A Cajun restaurant that has been a staple in Columbia Tusculum for over 30 years is permanently closing. Allyn’s Cafe announced on social media Monday that its final day in business will be Oct. 19.
“It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the community of Columbia Tusculum for 34 years – thank you for your support! Please come visit us in the next two weeks, buy a round or two for the kitchen, and leave a big tip for your server and bartender,” the restaurant shared in a Facebook post.
Allyn’s Cafe originally opened as a corner bar on Columbia Parkway in 1991, but had since grown to offer a menu of eclectic Cajun fare, along with vegan dishes and beer, wine and cocktails. Sam Dobrozsi and Grant Grooms, who also own Fireside Pizza in Walnut Hills, purchased Allyn’s from its original owner, Allyn Raifstanger, a little over a year ago after Raifstanger decided to retire.
“The Legacy that we have is due to all of our faithful customers over the past 33 and 1/3 years. I wish you all the best, I’m very sad to see this end,” Raifstanger wrote in a comment under Allyn’s announcement.
In September, the Cincinnati Business Courier reported that Dobrozsi and Grooms were looking to sell Allyn’s in order to prioritize being with family, but that they weren’t in a hurry and would keep the restaurant open as long as possible while working to find a buyer.
Allyn’s says the schedule over the next week will be normal with evening service only on Sunday. Next week, the restaurant will be closed Monday and then have evening service from Tuesday until Sunday, Oct. 19.
Allyn’s Cafe, 3538 Columbia Parkway, Columbia Tusculum. More info: allynscafecincy.com.
