Sad time for restaurants’ many loyal customers
Three longtime Cincinnati-area restaurants in the past week said they were permanently shutting their doors. None blamed COVID-19 specifically in their announcements, but the pandemic has been tough on almost all restaurants as they face staff shortages, supply-chain issues — and fewer customers. Media outlets have reported that more than two dozen local restaurants closed in 2021. The National Restaurant Association said that across the country, more than 90,000 restaurants closed in 2020, with 2021 numbers to be compiled later.
Today is the last day for Angilo’s Pizza, 329 W. Pike St., Covington, Ky.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances with the economy and distribution, we regret to inform you that after 60 years and four generations, we are closing our doors,” Angilo’s said New Year’s Eve evening in a social-media post. “We’ve made so many customers over the years that have turned into friends and mostly family to us. You all will be cherished and deeply missed. Thank you to each and every one of you and for 60 incredible years!!! — Regretfully, all our staff, Pizza Joe, Mikey, Steve, Blake, Mike, Jamie and the Moorman Family.”
Late Tuesday, Jamie Moorman posted: “My heart is so full with the love that all my customers are giving right now! I cannot thank you all enough for coming in today and supporting us!” This morning, the restaurant urged its social-media readers/customers to “Please, Please come in and see us today!” on its final day.
Grand Finale, 3 E. Sharon Road in Glendale, announced its closing on the morning of New Year’s Eve.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce Grand Finale Restaurant has permanently closed,” Virginia Chambers, proprietor, said in a post on the restaurant’s social-media page. “Our Grand Finale family is truly grateful for the love and support all of you have shown us. Through generational friendship, you are family, and we will miss you!”
The eatery, in business for 46 years, offered “continental cuisine and award-winning desserts in a relaxed, cozy, French country atmosphere.”
The social-media post so far has garnered more than 1,000 replies and 1,500 shares from customers. Chambers did not explain why Grand Finale was closing.
Jon Diebold, chef/owner of the Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant, 1000 Elm St., downtown Cincinnati, announced Dec. 20 on its social-media page that the eatery would be closing, unrelated to COVID.
“Let me be clear: This is not a result of the pandemic, the labor shortage, or any global shipping crisis,” Diebold said in the post. “We have weathered all those events, just as we have weathered other downturns in our three decades of business. The decision to close was long thought-out.”
On New Year’s Eve, the restaurant simply posted, “Adieu and farewell.”
The three-story brick building where it operated was built more than 150 years ago. A German immigrant, Johan Armleder, owned the saloon until 1872, and the next owner, Fiedel Bader, changed the name to Washington Platform in 1875. During Prohibition, it became a produce store, a hand laundry and other businesses. It took its current name in 1986, expanded in 1990 and marked its 35th anniversary last year.
