After an abrupt closure deemed "unfair" by its owner, Deme Kitchen, a beloved Asian restaurant that previously graced the bustling streets of downtown Cincinnati, is in search of a new location. According to the Cincinnati Business Courier, Duke Energy shut off the eatery at 627 Main St. due to a billing discrepancy, prompting owner Anna Choi to make the difficult decision to shut down in late June.
Choi, who had initially hoped for a swift resolution, chose to abandon the original site to mitigate financial losses. She had decided to move out to cut the loss, and now she's on the hunt for a new downtown spot that could rekindle the warmth Deme Kitchen once provided. As per Local12's coverage, Choi remains in pursuit of justice, planning legal action against the utility company while sustaining her spirits high and her faith intact, encouraging patrons to pray for the restaurant's return by posting, “Please pray for us, and we will see what god will bring us in the future,” on the restaurant's Facebook page.
The closure has affected Choi and her staff, three employees who have helped bring a taste of Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong to Cincinnati since Deme Kitchen's inception in 2020. While searching for a new location, Choi manages her other venture, Boba Angel, situated at 203 E. Seventh St, keeping her culinary spirit alive in the city. Meanwhile, Jeff Brooks of Duke Energy has stated that his team is investigating the situation and will provide a statement later as the owner reports considerable financial loss since the closing.
While Deme Kitchen's loyal customers anticipate its return, the economic landscape of downtown Cincinnati feels the ripple effects, another reminder that the local food scene is often at the mercy of not only flavor palettes but also the fundamental utilities that power their operations, Choi said she’s lost a lot of money in the past two months since being forced to close, AT a time when her business was starting to thrive, as for when and where Deme Kitchen will re-emerge, it remains uncertain. Choi’s dedication to her craft and the city's support suggests that it may only be a matter of time before the simmering woks and fragrant dishes return.
