Alison Barshak
Photo: Alison two
Alison at Blue Bell, chef-owner Alison Barshak’s six-year-old restaurant, has closed. In a letter to her customers, Barshak says closing the restaurant was a necessity after a difficult year “personally and professionally” and that she’ll be focusing her attentions on her other restaurant, Alison two. There aren’t any real specifics about the professional difficulties, but Michael Klein is reporting that her corporation has filed for bankruptcy with somewhere between $1 and $10 million in debt. Click through to read Barshak’s letter.
Dear Friends:
As some of you may already know, the past 12 months have been bittersweet for me, both professionally and personally. I saw the culmination of our team’s hard work, with the opening of Alison two and its “Best of Philly” award, as well as the 6th anniversary of Alison at Blue Bell. The year also brought something very sad and sobering to my personal life, the death of my father.
After serious thought, I’ve decided to close Alison at Blue Bell. Although this was never my intention, it’s become a necessary, albeit, sad choice. Although I feel I cannot adequately express the great sense of loss I feel in the wake of closing the doors on Alison at Blue Bell, I am heartened to know I will now be able to shift my full focus to Alison two. Please know it is my intention to honor all outstanding Alison at Blue Bell Gift Certificates at Alison two.
While Alison at Blue Bell is shutting its doors, Alison two is embarking upon an exciting reorganization process. Our customers can look forward to the same seamless dining experience they’ve come to expect from Alison two and our intensely professional staff. Parties already booked or yet to come will go forward as planned with the utmost care and attention to detail.
We look forward to seeing you at the restaurant!
All the best,
Alison
