Click to View the Full Thread

Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: Darren Bush to close Rutabaga end of 2025
 
Author Message Text
8whitecaps
09/22/2025 02:06PM
  
I feel sorry for the employees.


As Darren states, "We just hit 995 reviews on Google with a 4.9 star rating. That doesn’t just happen. The Rutabaga staff are the best people I know, and I am truly grateful for all of them."
 
deerfoot
09/23/2025 12:05PM
  
Sorry to hear this but it is understandable given Darren’s reasoning. I remember the store when it was located on Monroe St in the old IGA grocery building and owned by Gordy Sussman. I too was surprised given that he just built the new store. Perhaps someone will decide to open a similar business and maybe even in the new building.

And I am glad Canoecopia will continue because it is the event where my longtime paddling group gathers for an annual reunion and many of us put together trips for the coming season.
 
bnics
09/23/2025 07:45PM
  
plmn - After thinking about it more the past couple days, I don't understand either. You had a prime location on a beautiful lake only to build a new building with a small pond in the back. That was only 3 years ago? And now you are closing up shop completely?

We don't know the full story. I wonder if the move was a bit of an over-extension? Seeing a lot of people on the Madison subreddit complain about the hours that may have hurt business (10AM-6PM, not open Sundays). I don't want to speculate too much but you're right. It doesn't add up.
 
Blatz
09/24/2025 07:49AM
  
plmn: "bnics: "...I understand Darren's decision to not want to sell..."
I don't. He talks about being proud of building the outdoor community and from comments here he was obviously successful at doing that. Then there are those that work there. All he worked so hard for is now going to be gone because he doesn't want to risk seeing it struggle. I don't know the guy but I don't understand that line of reasoning, unless there are financial problems behind the scenes. " Look what happened to Bell Canoe after it was purchased. He may not want it to turn out like that. I say the guy has good principals.
 
Jackfish
09/21/2025 01:34PM
  
Many of you know who Darren Bush is and are familiar with Rutabaga, the paddlesports store in Madison, WI. He has decided to close the retail store at the end of 2025. The good news is that Canoecopia will continue.

Here is the link to the article. It’s a Facebook post so I would imagine you have to be on FB to be able to read it. My apologies.

Rutabaga to close end of 2025
 
bnics
09/22/2025 06:22AM
  
Shocked by this news to say the least. Grateful that Canoecopia will continue.


What's crazy to me is they just built their new retail shop...I understand Darren's decision to not want to sell but it really feels like a blow to the paddling community. Not just in Madison, but the entire state as well. To my knowledge, there aren't many shops like Rutabaga around, especially in an area where the water freezes over for multiple months a year.


I can't help but wonder what the gear selection will be like at Canoecopia. While there's a multitude of vendors, many items I bought were from Rutabaga due to the discount offered there. Time will tell.
 
Mocha
09/21/2025 03:59PM
  
What kind of news is this???


I was so sad reading the post title, then read Darren’s message and was brought to tears.


He and his wife deserve to live the life that fulfills their hearts. This next chapter is perfect for Darren.


I wish I still had the ability to paddle cuz I would sure help make a dent in his stock.


So happy they made the decision after thoroughly thinking it through. The paddling community will continue, they will chart a new course to find gear or create their own. Darren and his wife will continue helping people find joy in life. I’m happy for them and happy for their gear that finds loving homes.




 
Kendis
09/23/2025 02:50PM
  
I purchased a Wenonah canoe from them last year. Wenonah's policy is for warranty claims to go through the dealer that the canoe was purchased from. Anyone have an idea of if I would be unable to submit a warranty claim if something was to happen after Rutabaga closes its doors?


Obviously I will ask Wenonah directly too.
 
plmn
09/23/2025 06:46PM
  
bnics: "...I understand Darren's decision to not want to sell..."


I don't. He talks about being proud of building the outdoor community and from comments here he was obviously successful at doing that. Then there are those that work there. All he worked so hard for is now going to be gone because he doesn't want to risk seeing it struggle. I don't know the guy but I don't understand that line of reasoning, unless there are financial problems behind the scenes.