Bar Ferdinand to Close

The Northern Liberties tapas spot had an almost 11 year run.

In a post to Facebook on Friday afternoon, Bar Ferdinand announced that it is closing after service on Monday, October 10th. The restaurant has been open for more than ten years, initially a bellwether of the Northern Liberties becoming the hip new neighborhood and then in more recent times, a sign of stability as the fortunes of the Piazza and Northern Liberties have ebbed and flowed.

Owner Owen Kamihira opened the Spanish tapas restaurant at the head of Liberties Walk to much popular and critical acclaim. In the post to Facebook, Bar Ferdinand thanks guests and staff and encourages all to come out and enjoy a last go around of tapas and Spanish wines before the door closes for good.

The post on Facebook in full:

It is with heavy hearts that Bar Ferdinand will be calling last call and closing it’s doors for the very last time on Monday, October 10th. We would like to sincerely thank every guest we’ve hosted through-out the last eleven years as well as every person we’ve had the opportunity to employ. Our guests and staff have made this restaurant a second home for many of us and we wouldn’t have had the success we’ve had without you. Please join us in our last few weeks of being open to enjoy delicious Spanish wines and tapas in a beautiful atmosphere with the excellent service we are so proud to provide and help us say good bye.

UPDATE: In a post on Philly.com, Kamihira tells Michael Klein that it comes down to not being able to secure a lease with the landlord. Kamihira hopes to relaunch the concept elsewhere.

Bar Ferdinand [Foobooz]