Long Standing Crown Heights Panamanian Restaurant, Kelso Bar and Bistro Set To Close
Another neighborhood staple can't compete with gentrification.
Another neighborhood staple can't compete with gentrification.
CROWN HEIGHTS — After 55 years of serving the community of Crown Heights, Kelso Bar and Bistro has decided to close its doors for good.
The family-owned Panamanian eatery is considered to be a staple of the community. Kelso is the last Panamanian restaurant in Crown Heights. Throughout the years, the business has survived the changes that occurred in the neighborhood from drug infestation to gang violence however, due to rent increase and gentrification the restaurant can no longer remain open.
Current owner, Veronica Parker, took to the restaurant’s Facebook page to make the official announcement.
Parker, a mother and grandmother, has owned the business for the past 11 years. She has expressed concern about letting the business go, but stated she has grown tired of running the business.
“The closing is a must due to changes in the community and to the large increase in rent,” she said.
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There have been other plans to keep the business within the Panamanian community by trying to sell it to another Panamanian family but things did not go as planned. Ultimately, the restaurant was bought out by investors with plans of turning the restaurant into apartments.
Although this beloved business has been sold, Parker and her family get to keep the restaurant’s name — Kelso — if they do decide to open the restaurant again at a different location.
“Kelso, is a well-known name, especially among the Panamanian community, so if we decide to open another restaurant we can use the name and people would know it’s us, that it’s our family,” said Parker.
Before the restaurant closes its doors for good, Parker will have a thank you celebration on Sunday, October 29th, from 4pm – 8pm. Kelso Bar and Bistro is located at 648 Franklin Avenue between Bergen Street and St. Marks Avenue.
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