'It was a fun ride.' Downtown Canton virtual golf and bar-restaurant plans to close

‘It was a fun ride.’ Downtown Canton virtual golf and bar-restaurant plans to close

Posted by author February 26, 2025 Golf

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CANTON ‒ The 19th Hole, a virtual golf and bar-restaurant downtown, is closing.

Its last day will be March 7.

“It was a fun ride. It just didn’t turn out the way we planned it,” co-owner Jared Clark said.

The business, located on the first floor of the iconic Mills Historic Tower at 101 Central Plaza S, opened in November 2023. Alongside its virtual golf bays, The 19th Hole also offers guests elevated bar and grill options, including smash burgers, and salmon wraps set against a backdrop of ornate architecture and 28-foot ceilings.

Clark, who founded the business with Timothy Gillems, said a lot went into the decision to close, but overall, they struggled to attract enough customers.

“We were both born and raised (in Canton), and so we kind of thought it might be great to try and put our stamp on things and see if we can’t build something beautiful and some kind of attraction for the city,” he said. “Which we did. It just didn’t really financially work.”

Clark said the downtown location presented a challenge.

“I think parking was probably the biggest issue for us,” he said. “The city just doesn’t have a plan for expansion for new businesses like this. There’s already kind of a saturation.”

Clark said the closing is bittersweet, but ultimately, he was glad to have the experience.

The 19th Hole posted the news on social media on Tuesday, thanking those who have supported the business.

“We have loved being part of Downtown Canton,” the business said on Facebook. “We’ve made countless other friends over the last 2 years and we’re incredibly grateful to them and most of all our staff, some of which have been with us from the beginning or close to it. … Our hope is that while the 4 of us will be walking away, someone else will be walking through those doors and seeing one of the most beautiful spaces in downtown Canton and will decide to call it home.”

Many people commented on how much they enjoyed the business and they are going to miss it.

“Beautiful place and venue,” one person wrote. “I have enjoyed bringing friends there and introducing them. I think the building and this space is phenomenal asset to downtown as well. I know I speak for many when I say I appreciate your investment and it has not gone unnoticed will be sad to see this one close.”