Hastings American Legion closes abruptly on Christmas Eve

Hastings American Legion closes abruptly on Christmas Eve

The Hastings American Legion has unexpectedly shut its doors, leaving workers and patrons in the lurch. According to its Facebook page, the Hastings American Legion closed at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve without any notice. On Dec. 22, they posted their kitchen would be open from 8-11 a.m., and the bar would be open from "10 a.m. – Slow Down."

HASTINGS, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Hastings American Legion has unexpectedly shut its doors, leaving workers and patrons in the lurch.

Hastings American Legion closes

What we know:

According to its Facebook page, the Hastings American Legion closed at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve without any notice. On Dec. 22, they posted their kitchen would be open from 8-11 a.m., and the bar would be open from "10 a.m. – Slow Down."

They also had been scheduled to have the bar open from "10 a.m. – Slow Down" on Christmas Day. The kitchen would be closed, with pretzels and pizza available at the bar.

Officials with Hastings American Legion say the closure is not permanent. They did not say why they are closing, or for how long.

Legion closure announcement shocks employees

The backstory:

The closure announcement came after a board meeting on Monday, with the Legion citing financial concerns. Workers were informed on Christmas Eve morning that the establishment would close at 4 p.m. that day.

Scott Swanson, a part-time server, expressed his surprise and disappointment, saying, "Being told on Christmas Eve morning, at 11 a.m., that at four o'clock you don't have a job, and we don't know when we're going to be opening. Whew. It's a little cold."

Hastings American Legion Post Commander reacts

What they're saying:

The Hastings American Legion posted on social media that the decision to close was made to evaluate their current situation and develop a strategic plan. "The goal is simple: to generate sustainable revenue and ensure the long-term future of the Hastings Legion," the post stated.

Swanson mentioned that the decision was made behind closed doors without public input, and many veterans who expected a meal on Christmas Day were left without one.

What we don't know:

The Legion has not communicated about employee pay or provided a timeline for reopening. FOX 9 reached out to the Hastings American Legion for further details but has not received a response.