These Evansville restaurants closed their doors in 2021

John T. Martin and Aimee Blume, Evansville Courier & Press
·1 min read

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Multiple local restaurants shut down amid the COVID pandemic in 2020, and a few others followed this year amid labor and supply shortages.

Here are a few of the eateries the region lost in 2021:

Arazu on Main closed in May, and its prominent Main Street space remains empty. "It’s been a tough year in our business with the highs and lows of the pandemic, along with the tragic human toll, and everything that has followed," owner Penny Nejad said on Facebook. Arazu remains open in Newburgh.

Just Cookies, one of a very few businesses left in Washington Square Mall, closed in January. A new business called The Good Brownie installed signage at the location a few months ago, but it hasn't opened.

The long-time home of Just Cookies in Washington Square Mall has new signage, but the storefront is still empty.
The long-time home of Just Cookies in Washington Square Mall has new signage, but the storefront is still empty.

Mele's Diner, which has Mexican and American favorites, closed its original location off Morgan Avenue in late 2020, although it opened a new location on North Green River Road in a former Wendy's.

Nachos Grill, 821-B S. Green River Road, closed earlier this year but will be reopening under new management.

Nachos Grill on South Green River Road is closed for now, but it will return with new management.
Nachos Grill on South Green River Road is closed for now, but it will return with new management.

Roca Bar North, on U.S. 41 north of Evansville, called in quits in October, ending an 11-year run. The restaurant blamed staffing shortages due to COVID-19. It had been the site of several political fund-raisers and events.

Roca Bar North's Facebook post announcing its closure on Oct. 3.
Roca Bar North's Facebook post announcing its closure on Oct. 3.

Sweet Bettys Bakery shut down in February due to "circumstances beyond our control," owners said on Facebook. The maker of cupcakes and other treats lasted eight years at 5600 E. Virginia St.

Franco's, an Italian restaurant at 270 N. Green River Road

Raffi's Oasis Cafe, 5702 E. Virgina St.

Restaurants that shuttered in 2020 include Chili's, Old Chicago, the East Side Logan's Roadhouse and Lake's Metro Deli.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: These Evansville restaurants closed in 2021