After experiencing a decrease in patrons over the past few months, Barnyard BBQ announced its closure effective Sunday, April 14. However, on April 18, Barnyard’s Instagram page (@thebarnyardbbq) posted that they will remain open.
A widespread rumor among Fordham University students is that the bar’s owner Simon Kajatazi committed tax evasion to stay open. “Many people have the misconception that I was committing tax evasion. Now, if you’re doing tax evasion, you’re getting arrested,” Kajatazi said. “You don’t get arrested for not paying your taxes on time.”
Kajatazi admitted that Barnyard endured significant financial setbacks from COVID-19. During the pandemic, the government’s recommendations on social distancing decreased Barnyard’s number of patrons and the prohibition of outdoor seating, a significant business revenue system for Barnyard, also impacted business. Throughout the pandemic, Kajatazi attempted to make monthly payments of $17,000 as expected. “That, multiplied by 17 or 18 months, is over $350,000 that I still owe,” Kajatazi commented. “A lot of other landlords gave their tenants a break, but unfortunately, mine didn’t. So now I’m stuck owing all this money.”
When Kajatazi started at Barnyard in 2017, the rent was $10,000 a month. However, with economic shifts and inflation over time, the rent gradually escalated to $21,500 a month. This significant rent increase has outpaced the businesses’ growth, placing substantial financial pressure on the establishment.
In addition to Barnyard’s financial challenges, Simon’s Deli, located on Arthur Avenue and under Kajatazi’s associations, faces financial difficulties despite ownership being transferred to his mother. In 2018, the deli faced a temporary seizure from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance due to failure to submit tax payments on time.
Despite these struggles, Kajatazi emphasized his love for Fordham. His connections to Fordham go beyond the demographic of customers he serves. His wife has worked at Fordham as a housekeeper for the past eleven years. “I always, always love Fordham students no matter what. No matter the situation,” Kajatazi said. Regardless of the circumstances, Kajatazi said that he will remain committed to supporting the Fordham community.
As a bar owner, Kajatazi employs many Fordham students. Shea Brannon, GSB ’26, has worked at Barnyard since last January. “Working here is nice because you get to tell [Kajatazi] your opinion, and he values us because we’re students and know when other students will come in. There’s been nothing challenging working with him,” Brannon said. “It’s just always good vibes here.”
As an employee, Brannon said that she feels as though Barnyard is essential to Fordham culture. In regards to the rumors surrounding Barnyard’s shutdown, Brannon commented, “Obviously, all of our jobs would be gone, which kind of sucks because we did it to make extra money… It would be sad for the school in general because I feel like this is a pivotal place on Fordham Road.” The establishment, only open eight days a month, serves as a hub for students to socialize, network and have fun on weekends.
Despite the business’ challenges, there is strong support from upper-classmen students to keep Barnyard a staple of Fordham nightlife. “I feel like we do everything right here. We have a good system. Our prices are pretty low compared to other bars. We’ll have four or five people working when some of the other bars will have two people working. I feel like we get to customers super fast. I think this is the most functional bar and best bar,” Brannon said.
However, while Brannon has had an overall positive experience working at Barnyard, another worker raised concerns about Kajatazi refusing to take suggestions to improve business as well as high schoolers attending the bar. A student who works at Barnyard, who has asked to remain anonymous, said, “Barnyard is perceived as a freshman bar. I think upperclassmen aren’t going there, and obviously, a problem at a lot of the bars recently has been the prevalence of high schoolers. I think Barnyard specifically has trouble with that.”
Barnyard will remain open for the foreseeable future, but if it eventually closes, Kajatazi plans to focus on running Simon’s Deli. While Kajatazi hopes to increase business at Barnyard, he said, “I don’t want [anybody] to feel bad for me, and I don’t feel like anybody should come support me because of what I say.”
