Although it is listed for sale, a historic restaurant and inn in downtown Batesville is not closing and remains open for business, despite some rumors that have been whispered in the community.
When Batesville resident and restaurant patron David Wachsman heard that business might be struggling, he wanted to do something about it.
Wachsman posted on Facebook, “Apparently the Sherman House, a keystone of our community, has not had a good run lately and its possible that it will be closed down.”
“This is terrible news for Doug Bessler and the 30+ staff employed there. It is equally bad news for our community. We need to show that the Sherman House is valuable to us.”
He has helped organize the Sherman House Doug Bessler Appreciation Day, which will be held Saturday, March 8. The restaurant will be open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Sherman House General Manager Teresa Fitzpatrick encouraged citizens throughout the community to support the business that has been a fixture in downtown since the days of the Civil War.
“He has really been working really hard just like all the businesses downtown,” Fitzpatrick said. “You know, you struggle and you struggle and we just need some support and that we appreciate what he has done to keep the Sherman House open.”
Bessler’s contributions to the restaurant and community have been noticed by his staff. Employees will volunteer their time on the appreciation day.
The Sherman House serves breakfast six days a week excluding Monday. It remains open for lunch and dinner six days a week.
WRBI will be broadcasting live from the Sherman House on Sat., March 8.
