Latest Philadelphia-area restaurant closings
What goes up must come down. A recap of recent restaurant closings and dire announcements:
BlueCat, the Latin BYOB at 1921 Fairmount Ave., closed at New Year's after four years. Owner Guy Shapiro, who ran the place with his wife, Luli Canuso, cited the customary reasons for the shutdown: "I was burned out. Business was OK, but it was not worth it, I was shopping by myself, cooking everything. There's no lunch business up there, and everything is at 7 o'clock - like banquet seating. Unless you're Stephen Starr or Marc Vetri or Jose Garces, you need a liquor license. I'm 58. I'll do something else." The new occupier of the space will be the guys behind the nearby Fare and Fairmount Pizza. They are exploring a pho restaurant.
Last day was Jan. 10 for Roberto's Trattoria in Erdenheim, which has been sold. Anne Gallagher, who owns it with her husband, Roberto Toselli, says they're "off on a new venture, to be decided."
Cafe Fulya, the Turkish BYOB in Queen Village, closed Jan. 5, but it is expected to reopen.
Il Pittore, the luxe, chef-driven Italian at 2025 Sansom St., closed after business Jan. 9. Chef Chris Painter has a brand new bag.
Cisco's in Flourtown - just up the pike from Roberto's - bowed out Jan. 1 after 65 years.
Marabella Meatball Co. rolled its last just before New Year's.
Fourth & Cross in Pennsport decided to button up after six months just before Christmas.
The owners of Pizzeria Felici in Horsham decided to change it into a Taqueria Feliz on Jan. 2 after only several months.
Circles' dining room in South Philadelphia closed Jan. 1 after nearly five years, as the Thai spot reverts to takeout/delivery.
Sunday, Jan. 3 was last call after 37 years for the Coastline on Brace Road in Cherry Hill, which opened at the height of the disco era, became a favorite hangout for Cherry Hill politicos, and more recently was primarily a weekend destination for top-40 nights and the occasional musical act.
Sunday, Jan. 3 was the finale for Tiger's II, a family diner at Route 202 and Skippack Pike in Blue Bell, closing because the parcel is being developed.