Zelko Moves On
Heights neighborhood restaurant is up for lease — for real this time
One of the most popular neighborhood restaurants in the Heights seems poised to close. On Tuesday, a "for lease" appeared in front of Zelko Bistro (spotted by an eagle-eyed CultureMap reader), and this time the change appears permanent.
Two years ago, a similar sign triggered a lawsuit from chef-owner Jamie Zelko against landlord Pappa K, LLC and a defiant social media post in which the restaurant vowed to remain open (since deleted); however, this time it doesn't appear the potential change in occupancy will come with similar drama.
Currently, Zelko is working towards opening a cafe in Evelyn's Park that would seem to give her a fresh start. She has yet to respond to CultureMap's requests for comment about the restaurant's future, but a Realtor who represents the landlord did.
"Their lease was up at the end of May," realtor Mike Huff tells CultureMap. "(Zelko) and the building's owner are working together to make that transition as easy as possible. They’re doing a short-term lease until that transition happens. We’re just trying to market the building because it’s going to be available."
With Zelko operating on a month-to-month basis, Huff couldn't say exactly how much longer the restaurant will be open, but he's already hearing from interested parties. Once the owner begins receiving offers, the new tenant could be chosen in the new couple of weeks.
"It’s a very desirable spot," Huff explains. "We have several restaurants, several coffee shops. We even have a day spa that is looking at this location."
