In recent news, four restaurants on Campbell Avenue in Downtown Roanoke have closed, leaving more businesses in the area up for sale. The Cedars Lebanese Restaurant and Shishka Mediterranean Grill and Hookah Bar are currently listed for sale, while Cabo Fish Taco has also shut down its doors. This trend follows the recent announcement of Leonore Restaurant relocating from Downtown Roanoke to Salem.
Residents of Roanoke expressed their disappointment at seeing these businesses close, emphasizing the importance of bringing more restaurants to downtown to attract tourists. Local business owners Ty Williams and Brandon St. Velus shared their frustration with the lack of dining options in the area, highlighting the need for more variety to cater to different tastes and preferences.
The owner of Cabo Fish Taco cited the pandemic’s impact on their business as a major factor in their closure, along with challenges such as reduced foot traffic, parking issues, staff shortages, rising rent, and crime in the area. However, they also mentioned that they plan to continue operating their food truck and Blacksburg location while considering new opportunities for growth.
Local resident Kyle Waltz expressed his hope that new dining options can replace the closed establishments while maintaining the unique charm of downtown Roanoke. Downtown Roanoke Inc., which promotes economic development in the area, acknowledged the closures but highlighted the recent influx of new restaurants in the region as evidence of ongoing growth and vitality in downtown dining scene.
As of now, it is uncertain when or if new businesses will take over the vacant spots left by the closed restaurants. However, Cabo Fish Taco’s food truck can still be found throughout Roanoke Valley and its Blacksburg location remains open, while Leonore Restaurant has reopened in Salem. The owner of Cedars Lebanese Restaurant and Shishka is considering retirement but has not yet made a final decision on whether or not to sell his businesses at this time.
