SPOKANE, Wash. — A beloved ceviche bar in downtown Spokane announced Friday that it will close its doors for good at the end of the month.
Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar near 2nd Avenue and Howard Street will close at the end of September, after serving the Spokane community for eight years.
Chef and owner, Chad White, made the announcement in an email, saying the decision to close was “heart-wrenching.”
“It is with a heavy heart and deep reflection that I write this letter to share the difficult decision I have to make about Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar. After eight incredible years, filled with unforgettable memories, remarkable achievements and a deep connection with all of you, I’ve made the heart-wrenching choice to close our doors,” said White.
During its eight years, Zona Blanca attracted national recognition by winning various awards, including the 2018 Innovator of the Year Award by the Washington Restaurant Association, and two James Beard Award nominations.
Chef White was also a participant in Bravo’s Top Chef season 13.
In his announcement, White thanked his staff, landlords, community partners and patrons.
“This decision was not made lightly, and it comes with a deep sense of loss, but also with gratitude for the journey we’ve shared with all of you,” said White.
White cited the main reason for the closure as the current state of downtown Spokane.
“So, why close? The hard truth is that like many businesses in downtown Spokane, we’ve faced a challenging and rough road. The increasing crime, visible drug use and the damage to public and private property have made it harder and harder to maintain a safe environment for our team and partners who are like family to me, and for you, our valued guests,” he said.
He also said the restaurant left his family “very little” in time and security.
White appealed in the email to Spokane’s elected officials to address the crime and drug use downtown.
“The challenges we face are real and growing, and if we don’t take immediate action to address the safety and well-being of our downtown, many more businesses—especially the smaller ones—will face even greater struggles in the months ahead. Now is the time for us to come together and protect what makes Spokane so special,” said White.
He said he plans to utilize the restaurant space through the end of its lease for pop-up dinners, catering and other culinary experiences.
Anyone interested in connecting with White about private catering or cooking/cocktail classes or to connect with his Zona Blanca staff, can reach him at chad@chef-cw.com.
Zona Blanca will remain open to the public, Thursday-Sunday, until September 29.
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