Cafe Lalibela, a beloved Tempe Ethiopian restaurant, shuttered after 30 years.
The restaurant made it onto The Arizona Republic's essential 100 list for several years and has been a longtime favorite of readers and dining critics.
A handwritten sign posted on the door next to the usual Open/Closed sign read: "We are closed." The tables and chairs were still in place. Diners reported on Facebook that they had dined or called the restaurant on Sept. 28 and spoken to staff members who confirmed the restaurant would close for good after dinner service.
"She said the owner had been having issues for the past 2 to 3 years. I told her that if they announced they were closing and gave the community time even staying open another month they would be able
to use up the product that they had and maybe even have a profit before fully closing," posted Monica Sampson, who added that at the end of the conversation, the staff member was in tears.
Jena Yates posted on Instagram that she was told Cafe Lalibela was indeed closing and that they were "not making an announcement."
At the time of writing, Cafe Lalibela owner Salem Beyene had not responded to The Republic's request for comment.
Reach the restaurant critic at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @baharcreative on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Family-owned, metro Phoenix Ethiopian restaurant closed after 30 years
