‘What a shame’: Beloved tavern closes after 14 years as South Shore staple
A tavern that has been a fixture on the South Shore for more than a decade has closed after struggling to stay afloat in recent years.
The New World Tavern in Plymouth permanently shut down over the last weekend of September after 14 years of service.
"We had ourselves a weekend for sure," the restaurant's team wrote in a Facebook post on Sept. 29.
"I am forever grateful for these people who I can truly call my family," it continued. "We will miss you."
The New World Tavern's farewell post was met with heartbroken reactions from multiple patrons.
"This place was always a staple in our family," one comment reads. "Such sad news! Chance was always there during our yearly visits. Sad knowing we won't be back again."
Another Facebook user said they were "going to miss my Sunday Funday's seeing Flydown and my favorite server, Chance. I wasn't able to be there for the last goodbye, but I wish everyone the best in whatever new chapter they begin next!"
Other comments included, "What a shame," "We'll miss you guys" and "Thank you for so many great memories."
Karl Heine opened the 124-seat restaurant and music venue in 2011, the Plymouth Independent reported. The downtown fixture was known in part for its craft beer selection, pub-style menu and back room that "became known as the district's hottest music venue," according to the outlet.
However, The New World Tavern faced several challenges in recent years such as declining tourism, fewer young customers, higher food costs, worker shortages and a six-figure bill from the state for delinquent meals tax payments. The restaurant had owed $131,030 in back meals taxes and penalties, the Plymouth Independent reported while citing the Massachusetts Department of Revenue .
"Because of the slow year that we've had, we've gotten into a little bit of a debt with the DOR, and we're looking forward to the busy season right around the corner so that we can get that paid off," Heine told the outlet in August.
These factors combined with a slow crawl back to business following the COVID-19 Pandemic are what ultimately led to the business closing. The New World Tavern first broke the news of the impending closure on Sept. 26.
"Unfortunately The New World Tavern's era will be coming to an end," the restaurant wrote in a Facebook post .
"We want to thank current & past employees for making NWT what it is. We also want to thank all musicians as well as any event holders that made amazing memories here at New World. We want to thank all of our amazing guests who have been with us from time to time, season to season — we also could not have done this without you. [And] lastly, thanking Karl's family for the most support of the last 14 years since opening," the post continued.
The New World Tavern was located at 56 Main St., Plymouth.
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