Mad River closes after 9 years, leaves workers suddenly unemployed

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Mad River Bar and Grille has been on North Market Street for nine years, but closed abruptly over the weekend.

A former employee, who does not want to be identified, tells us the owner told management Saturday night around 3 a.m. that the bar was closing its doors immediately.

Bartenders, servers, kitchen workers, and other staff were then sent an email telling them they no longer had jobs. The former employee says some who didn't see the email showed up to work the following day to locked doors.

A sign posted on the front door of Mad River reads: "Mad River Bar and Grille has closed for business. Thank you Charleston for an amazing 9 years. We wish the next place here at 32B North Market the best of luck."

According to the former employee, the owner complained that business had been going downhill with more people gravitating to businesses on Upper King Street. The owner then claimed he had been negotiating with a buyer and on Friday reached a deal. Part of the deal, according to the former employee, was to have the lease bought out and the property surrendered.

The former employee says the food and beverage industry in Charleston is a tight-knit family and despite no notice being given to Mad River's staff, many have already found new jobs.

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