Retirees, Businesses React to Kodak Bankruptcy
By: Cierra Putman
Updated: January 19, 2012
ROCHESTER, NY - The news that Kodak filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy is talk of the town. Especially at local restaurants that have catered to those who work for Kodak.
For more than 30 years, the Peppermill Restaurant has whipped up meals for Kodak employees and retirees.
"We had a standing room only at 11 o'clock and it would last until 1:30 pm," said Peppermill Restaurant Co-Owner Chris Christanis as he reminisced about what life was like during Kodak's good years. "I've seen plenty of good in the early days of Kodak and a whole lot of bad."
The restaurant is a quick walk from Eastman Business Park. In the 70s and 80s, The Peppermill Restaurant saw lots of foot traffic thanks to Kodak employees. Once the company started to suffer, so did the restaurant.
"I would say (we lost) a good quarter if not more (business,)" Christanis said.
He said the bankruptcy filing is disappointing, but not a surprise.
Kodak retirees at West Winds Cafe agreed.
"I feel bad what's happened," Kodak Retiree Richard Lucchesi said. "I wish, maybe it can turn around hopefully. Maybe, I'll say a prayer for them Sunday when I go to church."
Others don't see a bright future for the former film giant.
When asked if he thought Kodak could turn things around, Kodak Retiree Fred Kane said, "No. The Kodak I knew and was part of will never happen in my lifetime (again). Never."
However, Christanis hopes to see a glimpse of the Kodak of old.
"Hopefully for my personal business' sake, we've weathered the storm," Christanis said. "Hopefully we can see a light at the end of the tunnel."
A sign a few good Kodak moments are still in Rochester's future.
For more than 30 years, the Peppermill Restaurant has whipped up meals for Kodak employees and retirees.
"We had a standing room only at 11 o'clock and it would last until 1:30 pm," said Peppermill Restaurant Co-Owner Chris Christanis as he reminisced about what life was like during Kodak's good years. "I've seen plenty of good in the early days of Kodak and a whole lot of bad."
The restaurant is a quick walk from Eastman Business Park. In the 70s and 80s, The Peppermill Restaurant saw lots of foot traffic thanks to Kodak employees. Once the company started to suffer, so did the restaurant.
"I would say (we lost) a good quarter if not more (business,)" Christanis said.
He said the bankruptcy filing is disappointing, but not a surprise.
Kodak retirees at West Winds Cafe agreed.
"I feel bad what's happened," Kodak Retiree Richard Lucchesi said. "I wish, maybe it can turn around hopefully. Maybe, I'll say a prayer for them Sunday when I go to church."
Others don't see a bright future for the former film giant.
When asked if he thought Kodak could turn things around, Kodak Retiree Fred Kane said, "No. The Kodak I knew and was part of will never happen in my lifetime (again). Never."
However, Christanis hopes to see a glimpse of the Kodak of old.
"Hopefully for my personal business' sake, we've weathered the storm," Christanis said. "Hopefully we can see a light at the end of the tunnel."
A sign a few good Kodak moments are still in Rochester's future.
