Yale Daily News

Some things just don't need saving. Whatever the details of the lease agreement, the Tyco owner is right - the real problem is that Yankee Doodle hasn't been bringing in revenue the last few years.

What with decent-but-not-great food, rude service, and inexplicably terrible hours of operation, it's not at all surprising that the place had to shut down. What's more surprising - and absurd - is that thousands of dollars that could have gone to worthy charity causes has instead been donated to try to keep a financially nonviable business afloat, to try to insulate it from the fact that no one wants to go there anymore.

I have no doubt that Yankee Doodle has an important place in Yale history. But it's just that - history. When you see those old pictures of 1970s and 80s students crowding into the Doodle, remember that for the last few years the place has been lucky to have more than one person inside at a time. The Doodle has plenty of history, but it's run its course - let it go quietly into oblivion as failing businesses do, and donate your money somewhere where it will actually make a difference.

2:20 a.m. is probably a vegetarian. Some of us love the Doodle not just as a part of history or tradition, but also as a place to get what are arguably the best burgers (and milk shake!) in New England.

Not even arguably, I'd say. Straight-up best burgers on the East Coast. And I don't know what 2:20 is talking about. I've had to wait nearly every single time I went to the Doodle over the past year or so.

the food and atmosphere were distinctive and great for the style. it had an authentic 50's sort of feel that is irreplaceable. it's worth a lot to the campus, and i hope it can stay there. i don't think it would be the same diner in a different location or with a different facade.

the yankee doodle was alright. regardless of personal opinion about the burgers and the shakes or the service (which, i agree, wasnt the friendliest), its amazing to me how much time and energy has gone into resuscitating this business.

As a friend and neighbor of the Yankee Doodle and the Beckwith family we have agreed to keep the Yankee Doodle's location vacant, absorbing the cost ourselves, for a period of two months to give the Doodle the time it needs to get to the root of its economic issues, develop a successful business plan, and raise the funds needed to reopen and sustain this business for future generations. We think this is an excellent opportunity for the Doodle to return to its historic location and to address the real questions that we have outlined. Please visit www.tycocopy.com for more information.

If they had the best burgers and shakes on the east coast, they wouldn't be closing down. Though I've been at Yale for 6 years, I've only been to Yankee Doodle twice. Both times I found the food to be exactly like I make it at home (which, though still good, is highly mediocre) and the service to be brusque, bordering on rude. The servings were pretty small, and I also always found the place to be empty.

I agree with 2:20 that a bailout is not warranted - it seems to me that Yankee Doodle came to rest too heavily on its laurels, pompously refusing to remain competitive by extending its hours and adopting the attitude that it's OUR pleasure to eat THERE. This is the natural result.

Preserving the iconic name might be meaningful if it brings about a significant change in business practices, otherwise it's just swimming against the riptide.

i went by The Doodle on the City bus,the place was completely empty,The Owner/Chef was wiping something down at his station.

I wanted to jump at the chance of my choice of stools but i was afraid i'd get the door slammed on me or snapped at- That the place is closed.

Tyco is no better ,with long lines and a real nasty attitude.This is modus operandi for your overlords and decision makers, Big Brother knows whats best for it's students.Maybe someone should ask the owner of the Doodle if he wants to continue to run that type of business.

My condolences to the guys Father,

is the Doodle actually in M.Ianuzzi's property or is that a seperate building from Tyco ?

6:08, you sound like a vegan. Maybe you should write comments on where to find the purchase the best vegetables and leave it to us meat lovers to mourn the closing of the best burgers restaurant this side of the Mississippi.

Let the business go. The staff was rude! You never knew when the business was opened. The food was really just O.K.

An affordable 24 hour Chinese Takeout would serve the Yale Community much better. You would actually have people who would want to work also.

Change is hard - I remember the Coop Leaving and the Daily Caffe Closing. Broadway is the better for it.

The owners had to real motivation to have a successful business let them move on.