Closings: Mémé, Q BBQ and Tequila Shutter This Week

Image by Matt Hurst Photography

By Danya Henninger

Two Tuesday morning closings took most of the Philly restaurant world by surprise. The day after a wildly popular but very limited collaboration “pig dinner” at his Spruce Street restaurant, chef David Katz announced via Twitter that he was closing Mémé, effective immediately. Renowned for his rich, meaty entrees, the Thursday-only fried chicken lunches and award winning brunch, the chef has also been taking consulting gigs recently, and developed the menu for new riverside beer garden Morgan’s Pier. As for what’s next? Katz is putting the restaurant up for sale, and hinted that we should stay tuned.

UPDATE: Looks like weren't the only ones shocked by the sudden closure. Cheu Noodle Bar was slated to host a sold-out pop-up dinner at the Mémé space this weekend, but just announced it is cancelled, unless another space wants to play host. Any takers?

Via Philly.com comes news that tonight is the last service for Q BBQ & Tequila, as owners Kevin and Janet Meeker have decided to pull the plug. Operated for 26 years as Philadelphia Fish, three years ago the pair brought in BBQ expert Tom Stewart and revamped the Old City spot as a ‘cue and tequila joint. The Chestnut Street dining room was usually lively enough, but the Meekers are not planning to renew the lease. Stewart is currently looking for his next gig.