For those who watch FX’s “The Bear,” it should come as no surprise that no matter how many busy tables you may see in the dining room, it’s often a different story in the back (and on the books).
What might look like “success” on a bustling Friday night often hides the financial realities behind closed doors.
Whether its labor costs, ingredient costs, landlord issues or something else, there’s always something unforeseen — and often insurmountable — that restaurants face. And now, two more Westchester spots have closed, adding to a list that so far tallies 24.
Many of those, including the two below, have been open less than five years.
LEMAK Malaysian, Scarsdale
Longtime restaurateur Jeevan Pullan, who, along with his brother Roshan Balan, own multiple restaurants in Westchester, closed LEMAK June 1 after about a year and a half in business (it opened last January). Pullan said food and labor costs were part of the reason for the Garth Road closure as was the fact that it was becoming increasingly difficult to get the necessary ingredients imported from Malaysia.
Diners can visit the sibling’s other eateries including the newly opened Jaipore Xpress in Bedford Hills, and MASKA Indian in Hartsdale, as well as TAKO Mexican Street Food in Yonkers and Harrison, VEGA Mexican Cuisine in Hartsdale, NH44 Indian in Hartsdale, Jaipore Xpress in Briarcliff Manor, and Jaipore Royal Indian Cuisine in Brewster.
La Casa Cafe + Bar, Mamaroneck
This cafe, which was known for its live music and Venezuelan flair, closed April 26 after three years in business (they opened in December 2022). That makes them one of three spots recently shuttered in Mamaroneck, after Mamaroneck Social and Bagels by Sofia.
Prior to being La Casa, the spot had for a long time been Bar’Lees.
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And if you have news on openings or closings — or just want to say hi — email JRMuchnick@gannett.com.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: These Westchester restaurants cite labor, food costs among reasons for closures
Reporting by Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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