Casualty Report
By Justin Fischer, Jan 28th, 2011 | In Dining
We're scarcely a month into 2011 and the restaurants are dropping like flies. Urban 18 is closed indefinitely and has been for nearly three weeks. According to their website the closure is due to "unforeseen circumstances," which is probably Public Relationsese for "cash flow issues." Bistro/bar concept Latitude and Longitude quietly closed its doors last week. Owner Maggie Shen says a makeover is in the works. The plan is to reopen as a Greek restaurant in the coming months.
Speaking of Mediterranean cuisine, Haya's on Hongmei Lu has bought the farm, but is survived by its Dagu Lu branch.
And if you've been in Delish recently, you've probably noticed the deep discounts on all the merchandise. It's a clearance sale, folks. Everything must go before tomorrow (January 29) when the specialty deli shop as well as its sister restaurants Shoka and Cantine shut down. Owner Gilles Bihi-Zenou tells us that after a few months Shoka "will be reborn bigger and better". As for Cantine, he says, "it is time to bring something new and exciting to Shanghai dining and bar scene". We're not sure what exactly what that means just yet, but we expect some updates after the CNY holiday.
Finally, in the wake of Azul's coming closure, surely the question on the tips of all of your tongues is, "What will become of Madison?" Chef/owner Austin insists that closing is not an option. In his own words, "I didn't turn down offers in NY and Paris to come to Shanghai to open a restaurant for 8 months. We would, of course, like to stay at our current location...but I have seen approximately 20 other locations with varying levels of potential. So we are prepared to move if we have to, but have no intentions of closing down." Fortunately most of the locations they've been scouting out are already operational as restaurants. So, worst case scenario: They close down on Dongping Lu and four to six weeks later crop up elsewhere.
Speaking of Mediterranean cuisine, Haya's on Hongmei Lu has bought the farm, but is survived by its Dagu Lu branch.
And if you've been in Delish recently, you've probably noticed the deep discounts on all the merchandise. It's a clearance sale, folks. Everything must go before tomorrow (January 29) when the specialty deli shop as well as its sister restaurants Shoka and Cantine shut down. Owner Gilles Bihi-Zenou tells us that after a few months Shoka "will be reborn bigger and better". As for Cantine, he says, "it is time to bring something new and exciting to Shanghai dining and bar scene". We're not sure what exactly what that means just yet, but we expect some updates after the CNY holiday.
Finally, in the wake of Azul's coming closure, surely the question on the tips of all of your tongues is, "What will become of Madison?" Chef/owner Austin insists that closing is not an option. In his own words, "I didn't turn down offers in NY and Paris to come to Shanghai to open a restaurant for 8 months. We would, of course, like to stay at our current location...but I have seen approximately 20 other locations with varying levels of potential. So we are prepared to move if we have to, but have no intentions of closing down." Fortunately most of the locations they've been scouting out are already operational as restaurants. So, worst case scenario: They close down on Dongping Lu and four to six weeks later crop up elsewhere.
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djsexypaul, Jan 28th, 2011
Jesus H. Urban 18 didnt last long did it ? Oh well it proves that even Laris has big failures too. Latitude, we could all see that coming ages off. Last Oct Ex Manager Alan Fulton said it would close at the beginning of 2011. He was right.Justin Fischer, Jan 28th, 2011
To be fair, djsexypaul, Laris owns Urban 18 about as much as I own SmartShanghai. He works for them as a consultant. They hired him to design a menu and train their kitchen staff and that's it.morgan, Jan 28th, 2011
Everyone knows Satan owns SmartShanghai.But we consult.
djsexypaul, Jan 30th, 2011
ok sorry Justin. I digress. Proves even his menu`s and training has failures too thenShanghaimagic, Jan 31st, 2011
The possibility of failing is extremely high in the restaurant, bar and nightclub business even if everything is done right. Sometimes so-called good ideas just don't catch on with the general public. Then after getting over the first hurdle to keep things lively and well maintained is another area where once popular venues lose their loyal customers. To all owners: Beware of the buyer - don't take them for granted because your days are numbered if you do.Please sign in or register to comment