Independent Restaurants Close Across Several Communities

Restaurant closures are mounting in U.S. communities, including a new wave in El Paso and recent shutdowns in Denver, Salem and North Jersey. Denver’s The Molecule Effect ended its 12-year run on Oct. 4 as its owners pursued a new opportunity; Salem’s Northwest Bagels closed after about a year despite previously announcing plans to relocate. In Canada and Ireland, Vancouver’s downtown theVenti, Edmonton’s Felice Cafe and Midleton’s Salinas Bistro also closed; theVenti still operates a West End location. Felice’s owners cited the financial, emotional and physical strain of hospitality work despite a busy cafe and growing community, while Salinas co-owner Dee Quinlan said she was focusing on her husband’s recovery and their family. Hillsdale’s Rockin Roots closed after seven years, and North Jersey operators have cited rising rent and supply costs, staffing challenges and retirement. A Sept. 17 fire destroyed Alexander’s Coffee House and six other businesses in Walhalla, South Carolina; its owners hope to rebuild.