Rhoda, Hong Kong restaurant for meat lovers, to shut for financial reasons; chef Nate Green says: ‘I leave with a heavy heart’
‘Interesting series of dinners’ promised at grill-focused Sai Ying Pun restaurant before it closes next month, a decision Green and his backers JIA Group say is mutual; after some initial buzz, diners had apparently deserted Rhoda of late
Rhoda, the grill-focused restaurant in Hong Kong Island’s Sai Ying Pun neighbourhood known for its open kitchen where diners could watch dishes being prepared, will be closing its doors on September 8 for financial reasons.
In a statement, Rhoda chef Nate Green explained that shutting the restaurant was a mutual business decision between him and Yenn Wong, founder and CEO of JIA Group, which has a stable of restaurants, including Duddell’s, 208 Duecento Otto, 22 Ships, and new addition Old Bailey, which opened in Tai Kwun, the recently launched heritage arts centre in Central.
“Naturally I leave Rhoda with a heavy heart, as the team and I have worked tirelessly to make Rhoda a success and were always striving to make every day better than the last. It’s been a good and fulfilling ride, during which I have enriched my experience and learned some invaluable life lessons,” Green wrote.
He added that in August, until the restaurant closes, there will be “an interesting series of dinners” to entice diners to come by and bid adieu to him and his team.
JIA Group confirmed the decision was mutual in a statement that also said: “It is a decision that will allow Green to spend more time with his young family of four, as well as allow JIA Group to explore future use of the space.”