The owner of three restaurants in Fells Point said he is temporarily closing his businesses due in large part to safety concerns.
Chef Ashish Alfred is the owner of Duck Duck Goose, Osteria Pirata, and Anchor Tavern in Fells Point.
“The best decision for my business and for me is to put this on pause for a little bit until people feel safe returning,” Alfred said.
He said he’s temporarily closing all three due to safety concerns in the area. Earlier this month, a 16-year-old was shot just down the street from one of his restaurants.
“Two Saturdays ago, you know, the young lady was injured in that shooting, and we watched our reservations go from 72 to 2 on Friday, I think 65 to 10 on Saturday, and those numbers for a restaurant are just not sustainable,” Alfred said.
In a social media post, Alfred also said:
“Not long ago, one of my most talented waitresses found herself struck by a stray bullet just steps away from Duck Duck Goose after finishing work.”
WBAL-TV reached out to Baltimore City police, who said they consistently work to ensure safety and have had additional personnel assigned to areas in different entertainment districts.
Alfred said the closures will affect around 12 employees. He said he is helping them find other work. As for safety, people who live and dine in the area say it comes as a surprise.
“I’m shocked. Honestly, I had no idea. I thought they slowed down a little bit, but I never thought crime was that bad around here that they’d actually close,” Fells Point resident Cara Deck said.
“People are allowed to come down here and enjoy themselves, so I’ve never felt unsafe down here. This is a great place to live,” fellow resident Jarid Matthews said.
Alfred said he is hoping for the best.
“Our hope is to reopen,” Alfred said. “But I can’t reopen and not be profitable, and I can’t be profitable with people not coming into my restaurant.”
Alfred also says that COVID-19 has been tough on his business forcing him to take out several loans. On top of that, Maryland Court Records show his hospitality group also faces civil claims along with a lien on his restaurant in Montgomery County.
Source: WBALTV