Terrell Raley, longtime bartender of Ombi restaurant, has purchased the Elliston Place eatery from founders Wonnie Short and Dennis Rogers.
The friendly—and speedy—handover transpired this weekend after Short told Raley he was considering closing the restaurant, and Raley asked him to sell it to him instead of padlocking the doors.
As sole owner of the business, Raley says he will change nothing in terms of operations or staff. Jason Love will remain chef.
The sleek and stylish Ombi began life four years ago as an awkward daytime-nighttime hybrid of Le Peep restaurant and Ombi Bar. Two years ago, chefs Laura Wilson and Kim Totzke took over the kitchen, eliminating the Le Peep element and turning Ombi into a full-fledged restaurant with a French bistro-style repertoire. In recent months, the menu has morphed toward a collection of smaller plates and a style Raley describes as "gastropub."
Totzke left Ombi for Provence Breads & Cafe last year, and Wilson officially handed over the kitchen to sous chef Love on Valentine's Day this year, when she left the business to spend more time with her new baby.
Raley & Co. will celebrate the exchange of ownership on Friday, March 13, with an evening that's sure to include lots of drink specials.
