Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
It’s been a tough year for restaurants. Central Pa. has suffered a sudden burst of closings, especially this fall. Reasons vary from owners dealing with health concerns to economic struggles. Fortunately, the report is not totally dismal because several new establishments have joined the ever-evolving restaurant scene. Still, here are some of the most notable closings: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Iron Hill’s announcement on Sept. 25 it was closing all of its locations and filing for bankruptcy took many by surprise. The brewpub chain with restaurants in Derry Township and Lancaster shared the news on a social media post and in emails sent to diners. “After many wonderful years serving our communities, all Iron Hill locations have closed,” it said. “It has been our pleasure to serve you, and we are deeply grateful for your support, friendship and loyalty over the years.” “We sincerely hope to return in the future, and when we do, we promise to welcome you with open arms.” By early October the Delaware-based chain filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy under U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, bankruptcy documents show Iron Hill has $125,000 in the bank and owes creditors $20 million. Grateful Goat Brewing & Provisions The restaurant at 1300 Camp Hill Bypass in East Pennsboro closed on Oct. 12. “We’ve got some exciting news. After nearly a half decade as part of the Camp Hill community, we’ve accepted an offer to sell the Grateful Goat and its real estate. It’s a great move for us, and an opportunity we simply could not pass up,” read an announcement on Facebook. Grateful Goat with its on-site brewery opened in 2021. Co-owner Gary Huether said a broker approached them with an offer to buy the property including the liquor license. “We kind of looked at as a great opportunity,” he said. “It’s a positive thing for us.” Several days later it was announced Chocolate Avenue Grill in Derry Township will be opening a second restaurant at the Grateful Goat location. An opening date has not been announced. Smoked Bar & Grill Smoked is closing later this fall, so you still have time to swing by. “After over a decade of slow-smoked meats, sticky fingers, and good memories, Smoked Bar & Grill will close after service on November 16,” according to a message posted on Facebook. The restaurant at 1201 W. Chocolate Ave. serves barbecue such as wings, pulled pork, brisket and ribs along with a full bar. “BBQ isn’t the craze it once was, and with beef at record highs and meat costs soaring, it’s become harder to charge what we’d need to keep it sustainable,” reads the message. “Like other BBQ restaurants locally and across the country, rather than fight the trend, we’re making room for something new.” Cedars Lebanese Restaurant Cedars Lebanese Cuisine in Camp Hill is for sale. Owner Pascale Baaklini said she is too busy caring for her elderly father to operate the establishment at 2153 Market St. The restaurant closed in June. “I actually had an incident where there was flooding in the kitchen and I had to temporarily close it,” she said. “I had hoped to reopen it and then my father got really ill.” The sale is posted on Facebook Marketplace and on Transworld, an online brokerage site. The fully-furnished restaurant includes indoor seating and garage-style door in the front that opens onto a patio. Baaklini said she’s accepting the best offer. The sale includes the business only with kitchen equipment and furnishings such as tables and chairs. Isaac’s Restaurants Isaac’s Restaurants will close its Lancaster City, South York and Ephrata restaurants this year. The chain said the Lancaster City location will close on Oct. 25, South York on Oct. 26, and Ephrata on Nov. 30. In a press statement, Isaac’s attributed the closures of its Craft Kitchen & Brewery locations to several factors, including its sales and the restaurants’ close proximity to other Isaac’s locations. Isaac’s said the changes will allow it to invest and update its 10 other restaurants. Moonlight Diner The diner at 1400 Carlisle Pike in Middlesex Township closed earlier this month. “It breaks our hearts to share that we’ve had to close our doors. This decision did not come easy, but with prices rising and bills getting higher every day, it became impossible to keep going,” the Facebook message said. The 24-hour diner near the Flying J Travel Center served a full menu of all-day breakfast, sandwiches and entrees including steaks and seafood. Michael and Marina Memek opened it in July 2024. They also own Jonestown Diner in Lower Paxton Township and had operated Walnut Bottom Diner in South Middleton Township. Houlihan’s Diners still have time to visit Houlihan’s at 27 W. Chocolate Ave. in Derry Township ahead of its Dec. 31 closing. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts will reopen it next spring as Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar. “Hershey Social will bring bold flavors, signature cocktails and over-the-top desserts inspired by Hershey’s chocolate roots to the vibrant downtown area,” according to a press statement. Houlihan’s opened in 2006. Bollywood Indian Fusion The restaurant at 97 E. Main St. in the Park Village Plaza in Derry Township closed on Sept. 14. Co-owner and chef Avelino Furtado said his ongoing medical issues led to the decision. “I need to take care of my health,” he said. Furtado, a chef for 11 years at the former Passage To India in Harrisburg’s Shipoke neighborhood, teamed up with Dinesh Purohit to open Bollywood about five years ago. Purohit also operated Bollywood Bar & Grille in Harrisburg until it closed in 2021. Bruno’s Corner Bar A landmark corner restaurant in Middletown is available to lease following the closure of Bruno’s Corner Bar & Family Italian Restaurant. The building’s owner, Max Randazzo, said his tenant, Bruno Passalacqua, closed the restaurant at 101 E. Main St. in July. A reason for the closing was not provided. Randazzo said the building is available to lease and includes a liquor license. Passalacqua opened Bruno’s in March 2024 as a family-friendly establishment with an Italian menu. Before opening, he remodeled the restaurant, creating an expanded dining area. Something Wicked Brewing After more than a decade, Something Wicked Brewing Company in Hanover closed on Sept. 6. “After much reflection and with incredibly heavy hearts, we must share the news that Something Wicked Brewing Co. will be closing its doors,” the owners posted on Facebook. In the post, the owners thanked customers and staff for their support through the years. “Over the past decade, we’ve had the honor of watching strangers become friends, and friends become family. We’ve shared laughter and tears, stories and songs, first dates and farewells — each moment leaving its mark on our hearts," said the post. Appalachian Brewing: Harrisburg Appalachian Brewing Company closed its Harrisburg City brewpub at 50 N. Cameron St. in July after 28 years due to declining business. The complex’s Abbey Bar remains open for events and live music, and the brewery remains operational. Co-owner Artie Tafoya stressed business in the city has dropped off since the COVID-19 pandemic as more state employees work from home. “It’s a matter of the market right now,” he said. “It’s just another adaptation in our business life. If we’re not trying, we’re not going to have success in the future.“ Mother’s Subs A popular Harrisburg sandwich restaurant is temporarily closed due to matters with the late owner’s estate. Victor Warke, owner of Mother’s Subs at 2101 N. Second St., died on June 6, 2024. He was 54. His former business partner and friend George Cvijic said the restaurant closed in July and can’t reopen until Warke’s estate is settled, a process that could take several months. In 2015, Warke and Cvijic resurrected Mother’s Subs to the delight of Harrisburg-area residents who remembered the oversized subs stuffed with meats and cheeses on crusty bread. Mother’s Subs had been established about 35 years earlier and had grown to encompass six locations, including one at the Harrisburg Mall. However, all of the locations closed by 1981. Warke’s father and uncles were the original owners of Mother’s Subs. His mother also operated the Pepper Pot restaurant in Lower Paxton Township which sold similar subs. Home 231 In February, Robert and Jessica Ayala announced they closed Home 231 at 231 North St. in Harrisburg and Revival Social Club at 19 N. George St. in York. The couple didn’t share a reason for the closings. In the post, the Ayalas referred to Home 231’s closing as the end of an era. “It’s time to say goodbye! After 12 years of serving up your favorite bites and laughs, we’re officially closing our doors on March 2nd. But don’t worry, we’re going out with a bang!” they said. Federal Taphouse The Harrisburg city restaurant with a second-floor music venue at 234 N. Second St. closed on Jan. 19. “We want to express our deepest gratitude for your loyal patronage throughout the last 12 years. It has been a privilege to serve the community and be part of all the lasting memories,” said owner Judd Goodman. The property didn’t sit vacant for long. It was sold to Justin Browning, owner of several city nightlife establishments, who earlier this month opened Capital City Music Hall, a live music venue at the site. Taco Amigos The corner taco shop at 200 N. Second St. in Harrisburg closed on Feb. 7. On a Facebook post, owners and husband-and-wife Marcel Childs and Victoria Valencia said, “Thanks for supporting us through these years, but our time downtown is coming to an end on Feb. 7. No, we are not going out of business, but we are going on a hiatus until we find the perfect relocation.” The couple blamed the downtown climate and said they can’t financially survive at that location. “Right now, there’s no clear home for us, but we will update everyone when we find it,” they said. They asked followers to stay tuned to social media for updates. “We, Taco Amigos, are forever grateful,” they said.
