A quintessential neighborhood watering hole, music venue and eatery closed indefinitely in April after nearly a decade of building its reputation as an integral gathering space for members of the community and beyond.
Wunderbar announced April 20 that both its Bavarian restaurant and biergarten in Covington and affiliated New York-style deli Peppe Cucina — also located in Covington — would be closing their doors "for the foreseeable future."
Restaurant owner Nathan Chambers posted from his personal account shortly after, saying, "This is the end of a chapter, there is so much more to our story. Stay tuned. Thank you for all the love and support. We would be nothing without each and every one of you. See you soon."
He reshared the sentiment from both restaurants' Facebook accounts.
And just as he said, their story wasn't over. Chambers posted a GoFundMe fundraiser on May 14, explaining their financial situation, and asking the community for their help.
"To say I've wrestled with creating this fundraising campaign would be an understatement. There have been many sleepless nights where I've struggled with the thought of asking the community that has given us so much over the past 8 years to help us through this trying time. But this isn't about me, or the restaurant/bar, it stopped being about that a long time ago. It's about the community/family we have established and the place that we call home," the GoFundMe write-up read.
"The dissolution of a business partnership can be rough. Dissolution of a business partnership during a global pandemic with the business having to close its doors and layoff off it's workforce can be catastrophic. With no PPP granted and bills stacking up we've decided to launch this fundraising campaign. All funds raised will be used to pay down bills, restock food, restock liquor, help employees with any financial hardship they may have, and make repairs to broken equipment," it continued.
In addition to the GoFundMe, Cincy Groove Magazine hosted a live-streamed benefit concert on May 30 to raise additional funds.
And after an outpouring of support from the community, and persistence, Wunderbar announced that they would officially be reopening on July 13.
The restaurant has undergone a few changes, highlighted in a series of photos in another recent post, including some cosmetic updates, a new outdoor home for their infamous Wunderbus, and spaced-out seating.
According to another Facebook post, beginning July 13, the restaurant will be open noon to midnight daily for the time being. They're offering an abbreviated menu that will grow over time, with brunch returning this September, along with "a whole lotta new stuff coming your way."
Wunderbar also wants to remind its guests to respect the rules regarding any COVID-19 safety protocols, "no ifs, ands, or buts about it."
"We love y'all so much and thanks again from the bottom of our hearts. We wouldn't be here without you and we'll be sure you never forget that," the Facebook post reads.
Wunderbar, 1132 Lee St., Covington.
