The Scoop: Araka to shutter on March 9

After more than five years in business, Araka is closing its doors. Owner Brad Beracha announced today in a press release that he was shuttering the restaurant, located at 131 Carondelet Plaza. The restaurant’s final day will be on March 9 and will conclude with a farewell party beginning at 9 p.m. News of Araka’s fate comes on the heels of the January closure of Miso, Beracha’s other restaurant. According to the release, “Though he has no immediate plans to re-open in a different location, Beracha doesn't rule out the possibility of bringing a new concept to St. Louis sometime in the future." According to St. Louis Magazine’s George Mahe, first to report the news on Araka, the space will not remain empty for long. It is slated to become 801 Chophouse, a restaurant with locations in Des Moines; Omaha; Kansas City, Mo.; and Leawood, Kan. Per Mahe, 801 Chophouse will assume control of the space on April 1. No opening date for the restaurant has been announced.

—  photo by Ashley Gieseking