Hendersonville vegan-option restaurant Zen Hen permanently closes
A Hendersonville restaurant that offered gluten-free vegan options has permanently closed, just three years after opening in October 2020.
Zen Hen Cafe, at 1794 Asheville Highway and owned by chef Randy Dunn, announced the closing to its customers on social media, saying Dec. 19 was the last day of business.
"We are very sorry but Tuesday the 19th will be our last day. It has been a pleasure serving this town," the post read.
Dunn told the Times-News on Jan. 5 it was a tough decision to make, but a necessary one due to a drop in sales and also an increase in cost of goods and labor. He wanted to thank the customers who ere regulars and who kept the restaurant in business for the past three years.
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"We really appreciated their loyalty. Our regulars were really regular," he said. "Also, our staff who have worked in various other places and all said that we have the best guests ... they were so nice. We did have the most considerate guests. We will miss the opportunity to continue to serve the community."
The restaurant served rotisserie plates and buddha bowls, which were either chicken and vegan-style plates or meals served in a single bowl, usually with portions of a variety of healthy foods.
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As of Jan. 5, the social media post announcing the closing had more than 120 reactions.
"We've had overwhelming support and many saying they'd miss us," Dunn said.
Dunn had moved to Western North Carolina about 14 years ago, when he opened Roux at the Biltmore Park Hilton. He said he plans to keep his options open as he looks to future endeavors.
"I'm going to hang out here and see what doors open up and ultimately move home to Tennessee," he said.
Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at DHensley@gannett.com. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Drop in sales: Hendersonville vegan-option restaurant Zen Hen closes
