Pel'meni, the unique hole-in-the-wall Russian dumpling restaurant, may be forced to prematurely close its doors. But this Madison and student favorite is not the stereotypical small business victim. There is not some bigger, corporate mass-produced dumpling house driving them out with lower prices and better hours. Instead, as reported yesterday in The Daily Cardinal, Pel'meni is the victim of a strange legal strongarm tactic, and will likely result in, either a whole shutdown of the restaurant or a change in management. If the latter becomes the case, this editorial board must insist anyone who currently enjoys the delicious dumplings boycott the restaurant.
Though the details of the legal battle are relatively vague, the story of the restaurant's demise is not. Paul Schwoerer, current owner, came to Madison from the original restaurant in Alaska and opened Pel'meni, thinking he had co-ownership. A spate of accusations followed in the interim and Schwoerer discovered he was not actually listed on the ownership agreement.
Now that Pel'meni is successful in the Madison market, the Alaskans have decided to come down to Wisconsin, take over the business, and fire all the current employees. This is hardly a fair business practice, and loyal customers should treat these new, unwelcome entrepreneurs with the same hospitality Schwoerer was shown.
We hope this is the kind of city that rewards its small businesses. The new Pel'meni might have the same dumplings when it 'opens' in the coming months, but we would point out that a business that barges into town through questionable legal means and fires all of its workers is not a business to be rewarded. If this management change comes to pass, please find food elsewhere.
