Seattle Ethopian Restaurant Chef Cafe Has Quietly Closed | Eater Seattle

"Opened in 2009 by married couple Yihdego Gidey and Gburemical Tsehyesh, Chef Cafe built its business the old-fashioned way — through friendly service, great food and huge portions — becoming a homespun spot with plenty of regulars in the surrounding Central District. Because it had no website or Instagram and even a name that was hard to Google, its permanent closure on November 30 went largely unreported; the owners say the restaurant fell into financial difficulties during the pandemic lockdowns, never fully rebounded, accumulated too much debt amid rising expenses and inflation, and ultimately had to close. The old sign is gone, though a graffiti-style mural on the side of the building now serves as a kind of memorial, and a window sign indicates Maheder Cafe will be taking over the space." - Harry Cheadle