Hidden Still, the restaurant and distillery at Fifth and Willow Streets in Lebanon, announced today it is closing the food service part of its business “effective immediately.”
“Our Lebanon Facility will be utilized solely for production, aging bottling and storage,” the owners announced on their Facebook page.
The company said it was “in discussions with a nearby location” to continue the restaurant elsewhere.
With the announcement, Hidden Still becomes the second major restaurant in Downtown Lebanon to close since April, when The Foundry closed its doors for a move to Lititz.
Read Our Earlier Coverage: From Willow Street HQ, Hidden Still eyes expansion plans at home and abroad
Hidden Still thanked supporters for their support “in the past and the future,” and added that gift certificate holders that do not want to buy alcohol may email their information to info@hiddenstillspirits.com to arrange a refund for “confirmed gift card amounts or remaining balances.”
The announcement drew nearly 200 comments within five hours, most expressing sadness at the decision and a hope that the owners will reopen the restaurant soon, and nearby.
“This repurposed building has a wonderful atmosphere for a restaurant,” commented one person.
“The food and service was excellent every time I went here. Hopefully, they can find another nearby location, or maybe open their food service in this building once again.”
The distillery was founded by David E. Stein and moved into the 100-year-old building in 2014, according to its website.
The restaurant was popular, carrying a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and TripAdvisor.
“We’ve enjoyed hosting and getting to know the Lebanon community in our restaurant over the last few years,” said Stein in a statement to LebTown. “Discontinuing food service was a difficult decision”
“However, as we continue to launch our small batch distilled spirits across the nation, the Lebanon facility remains integral to our production, aging, and bottling.”
Stein noted that retail sales will continue at the distillery, with hours from 10am – 4pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
This article was updated to include comment from Stein.