The Forge, a cherished restaurant in Carmel since 1972, is closing after 53 years as its owners, the Profetas, could not secure a lease renewal with the landlord, Esperanza Carmel LLC. This company, headed by billionaire Patrice Pastor, has acquired numerous properties in the area, raising local concerns about the impact of such ownership on the community. The Profetas expressed deep emotional ties to the restaurant, emphasizing that it was their life. Pastor defended his investments as beneficial to the community, despite resident fears over his expanding influence in Carmel.
"We spent more time there than we did at our own home. This was truly our life, and that's the hardest part about not being able to continue."
"People are terrified about Pastor's fast expansion and are convinced that residents are handing over our town to one person who's doing what he wants to do."
"Why someone would be so worried about our investment in Carmel is beyond me. We see ourselves as part of the community."
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