A single-line note Monday on the door of Sbraga & Co. notified employees and vendors — and the public as a whole — the Brooklyn restaurant is no longer in operation.
According to a statement provided by a company spokeswoman, it “was not a Sbraga Dining decision” to close the restaurant and lock employees out.
“We are saddened by the abrupt action that was taken, and are doing what we can to help everyone work through the transition,” said Esha Dev, communications director for the restaurant group.
A call to Alex Coley, president of NAI Hallmark Partners, seeking comment was not returned.
It’s an unceremonious end to a much-anticipated restaurant led by celebrity chef Kevin Sbraga, a venture thought to be a cornerstone of Unity Plaza and 220 Riverside.
The 2010 winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef D.C.” in November opened the restaurant that featured local ingredients.
Sbraga in 2011 opened a restaurant in Philadelphia, the aptly called Sbraga. He followed that up with two other Philadelphia eateries, The Fat Ham and Juniper Commons, in 2013 and late 2014, respectively. Juniper Commons closed in May 2015.
On his Instagram page, Sbraga said, "I have always cared deeply about my employees, and personally built the S&Co. team from the ground up. I'm heartbroken at how things have panned out. I'm sure there are questions on the specifics of the situation that I likely can't answer now, but please know none of this was under my control or my decision. I wanted to continue to thrive and grow in Jacksonville with the restaurant, and provide opportunities for my staff to do the same."
As recently as May, the Jacksonville restaurant was advertising for Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day specials.
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