Ramsey Harkness: I didn’t see it coming

Calling it the most difficult experience of his life, Ramsey’s American Grill owner Ramsey Harkness was surprised to find his doors locked this week (see related story). “I didn’t see it coming,” he said Friday, after having called all his employees. According to Harkness, he was just two weeks late on rent.

Harkness said it cost approximately $100,000 per month to operate the establishment, which was generating $90,000 in monthly revenue. “I just couldn’t afford to continue.”

He is not optimistic about other local businesses making it either. “Go ask anyone in Maricopa – except maybe Fry’s and Bashas’ – how long they’re going to be able to do it,” he said.

Harkness wished whatever business takes his place success but cautioned that his experience could be duplicated. “I was the lowest in the center at $24 bucks (per square foot rent), and you know they’re going to raise it.”

Harkness pledged to stay in Maricopa and remain an active member of the community: “I love what I did. I love my employees. I love Maricopa.”

“This is not how I would have gone out,” an emotional Harkness said, reflecting on the locked restaurant full of food and booze. “People who know me know that I probably would’ve thrown a huge party.”