Alison at Blue Bell is closed

Chef Alison Barshak is now telling customers that she's officially closed Alison at Blue Bell -- her six-year-old BYOB, which had been closed since Oct. 22 awaiting kitchen repairs.

She vows to redouble her efforts at her newer restaurant, Alison two in Fort Washington.

On Tuesday (11/10), her corporation for Alison two filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

The voluntary petition lists between 50 and 99 creditors. It states $100,000 to $500,000 in assets and between $1 million and $10 million in debts.

Her attorney, Albert A. Ciardi III, said Alison at Blue Bell's assets would be liquidated. "By refocusing on Fort Washington, she'll make it. The sales are there, the business is there. She's honoring her gift certificates and parties."

She prepared a letter, though it doesn't address the bankruptcy (unless you count the phrase "reorganization process"):

As some of you may already know, the past 12 months have been bittersweet for me, both professionally and personally. I saw the culmination of our team's hard work, with the opening of Alison two and its "Best of Philly" award, as well as the 6th anniversary of Alison at Blue Bell. The year also brought something very sad and sobering to my personal life, the death of my father.

After serious thought, I've decided to close Alison at Blue Bell. Although this was never my intention, it's become a necessary, albeit, sad choice. Although I feel I cannot adequately express the great sense of loss I feel in the wake of closing the doors on Alison at Blue Bell, I am heartened to know I will now be able to shift my full focus to Alison two. Please know it is my intention to honor all outstanding Alison at Blue Bell Gift Certificates at Alison two.

While Alison at Blue Bell is shutting its doors, Alison two is embarking upon an exciting reorganization process. Our customers can look forward to the same seamless dining experience they've come to expect from Alison two and our intensely professional staff. Parties already booked or yet to come will go forward as planned with the utmost care and attention to detail.

We look forward to seeing you at the restaurant!

All the best,
Alison