Akron's favorite jungle-disco restaurant will serve its last Jan. 4.
Square Scullery announced on Instagram Tuesday that it will be closing after Jan. 4.
The first eight posts detailing the restaurant's past, present and closure are from the perspective of co-owner and chef Matt Ulichney, who runs the eatery alongside his wife, Heather. The last post, which clarifies that their last day would be Jan. 4 and not Dec. 31, is from Heather.
"We have been in a so-called rut for a while now that has left us to the point that would take a miracle to get out of," a post labeled "This is the End" said. "In this past year decisions were made, opportunities have been missed, relationships were broken and focus fell away from the genuine nature of what this company was built on. I am no longer the right person to lead the way. Through my own battles and self realizations, I have found that this life of owning and running a restaurant is no longer one that I want to continue."
The second-to-last of Square Scullery's posts mentions that the restaurant is looking for potential buyers who would like to continue the business.
"I put this all out here to see if there is anyone out in this world that would be interested in helping "Scullery" continue," the post stated. "We are looking for anyone that has the desire and ability to bring this establishment back to its full potential. The bones are here, it just needs the right set of capable and willing hands and minds to lead it into its new future. If you are, or you know of someone who sounds like this person we would love to hear from you."
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Before Square Scullery existed in a brick-and-mortar space, the Ulichneys ran Square Scullery as a food truck, preceded by a private catering company that operated out of borrowed kitchens.
In 2019, Square Scullery opened behind Highland Square's American Legion Post 19 as a ghost kitchen for numerous delivery services. The restaurant started allowing in-person pickups and then created its tiny 13-seat dining room the same year.
The business, known for its globally inspired comfort food, especially ramen, opened its new, 67-seat North Hill restaurant Feb. 1 after about a year of DIY renovations. The eatery's dishes started out with European-influenced fare, including confit duck, filet mignon with duck fat frites and Maiale al Latte (milk-braised pork).
Square Scullery has since returned to its roots with classics from its former, tiny location in Highland Square, including smoked pork or marinated tofu ramen, brisket or smoked cauliflower gnocchi, deep-fried Brussels sprouts, poutine with red eye demi and corn ribs with kimchi remoulade. The North Hill restaurant, which opened with a liquor license, no longer serves alcohol, but offers a new mocktail menu.
The restaurant, located at 778 N. Main St., Akron, is open 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations are available on Resy.com.