But now, according to city officials, the Western-themed dinner train is another victim of the slumping economy.
Since 2004, the city has owned and operated the dinner train. It was purchased to provide revenue to the city’s railway. In its heyday, the train ran year-round, five days a week, and was profitable.
“The experience on that dinner train is one of the best you’ve ever had. Our comment cards raved about how good it was,” Railway Manager Dan Lovelady said.
But it wasn’t enough.
Wayne Van Matre, Prineville’s interim city manager, said the decision was a tough one. “Everyone realized that in these economic times, and that’s really what it is, people don’t have the disposable income,” Van Matre said.
Two popular restaurants in Bend have also closed their doors (the Japanese food restaurant, Deep as well as Merenda's Wine Bar and Restaurant).
The Benningtons enjoyed an evening out on the Dinner Train in 2007. Here is Gene Bennington "crowing like a rooster" to get his Rooster Tail beer (the waitress made him do it). Photo courtesy of Gusto Magazine.
