091029copiascene

The History of Copia

  • Copia opens

    Copia opens
    Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts opens. The $55 million center, the brainchild of vintner Robert Mondavi, is expected to draw visitors to downtown Napa with musical and visual arts programs, restaurants and wine- and food-themed events. J.L. Sousa/Register photo ARTICLE: Copia says 'welcome'
  • Period: to

    Annual attendance is less than expected in first year

    Annual attendance at Copia is 220,000 in 2002 - below expectations.
  • Period: to

    Annual attendance drops

    Annual attendance at Copia drops from 220,000 in 2002, a number that was already short of original expectations, to 160,000 in 2003.
  • Period: to

    Copia losing $5 million to $10 million per year

    Attendance is roughly 175,000. Copia is losing between $5 million and $10 million a year at this time.
  • Founding director replaced

    Founding Director Peggy Loar resigns and is replaced by Arthur Jacobus. ARTICLE: Peggy Loar resigns as president of Copia
  • Copia announces layoffs

    Copia announces  layoffs
    Jacobus announces Copia will lay off about one-third of its employees and that arts would take a back seat to food and wine. Plans at the time included restructuring a $68 million debt and possible sale of the center’s south parking lot. Register file photo ARTICLE: Copia to lay off a third of its workers, sell land, refinance $68 million debt
  • Copia pays penalty for violating non-profit status

    Copia pays a $224,000 penalty to the IRS for violating rules regarding the amount of space a non-profit entity can use for sales and business activities. Copia retains its tax-exempt status.
  • Third director takes over

    Jacobus resigns and is replaced by Garry McGuire, formerly a member of the Copia board of directors. ARTICLE: Copia taps new CEO
  • Copia makes deeper cuts

    Copia makes significant cuts to its workforce and budget, reducing hours it is open to the public. ARTICLE: Copia lays off staff, cutting days open
  • Copia closes its doors

    Copia closes its doors
    Copia abruptly closes its doors. ARTICLE: Copia closes without warning
  • Copia files for bankruptcy

    Copia files for bankruptcy
    Copia seeks bankruptcy protection from a crushing debt accumulated from years of operating in the red. J.L. Sousa/Register photo ARTICLE: Copia files for bankruptcy
  • Another director resigns

    Garry McGuire, the interim president of Copia, quietly resigned his position Dec. 5. Joe Peatman, the chairman of the Copia board, took over as the center sank into ever-deeper financial quicksand. ARTICLE: Copia CEO resigns amid bankruptcy
  • Copia up for sale

    Copia up for sale
    Copia leaders acknowledge they are seeking to sell the 12-acre site in downtown Napa, and hope to lease space on the grounds to continue food and wine programs. J.L. Sousa/Register photo ARTICLE: Copia officially up for sale
  • Bankruptcy complete

    Bankruptcy complete
    The Copia bankruptcy is officially completed. A buyer has yet to be found for the property. J.L. Sousa/Register photo