shifts. The "double-edged" sword that goes along with being an entrepreneur is elation when you get it right and remorse when you get it wrong.
"Eternal optimism" and a sense of responsibility to those who worked at the restaurant and to their families and their dreams contributed to prolonging my decision to close. In light of what I know now, I should have pulled the trigger sooner.
I have had the pleasure of working with many that have participated in the success and longevity of Murphys. Several deserve special recognition not only for their contributions but for their individual successes. The owners of Bricks, Lu Lou's, JOX, Fourth Street Bistro, Vista Grill, El Adobe and The California Avenue Deli all made contributions to Murphys before demonstrating their own entrepreneurial bent. One alumnus even returned to the fold after owning Scruples for several years. Please support these and all independents as frequently as you can. They ensure the availability of individuality and excellence that chains replace with standardization.
I share with them these words from Teddy Roosevelt, which sustain my energies:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
To my children, Shawna, Lisa and Brian who endured years of my inability to balance the time I spent at Murphys at the expense of the time I spent with family, I am very proud of each of you. In spite of my character defects or through astute observation, you have developed sound character of your own.
To Tammy, my partner in life, you have stood by and supported me through the changes and challenges of the past five years. I am lucky to have your love.
To Nora, thank you for your prayers.
To those guests that supported it and employees that made it Famous Murphys,
thank you.
To Reno's independent restaurateurs, I applaud your tenacity and skills. If, I can be of any assistance to your ongoing success, don't hesitate to ask.
To all of my suppliers and creditors, thank you for your patience and understanding.
To those loyal catering and delivery guests, my brother, Tim Wiltshire, and his wife Andria, recently opened California Avenue Deli. He will be contacting you shortly to describe the services they have available to fill your needs. Thank you for your patronage!
Feel free to share this email with anyone who may have interest.
"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand."
Sincerely,
Michael Wiltshire
Famous Murphys
