WCPO 9's Alex Null covers the east side. If you have a story that you'd like Alex to look into or a news tip, email him at alex@wcpo.com.
Alara, a fine-dining restaurant in Madisonville, abruptly closed its doors Tuesday without any explanation.
The restaurant, located in the Madison Square development, opened in spring 2024 by Looking Glass Hospitality, which was founded in 2016 by Scott Schmidt.
While Alara didn't formally announce the closure, the restaurant's Google Business listing says "permanently closed," and its website now leads to a "this site can't be reached" page. Alara's social media accounts have also been removed.
We caught up with Jose Nevada on Wednesday, a server at the now-former restaurant.
He said there was no indication the restaurant was shutting down.
"It was really all of a sudden, the restaurant was still operating on Saturday," Nevada said.
WATCH: Nevada shared with us how he and other employees found out about Alara's sudden closure
Many Facebook users in various Cincinnati groups also said their OpenTable reservations showed a message saying, "We regret to inform you that Alara Restaurant has closed effective immediately. This was a difficult decision, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience."
Nevada said that's how some employees found out about the closure.
"It was kind of a shock, you know," Nevada said.
The store was owned by Looking Glass Hospitality, which Nevada said worked in collaboration with Medpace.
Nevada said even the restaurant's owner was surprised by the closure. Nevada said it was Medpace's decision, but that employees weren't given a reason.
"A lot of people online were like 'what's going on?'" Nevada said.
A letter on Alara's doors states the restaurant is now closed, and also says says that Madison Square's nearby restaurant, Zingaro Italian Restaurant & Bar by Fabio Viviani, will honor previously booked reservations at Alara. Zingaro recently opened in the development in March.
Alara's menu ranged with a variety of "contemporary American cuisine" from seafood options, to pastas, various meats and more, including traditional fine dining items like Wagyu beef, lobster or a 32-ounce tomahawk ribeye.
Other than Alara, Looking Glass Hospitality owns Fretboard Brewing, Tahona Kitchen and Bar, Clyborne Provisions and Spirits, Emery and more.
We reached out to Medpace and Looking Glass Hospitality for more information on Alara's closure, but haven't heard back.
"Now employees not only have to spend the time to look for a job and find a new opportunity, but they also have to interview and train and it's kind of a long process," Nevada said.
Nevada said he's grateful to his fellow employees and managers for their time working together.
He said most are still in contact with each other and are leaning on one another for support.
"We're trying to help each other through it," Nevada said. "The restaurant business is like a family."
Have a story idea or tip for WCPO 9 east side reporter Alex Null? Email him at alex@wcpo.com
