Photography by Kathy Tran.
The original Maya’s Modern Mediterranean in Casa Linda Plaza is closing ahead of Christmas after over seven years in business.
The restaurant posted about the news that it will shutter Dec. 23 on Facebook last week and was met with 184 reactions, 57 comments mostly from sad patrons and 15 shares.
“This was a very difficult decision, but a prolonged decline in sales made it necessary,” read the Dec. 5 post. “We chose this closing date intentionally to give our employees time to make other arrangements and to help ease the hardship of losing a job during the holiday season. Our team means the world to us, and supporting them through this transition is our top priority.”
Owner Russell Birk told The Dallas Morning News that non-high-end restaurants like his are struggling in this economy.
“As a small business owner with a family and obligations, I just can’t make it work,” Birk said to The Dallas Morning News. “My sense is it’s more the economy than it is anything else. All of a sudden over the last year, it’s just been a steady decline, and nothing I’ve done has worked. I keep waiting for sales to return to normal, but they just aren’t.”
Maya’s was voted to be the best Mediterranean food in our Best Of contest for the past three years. The Hillcrest Village location in Far North Dallas will stay open.
In a show of gratitude for customers, Maya’s in Casa Linda Plaza is offering 50% off all beer and wine until the restaurant closes.
“It’s our way of saying thank you and giving everyone a chance to come in, share a meal, raise a glass and celebrate the memories we’ve made together,” reads a Dec. 6 Facebook post.
Dining and Cooking