Carmelita Announces They're Closing in September

Carmelita, the vegetarian restaurant on Phinney Ridge that's been around since 1996, took to Facebook this morning to announce their last day of service will be September 29, 2013:

Certainly many of you thought Carmelita would be around forever, as did we. But times change, and no matter how much you love what you're doing there gets to be a point when you know it's time to pursue something else.

Proprietors Kathryn Neumann and Michael Hughes attempt to answer any and all questions for diners and longtime patrons that have relied on Carmelita for their nighttime vegetarian needs. It's a long status update.

In the mix, they reveal: "The buyers are successful, local entrepreneurs,
who are committed to the Phinney Ridge neighborhood! It is a partnership of Chris Navarra (Prost, The Ridge, Martinos), Chris Gerke (Nickerson Saloon, The Ridge, Martinos) and Shannon Wilkinson (Little Water Cantina)." And that the group "will be collaborating to open a neighborhood friendly restaurant with a new concept that isn't vegetarian focused."

In the comments, Carmelita says, "We are trying to hustle up a self published cookbook," and, "First off, we're in the works with getting out a 'Carmelita Cocktails' book-all profits will go into a Carmelita staff Severance Fund." Sounds like a kick-starter isn't be far behind.

· Carmelita [Official Site]
· Carmelita [Facebook]

[Photo: Trip Advisor]