Sabor Latin Bar & Grille closes at the Waterfront

– Despite numerous protestations that it wouldn’t happen, the east-side Sabor Latin Bar & Grille has closed.

When first contacted late last year about whether the restaurant was closing, owner Melad Stephan had a good laugh over how rumors get started.

Then last month, Sabor district executive chef Jason-Paul Febres said those rumors would disappear for good with some changes that were coming to the restaurant.

But Saturday was its last day in business.

"I just got fed up with it, not having the sales," Stephan says. "It's cheaper right now for me to shut it."

He has five years left on his lease.

"I need to visit with my partners about it to see what we might want to do."

Selling is an option.

"I'm willing to entertain an offer," Stephan says. "I'm willing to walk away."

He's also considering bringing a franchise to the space.

The fondue restaurant the Melting Pot is his most likely choice.

"I have to really study it very well," Stephan says. "I'm going back and forth on that one."

(more…)

This story was originally published February 8, 2010 at 6:08 AM with the headline "Sabor Latin Bar & Grille closes at the Waterfront."