Why "closed for renovation"?
 

I have always wondered why "closed for renovation" in the restaurant business is almost always a euphemism for "closed forever, thanks for your business.

The most extreme example of this is with of my all-time favorite NY Italian "joints" Grotto Azure, last time I checked, their answering machine still says they are closed for renovations and they shut down about 3 years ago. But this is the case with so many restaurants. They must tell the staff and their suppliers, so why mislead their customers when barring winning the lotto they have no intention of re-opening?

I would like your opinion on the term "Priority Waiting List". I hear that a lot.

MisterNice