Calistoga Depot announces temporary closure for restructuring
The Calistoga Depot closed its doors Sunday following a social media post announcing that the shutdown is temporary.
Business owner Michael Madden told the Tribune this week that he is developing a more sustainable business plan with the goal of reopening in April.
“We’ve temporarily paused to reboot,” Madden said. “We’re in the process of developing more offerings with additional partnerships; some of the train cars will have new dynamics. The front space will have a new operator with a better product mix and slightly new theme.”
In addition to the “normal cyclical challenges of needing to have a downsized operation” in winter months, Madden cited the high costs of operating a business in town as part of his struggle, noting that utilities and garbage alone costs him upward of $10,000 a month.
Madden said he put wheels into motion in November to partner with new sub-tenants. He closed the Depot for a planned winter break during most of January that extended well into February, with the goal of having new partnerships in place by the time they reopened on Feb. 20.
“It’s taken longer than we expected,” he said. “We’re still very hopeful. I think we have a really good set of people interested in being a part of the next chapter and phase of the Depot. Because it’s still quiet in Calistoga and because it’s so expensive to operate, we kind of need all those pieces in place before we can reopen.”
Madden said he was unable to share additional information at this time but noted that his intention is for the Depot to continue to be a community hub for food, wine, spirits and private events.
The historic building at the Lincoln Avenue site was originally constructed in 1868 by Sam Brannan as a Napa Valley Railroad station and is now the second-oldest railway depot in California. In 2021, vintner and Boisset Collection proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset purchased the property from Calistoga’s Merchant family and, with Madden’s construction company, began renovations to the property and its string of six train cars.
The Calistoga Depot fully reopened in April 2024 under Madden’s leadership.
The property’s offerings have included the Depot Provisions grocery and retail shop, a distillery bar that pays homage to Calistoga’s history and pioneer Sam Brannan, outdoor dining and a beer garden with live music often performed on weekends.
The refurbished train cars house Earth & Sky Chocolates, a handmade chocolate shop operated by Madden’s wife, Robbie Schmidt; the Wine Collective, a wine and spirits mercantile shop; Casa Obsidiana, a Oaxaca-inspired dining and tequila room; The Parlor Car, featuring Champagne and oysters; and the First Millionaire saloon, inspired by Brannan. The sixth car contains a commercial kitchen.
Madden said Earth & Sky Chocolates and the Wine Collective, and the train cars they operate from, will remain open.
With the Depot’s current closure, he said, the business’ 35 employees have been laid off, adding, “the plan is to bring them back.”
Meanwhile, Madden said, as he makes changes to the business model, he is uncertain what his future holds.
“Most people just want to know: ‘The Depot I go to, the place with the good food and the bar, is that what it’s still going to be?’ And the answer is yes,” Madden said. “Certainly, selling the business is on the table… The exact structure is uncertain, but I work very closely with Boisset Collection. Whether I’m the tenant or not, I’m helping continue to grow the plan.”
