In recent months, Downtown Roanoke has seen the closure of several restaurants, including Cedars Lebanese Restaurant and its sister business, Shishka Mediterranean Grill and Hookah Bar. Additionally, Cabo Fish Taco has also shut down its doors. This news follows the announcement that Leonore Restaurant is moving from its Downtown Roanoke location to Salem.
The closures have been met with disappointment by local residents such as Ty Williams and Brandon St. Velus, who emphasized the need for more restaurants in the area to attract tourists. However, the owner of Cabo Fish Taco cited various factors for the closure, including the impact of the pandemic, remote work reducing the lunch rush, parking issues, staffing shortages, rising rent, and crime downtown.
Despite the disappointing closures, Downtown Roanoke Inc. highlighted that new restaurants have opened in the area over the past five months, with more planned for the summer to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of downtown. While it is uncertain when new businesses will fill the empty spots left by Cabo Fish Taco and Leonore Restaurant, both establishments’ food trucks remain operational in the Roanoke Valley. The owner of Cedars Lebanese Restaurant and Shishka is still open for business and entertaining offers for his establishments while considering retirement.