Restaurant dedicated to Don Haskins shuts it’s doors

A restaurant named in honor of El Paso legend Don Haskins has closed.

It was almost a year to the day when ABC-7 had an exclusive look inside “The Haskins House.”

Friday, a notice of lock out was posted on the door.

ABC-7 caught up with the Haskins family to hear how they feel about the restaurant that commemorated “The Bear.”

“Searching about something from El Paso, a legend a hero, we found only one, Don Haskins,” said Haskins House owner Gerardo Carrion in January 2013.

Carrion was telling ABC-7 why he chose the name Haskins for the restaurant.

The place was decorated with images and items from the bear’s historic days.

But Friday evening, the door was decorated with a lockout notice.

“It’s a tough business restaurant business it tough,” said Coach Haskins’ son Steve.

Steve was involved in the opening of the restaurant, he wasn’t a business partner but he tells ABC-7 the family agreed to lend Carrion the name and the memorabilia.

“It’s a shame we were wanting it to work, we were really wanting it to work,” said Steve.

Steve says the shutdown wasn’t unexpected.

“I knew that they weren’t getting the business they needed, it was obvious to see,” said Steve.

He also thinks the atmosphere didn’t fit the name.

“It was a concept issue, I think most people came in there wanting a real sports bar and it just wasn’t that,” Steve told ABC-7.

The family knew once the business was in trouble it was time to take back what was lent.

“It wasn’t easy but we felt it was the best for all parties,” said Steve.

As for the future of the memorabilia, Steve told ABC-7 they are already looking into new venues.

“A children’s museum that might be having some UTEP memorabilia, so there might be some things that we might put there,” said Steve.

And it might not be the last we hear of a Don Haskins named sports bar.

“I always wanted it in the parking garage of Glory Rd.. I thought that would be the bears den right there, but you never know what might hold down the road,” said Steve.

ABC-7 also tried talking with The Haskins House owner Gerardo Carrion.

He told ABC-7 he had no comment.