I reported yesterday that Virginia Highland's Bella Cucina had abruptly closed a few days ago. At that point, it was unclear what exactly caused their closure. New details came yesterday afternoon including evidence of a bankruptcy filing and claims of unpaid invoices.
This past January Bella Cucina owner Alisa Berry filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Georgia northern bankruptcy court. Bella Cucina Artful Food fell into a category that placed the business within a scary set. "Asset Range: $0-$50k Liability Range: $1M-$10M."
You need not be an accounting wiz to know that those figures are not good for any business hoping to continue in a going concern.
Strangely, Bella Cucina's facebook page and website, both shutdown and inoperable Sunday night, were magically up and running late Monday night. No new updates were posted but a message posted on the facebook page on July 10 gives some clues to their possible plans :
"Thank you to our loyal and local supporters for 8 great years in Virginia Highlands. We've loved every minute of it!
Stay tuned for a fall opening of a new retail location.
Until then, you can always get your artichoke pesto fix from Whole Foods or visit us online. Buon appetito!
www.bellacucina.com "
Will Bella Cucina actually reopen or is this Alisa Barry's version of "closed for renovations?" What should open in place of Bella Cucina?