Essex Junction restaurant that opened last year to close this month
An Essex Junction restaurant/deli that opened in the spring of last year has announced it is closing next week.
The Food Bar, which owner Alex Morano opened April 2, 2021, will shut down for good on Friday, July 22, the eatery announced Monday on social media.
“I am so grateful for the love and support we have gotten in the short time we’ve been open,” according to the Facebook post that’s signed, “With gratitude and love – Alex.”
“I’m sure you’re all aware of the obstacles we face in the restaurant industry post Covid,” the message reads. “It doesn’t matter now, what matters is that I have ultimately been blessed. My customers are the best and my staff is my family. What more can a girl ask for in times like these? Please consider coming in or taking out with us one last time in the coming weeks.”
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Deli sandwiches and Italian-American fare
In a space next to the Heart n Soul restaurant, The Food Bar doled out deli sandwiches as well as Italian-American fare such as lasagna, chicken parmesan and rigatoni Bolognese. Morano told the Burlington Free Press last year that The Food Bar was based on the cuisine she experienced while growing up in New Jersey.
“I don’t reinvent the wheel, I just bring the wheel to Vermont,” Morano told the Free Press. “It’s all about the stuff you could get at an Italian deli in New Jersey or New York.”
“I will not soon forget the joy of inviting you into my home and heritage and letting me make you way too much pasta for one meal.”
Alex Morano, owner of The Food Bar
The Food Bar gift cards and planned catered events
In her note to customers, Morano wrote that catered events she is doing past The Food Bar’s closing date will go on as planned unless “for some reason you are not comfortable with that.” She wrote that she will add $10 to any gift cards for The Food Bar used before the restaurant closes, and if customers can’t use their gift cards before the restaurant closes, she will offer refunds in cash.
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“This has been one hell of a ride and I would not trade my experiences regardless of the unfortunate outcome,” according to the Facebook post. “I have met and served so many great members of our community and I have found invaluable friendships in my staff. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has come through my door. I will not soon forget the joy of inviting you into my home and heritage and letting me make you way too much pasta for one meal.”
Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com. Follow Brent on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BrentHallenbeck
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Essex Junction restaurant, The Food Bar, to close after one year
