Indianapolis restaurants that permanently closed due to the pandemic
Some of Indianapolis’ most popular independent restaurants, including Black Market and Rook, have closed for good during the pandemic. Here’s a look at some of them.
Dwight Adams, dwight.adams@indystar.com
Indy is losing a taste of Havana.
The Cuban Sandwich Shop is closing, citing challenges with staffing and high food costs.
“There is no staffing. And the cost of food is just taking off, and it’s not affordable anymore,” owner Jorge Chalgub told the IndyStar from the 8329 Michigan Road store in Indianapolis.
The last day is April 15, the shop posted to its Facebook page.
“We had the pleasure and honor to serve you for almost 9 years, but we can no longer continue. Massive price increases and lack of staff are forcing us to close our doors,” the post said.
Previously: Taste of Havana restaurant owner has had enough of Broad Ripple. Here’s why
Chalgub and his daughter, Dayana Mireles, started the business, then called Taste of Havana, serving authentic made-to-order Cuban sandwiches using Cuban bread and meats hand-cut on-site at 815 Broad Ripple Ave. Offerings expanded to chicken, turkey and vegetarian selections, as well as black bean soup and fresh-baked pastelitos.
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His daughter left the business about four years ago, Chalgub said, and the shop relocated to its current spot in 2019.
Not being able to find employees left him putting in 80-hour weeks, he said in a Facebook post.
“It’s not about the money. It’s about people not wanting to work. It’s about 80-hour weeks for me,” he said.
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on Twitter: @cherylvjackson.
