SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey announced Sunday the closure of his San Diego restaurants amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The announcement was made on Instagram and the closures take effect Sunday, March 15.
“On behalf of our staff and community and in the interest of keeping our city safe, we are temporarily suspending our operations,” Malarkey said.
Along with his business partner Christopher Puffer, Malarkey operates several popular San Diego restaurants.
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Some of the popular venues include Herb & Wood in Little Italy, Herb & Eatery, also in Little Italy, Herb & Sea in Encinitas, and Animae in downtown San Diego.
“We’re looking forward to better days as soon as possible, and we’ll be back better and stronger than ever before. Thank you for your support, San Diego, we love you,” Malarkey added.
Shortly after the announcement was made, Malarkey posted a photo of Herb & Eatery employees happily taking home food due to the closures.
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“Sending all the food home with our incredible staff,” Malarkey wrote.
The news follows an extensive list of closures announced throughout San Diego and Southern California as the state braces for COVID-19.
