Brooklyn, November 19, 2025

Café Camellia, a Southern restaurant in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has permanently closed after two years of service. Despite being named one of the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. by The New York Times and receiving accolades from local critics, the owner has not disclosed the reasons for the closure. This situation reflects ongoing challenges within the Brooklyn food scene, as the area faces a wave of restaurant closures amid changing consumer behavior and economic pressures following the pandemic.

Brooklyn, New York

Café Camellia Closes After Promising Start in Brooklyn

In a notable shift within Brooklyn’s vibrant food scene, Café Camellia has announced its permanent closure after just two years of operation. Located in East Williamsburg, this Southern restaurant garnered significant acclaim upon opening in April 2023, making its way into The New York Times’ prestigious list of the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. Despite receiving four stars from Time Out and a warm reception from the community, Café Camellia closed its doors in April 2025. The owner, Roger Jacobsen Jr., has yet to disclose the specific reasons behind this decision.

The closure of Café Camellia is not an isolated incident. It reflects a broader trend in Brooklyn’s dining sector, highlighting the challenges faced by restaurants in a post-pandemic world.

Industry Context

Café Camellia opened in a year filled with optimism for the restaurant industry, marked by a gradual recovery from COVID-19 restrictions. Restaurants were seen as crucial drivers of economic revival, often viewed as barometers for local entrepreneurship and innovation. Despite the initial buzz and accolades, this recent closure raises questions about the sustainability of even celebrated establishments.

Recent Restaurant Closures in Brooklyn

Other notable closures in Brooklyn further illustrate the struggles within the hospitality industry:

• Ferdinando’s Focacceria: After 121 years of serving Sicilian cuisine in Carroll Gardens, Ferdinando’s Focacceria closed in February 2025. The owner cited personal reasons for stepping away from this long-standing community institution.
• Park Plaza Diner: A fixture in Brooklyn Heights for 42 years, the Park Plaza Diner closed its doors in August 2025. Dimitri Likourentzos, the owner, mentioned the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased property taxes as significant factors influencing his decision to close.
• Lenny’s Pizza: An iconic pizzeria in Bensonhurst, Lenny’s Pizza shut down in February 2023 after more than four decades in business. Frank Giordano, the owner, announced his retirement as the reason for the closure.

Challenges Facing the Restaurant Industry

The recent spate of restaurant closures in Brooklyn highlights critical challenges in today’s economic environment, including:

• Financial Difficulties: Many establishments face increased costs due to inflation, higher rent, and other operational expenses that have escalated in the wake of the pandemic.
• Changing Consumer Habits: The pandemic has shifted dining trends, with many patrons choosing takeout or delivery options over dining in, impacting traditional restaurant models.
• COVID-19 Aftermath: The ongoing effects of the pandemic continue to linger, with supply chain issues and labor shortages creating additional hurdles for restaurant owners.

The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses

Despite these challenges, local entrepreneurs remain crucial to economic recovery and community vibrancy. Supporting restaurants, especially small businesses, can help foster a resilient economic environment, encouraging innovation and community engagement. There is a strong need for policies that promote business growth through reduced regulatory burdens and supportive initiatives.

Conclusion

The closure of Café Camellia serves as a reminder of the precarious state of the restaurant industry, even for those that achieve noteworthy acclaim. As Brooklyn continues to navigate these turbulent waters, it remains essential for community members to rally around local businesses. By supporting our local food scene, we can contribute to a dynamic economy rich with opportunities for entrepreneurial innovation.

FAQ

What was Café Camellia?

Café Camellia was a Southern restaurant in the East Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, established in April 2023. It was recognized in The New York Times’ 2023 list of the 50 best restaurants in the United States and received four stars from Time Out. Despite its acclaim, the restaurant closed its doors permanently in April 2025. The owner, Roger Jacobsen Jr., has not publicly disclosed the specific reasons for the closure. The restaurant was located at 318 Graham Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11211.

What other notable restaurant closures have occurred in Brooklyn recently?

Other notable closures include:
– Ferdinando’s Focacceria: A Sicilian restaurant in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, closed after 121 years in business in February 2025. The owner, Frank Buffa, cited personal reasons for the closure. The restaurant was located at 151 Union Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11231.
– Park Plaza Diner: A popular diner in Brooklyn Heights, closed after 42 years in August 2025. The owner, Dimitri Likourentzos, cited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased property taxes as contributing factors. The diner was located at 220 Cadman Plaza West, Brooklyn, New York, 11201.
– Lenny’s Pizza: An iconic pizzeria in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, closed after more than 40 years in February 2023. The owner, Frank Giordano, announced his retirement as the reason for the closure. The pizzeria was located at 1969 86th Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11214.

What factors are contributing to these restaurant closures in Brooklyn?

Factors contributing to these closures include financial difficulties, changing consumer habits, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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