Victor J. Medina, son of Manhattan Project Restaurant owner Victor M. Medina outside the eatery this afternoon said he had planned to work at the restaurant for many more years. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
The Manhattan Project Restaurant in downtown Los Alamos is closing its doors for good at 9 p.m. today.
Owner Victor M. Medina called the Los Alamos Daily Post from Santa Fe a few minutes ago to ask that the community be made aware as soon as possible.
“We just lost our appeal this afternoon in bankruptcy court here in Santa Fe and were told we can no longer operate after close of business tonight,” Medina said. “I’m really sorry because I had hoped to be able to operate another three months to catch up my bills … the biggest being the landlord.”
Medina explained that he was not able to regain momentum from losing half his business during road construction on Central last summer.
“It was just too big a loss … I needed help from the business friendly council who all came by often when they were running for office but not after the election,” he said. “I’m sad to go but I am happy that I made so many good friends while I had the restaurant and I hope they stop by today to say goodbye.”
Medina purchased the restaurant, formerly called the Dixie Girl, from Denise Lane in 2012. He said at the time that he planned to turn the business over to his son Victor J. Medina to operate in a few years.
“I’m really sad to see this happen and I will miss being here at the restaurant,” Victor J. said.
It’s not clear yet what plans the landlord has for the space at 1789 Central Ave.
