State Closes The Lob Steer Inn, Owners Expect to Open Again Soon
The Lob Steer Inn, which opened in 1969, has been closed by N.C. Department of Revenue. Glenn M. Sides
- Print print this page
- Discuss 36 comments, Blog about
Advertisement
The North Carolina Department of Revenue has closed The Lob Steer Inn restaurant in Southern Pines and seized property for nonpayment of taxes, according to a sign posted on the front door of the business.
The state closed the restaurant Tuesday afternoon.
Business owners Barbara and Mike Gibson said today that they are working with the state to pay off the debt. They say they will reopen the restaurant Friday.
"It will be reopened," Barbara Gibson said. "If not tomorrow (Friday) than Monday at the latest."
Representatives from the North Carolina Department of Revenue said they believe the owners will take care of their financial obligations to the state and reopen.
The business, which is located at 625 SE Service Road near U.S. 1 North, has been an institution in Southern Pines for decades.
"We don't want our customers to think we are not going to reopen," Barbara Gibson said. "It's the Lob Steer, it's gotta be there."
More like this story
Advertisement
Comments
SLA007 2 years, 2 months ago
OH NO! My favorite restaurant!!! Wish there was something that could be done to help!
okiebarbie 2 years, 2 months ago
Just continue to support us once the doors reopen will be all the help we need! Thank you so much!
okiebarbie 2 years, 2 months ago
We are temporarily closed...hope to reopen on Friday and just spoke with Mr. Embry regarding this. Appreciate all the good comments and wish The Pilot had waited until they had the whole story before putting this on the front page. The staff of The LobSteer is ready to get back to work once we are through all the red tape the State requires. Once again, this is TEMPORARY. The economy the last few years has just caught up with us and we are determined to move past this and hope that our loyal customers continue to support us once the doors reopen. Michael & Barbara Gibson, Owners and Operators. Please continue to support your locally owned businesses
djcalaska 2 years, 2 months ago
Best wishes and good luck! Will be glad to see you up and running again!!
listenup 2 years, 2 months ago
Good news! Wonderful place with amazing staff and ownership, I look forward to many years of enjoying it!
NOTW 2 years, 2 months ago
Wishing you the very best!!!
native 2 years, 2 months ago
glad to hear its temp
dirtyhorseypants1 2 years, 2 months ago
Love the LobSteer!
chiefHendersonsWife 2 years, 2 months ago
It's good to see so many comments from those who support local businesses. As a local myself and a frequent visitor to the LobSteer I can appreiciate the friendliness and not to mention excellent conversation with one of my favorite bartenders. From the owners to the staff you guys are the best!!! Keeping our fingers crossed for Friday!!!
watillman 2 years, 2 months ago
Thanks sooo much, we will see you very soon
SLA007 2 years, 2 months ago
We are behind you! It is awful how our agencies work, there has to be a better way! We will be there to support you as soon as you are back open. Good luck and best wishes!
NotSoFast 2 years, 2 months ago
As much as I dislike the Pilot. They were right-on with this story. I own a small business.You have to pay your taxes. Its the price of doing business in this county and state. These people new they were behind in paying their taxes and did nothing. I can promise you the state NCDOR will not close a business for a few thousand dollars. Also I hope they get it together and reopen. Best steaks in town.
coffecreme 2 years, 2 months ago
Hope they reopen soon too. But you are right...they knew they owed taxes.
pinehurstmom 2 years, 2 months ago
agreed. I like the place too, but this is basically stealing. We paid the taxes and they didn't turn that money over to the government.
RmeMP 2 years, 2 months ago
As vocal as "okiebarbie" is on this matter - i wish she could explain why they decided not to pay taxes that weren't even coming out of there pockets? Unless they were using that money to pay off others debts..... But, wouldn't that be a ponzi scheme?
Im not acusing, I'm just Saying - that's what it sounds/looks like. Why else would you not pay the state the taxes that don't come out of your pockets like every other business has to?
laneybird 2 years, 2 months ago
Well, ya know the state and county have to come up with some money to fund the local airport AGAIN!! But on an important note, Notsofast has a very valid point. I, too, am a small business owner and I pay my taxes because that's the law.
I also wish them the best of luck. It's a shame when such a great local icon's doors close. The economy has hit many places old and new, it has no boundaries.
okiebarbie 2 years, 2 months ago
Yes they have a valid point, however, like we told Mr. Embry (The Pilot) in our conversation we are working with the State closely to remedy an old situation. The taxes are being paid and this great local icon's doors will be open very soon.
watillman 2 years, 2 months ago
Thanks for all the support, myself and the rest of the Lob Steer Inn empolyees truely appreciate all the supporting commets. As Barbie and Michael have said this is only temporary! Thank you again and we will very soon be serving the Best Salad Bar, Steaks, Seafood, Service, Margaritas and Martinis in Moore County. Adam Tillman Bartender/Manager of The Lob Steer Inn.
MikeNC 2 years, 2 months ago
Hope to see you open for Business, real soon ! You've been our favorite restaurant for over 22 years ! Diane
okiebarbie 2 years, 2 months ago
Thanks MikeNC...we appreciate your loyal support and continued patronage.
GeorgiaMan 2 years, 2 months ago
Hey
Just thinking about a $50.00 gift certifciate I have. When you reopen am I still going to be able to use it?
okiebarbie 2 years, 2 months ago
Of course!
14Hands 2 years, 2 months ago
Just let us know when the doors are open once again....and I will be back on my regular bar stool.......You have my loyal support....It is my favorite place in town.
watillman 2 years, 2 months ago
Thank you so much. I'll have you stool ready with a glass of 14 Hands :)
shadeysmom 2 years, 2 months ago
I guess NCDOR has to do these kind of things to generate all the tax money that they owe the residents (like me) of NC. It really is too bad that The Pilot didn't wait to talk to the owners before stirring the pot once again... I guess when you are a small town newspaper you must do what you have to just to make the ends meet... but I guess that is the same thing that is going on with the Lobsteer... Lets hope for a speedy return for a great local icon..
okiebarbie 2 years, 2 months ago
Thank you Mr. Embrey for re-posting a much more positive story for our customers and your readers.
bigD 2 years, 2 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
Steve 2 years, 2 months ago
Great food great place!
difflook 2 years, 2 months ago
Keep pushing and trying!! Thanks for providing a great place to eat in Moore County!
DaRealWallstreet 2 years, 2 months ago
I have never been there, but will try it as soon as you open.
okiebarbie 2 years, 2 months ago
Thanks! We look forward to meeting you SOON!
OldPilot 2 years, 2 months ago
laneybird, what, factually, does a local restaurant being closed by the North Carolina Department of Revenue for failing to pay taxes have to do with "the local airport"?
bigD 2 years, 2 months ago
This is the first time my comment has ever been removed by the moderator. I do not know why it was removed. So much for my poerfect record....
Ross 2 years, 2 months ago
They should thank the pilot - great "free" advertisement
Bflat 2 years, 2 months ago
I've been going to The Lob Steer since about 1970 and it is my favorite restaurant. In the old days the race drivers would be dining there on Friday nite or Saturday nite when The Rock was in its hey day.
marathonman 2 years, 2 months ago
What kind of logic dictates that in order to get payment, you shut down the ability to make the money and nearly preclude the debtor the ability to make restitution! Only a liberal mind could come up with that one: punish them and keep the debt from being paid and in that way others will be made aware and then they will always pay their debts on time. Unbelievable! Lobsteer only you know the details, but you do represent a wonderful restaurant with whom our out of town guests look forward to return visits. Do the due dilligence.
xemrac 2 years, 2 months ago
The absolute BEST salad bar in the business not to mention the incredible steaks! We'll see you guys soon!
RmeMP 2 years, 2 months ago
I would have to give best salad bar award to golden corral - fresh and 5 times as big. LobSteer USE to hAve a nice salad bar until they shrank it :(
PT 2 years, 2 months ago
Great restaurant, wonderful staff, I'm glad this is only a temporary closing... Will be back for dinner ASAP !
Bigguy 2 years, 2 months ago
Hey, I own a business, darn taxes are killing me, should be okay not to pay them. We all know that there are taxes involved, don't blame the Dept. Of Revenue for doing thier job. Not to mention Local Police Officers for speeding tickets, Health Department Inspectors who are villified doing the job they were paid to do.
RD28327 2 years, 2 months ago
Those steaks are wonderful!