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The Capitol Hill “new American” restaurant that replaced ye olde Canterbury Ale House is struggling with the oldest of business challenges: taxes and rent.
Meliora, which has been “temporarily closed” since February while the ownership said it was undertaking a restart of the concept, is behind on three months’ rent and owes more than $30,000, according to a notice posted last week by the building’s landlord.
Meanwhile, a King County Superior Court filing shows the business owed the state more than $40,000 in unpaid taxes.
Meliora’s Sukhdaljeet Singh declined to comment on the circumstances.
“In our unwavering commitment to providing you with the best possible experience, we have temporarily closed our doors for essential maintenance and enhancements. This break is aimed at ensuring your future visits are even more enjoyable,” a message posted in February by the restaurant reads. “Your understanding is greatly appreciated, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you back to an upgraded dining experience.”
The Seattle restaurant veteran opened Meliora in the summer of 2023 to fill the 5,000-square-foot space with “a spacious main dining area with original wood paneling sourced from a local barn paying homage to the rich history of the building which first housed a tavern in 1976.”
The restaurant concept was brought in to replace the iconic Canterbury as affordable developer Community Roots Housing sought a new vibe for the ground floor of the 115-year-old apartment building. That transition was prelude to Community Roots selling the property in a $5 million deal that put the classic Capitol Hill apartment building in the portfolio of real estate investor Bryan Syrdal and Tributary Investments.
Now it looks like The Fredonia Apartments will need to start thinking about what is next for the ground floor food and drink space.
Meanwhile, there could be happier news for another empty food and drink space on 15th Ave E. CHS reported here on kinks in the real estate deal that had been lined up to bring in a new owner for the former Coastal Kitchen that led to the property being put back on the market. The restaurant is now under contract, according to the Kidder Mathews real estate firm listing the property. Here’s hoping this deal goes through.
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