2023-06-26, 4:28 PM – A source we believe is in a position to know – maybe the best position – told us that Fernando’s is not sold. The source tells us they “think they know what’s going on,” and they are “trying to find out” more. But, we were told, despite appearances, Fernando’s is still for sale. The original article is below. As new information arrives, we’ll update this story.
There are signs Fernando’s sold.
The asking price was $800,000. You would get the building, everything in it, and recipes. For months it sat dormant – tables with place settings, lights on above the bar – like time stopped one day a year ago this month.
There are four reasons we think the building (and business) are sold:
- The “for sale” signs are down. Probably means something. Duh.
- There is a new plaque out front (see image) that describes the building’s historic significance. That seems like something a Real Estate agent might want to increase apparent value of a building in a sale. And, in Nebraska, there are tax benefits, too. With such a high asking-price, an “Historic” building carries perceived benefits, and may have been part of a deal.
- There were people in and out last week. That, after a year of nothing. “An object at rest, tends to stay at rest,” well, until keys open the front door again.
- We heard the building sold. The buyers – according to our source – are local. That would be good for Blair. More local ownership is something Blair needs on main street.
If Fernando’s sold, it could start something good for Blair. That corner needs a tenant. It’s like an anchor store in a mall from the 1980s: If Dillard’s isn’t open, Spencer’s Gifts will close soon after.
At this point, all this is speculation until a public notice of sale, or an “Open For Business” sign lights up out front. So, take this as it is, just our best interpretation of the signs. And, if something new is about to to go in the building, we support the effort and wish them the best.
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There will be quite a few historic markers going up around Blair, and all of Washington County, courtesy of the Washington County History Museum. They were planned many months ago, and this may be one of them. It might encourage the sale (for the reasons you listed) but the sign wasn’t put up by a realty company.