Are restaurants and bars becoming masters of quiet quitting in 2023? See who closed
First it was quiet quitting from members of Generation Z, then came companies choosing quiet firing and quiet cutting, but is the latest phenomenon quiet closing?
It seems that more and more restaurants are opting to shutter silently, closing their doors with little explanation or notice. Perhaps a simple paper sign posted to the door to warn of an impending exit, or a social media post after the business closes, if you're lucky. But sometimes its just showing up to be greeted by nothing more than locked doors and a feeling of confusion. Unfortunately, there are still more questions than answers about the closings in many cases.
In 2023, these are a few of the Oklahoma City restaurants we've watched fade from operation in relative silence.
1. Louie's Grill & Bar — Midtown, 1215 N Walker Ave.
The Louie's location closed in late July with little more notice to customers than a simple sign hung outside the restaurant to warn of the impending closure a few days in advance. Midtown district manager Jakey Dobbs said the district was not informed of the restaurant's plans to close or given any explanation for the closing either. Dobbs said she had been told a new concept would be moving into the space, but it remains closed, and there has been no announcement at this time from Hal Smith Restaurant Groups, operators of Louie's.
Oklahoma County assessor records show that the property's taxes are paid and up-to-date.
More: A third Midtown restaurant has quietly shut its doors. Here's what we know
2. The Eleanor, 317 NW 23
After a post in late April inviting potential revelers to book their events with The Eleanor, the venue's Facebook page went silent. Reports of patrons showing up to find locked doors and lights off on the dates of pre-paid events and attempts to recover payments have since surfaced.
The venue's Instagram states that it is permanently closed with a line in the bio reading, "Thank you for four great years, OKC!" and the website is out of commission entirely.
Searches of the assessors website showed taxes on the property for 2022 remain unpaid.
3. The Mantel Wine Bar & Bistro, 201 E Sheridan Ave. 4
According to the information on Facebook for The Mantel, a new concept is coming to the space soon. However, many are unlikely to have even realized the restaurant has even closed. Facebook posts on Aug. 3 welcomed guests to book a table, but by Aug. 10 the restaurant had posted that it was closed on its Facebook, and the website was no longer active.
Amy Meyer, wife of owner Randy Meyer, said The Mantel closed Aug. 5 because "after 25 years, the concept of the Mantel had run its course," and the ownership "just wanted to do something different."
More: Feel the urge to 'quiet quit'? Time to check in with your mental health, experts say
Some members of the same team are set for a new concept — Bibbs Smokehouse and Catering Co. — to open in the spot next month, according to Meyer and posts on the company page. The new restaurant will honor gift certificates from The Mantel, according to replies to comments on Facebook.
Assessor records showed the 2022 taxes for The Mantel remained outstanding as of Aug. 28.
The Oklahoman has reached out to The Eleanor and Louie's for more information on their closings, but has not received replies at this time.
Have you seen other restaurants quietly closing around town? Drop me a line at jbwilliams@oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Three OKC restaurants that closed their doors with little or no notice
