Pandemic has been ‘devastating.’ COVID-19 forces popular Bradenton restaurant to close
After a six-year run, Rich Knowles, chef and owner of enRich Bistro, 5629 Manatee Ave. W., announced on social media that he is closing his popular restaurant.
“To my friends, family, Bradenton community, and anyone who has ever dined at enRich, I am announcing some sad news. On July 11, enRich will be closing indefinitely. This is the toughest decision I have ever had to make in my life, but I feel like it is the right one,” Knowles wrote.
“This COVID pandemic has been absolutely devastating. In addition, I have struggled with lease negotiations for some time. When trying to look forward, there is just too much uncertainty. It is time for a reset and to look for the next door to open,” he said.
He will continue to operate his catering company, Innovative Dining.
The pandemic has been a tough climate for all businesses to negotiate, particularly so for restaurants, a number of which have closed their doors in Manatee County this year.
“For six years, it has been the pride and joy of my life to serve delicious food and drinks to this wonderful community. I have had some of my favorite memories in this dining room and in this kitchen. I believe my team and I built one of the best culinary brands in this whole area — an achievement I will forever be proud of,” he said.
“I want to thank every one of my managers, cooks, servers, bartenders, bus boys, dishwashers, hosts and vendors who ever contributed to our success. To my customers: You are the most loyal, the most generous, the most fun and are the true secret to our success! Don’t worry Bradentonians, I won’t vanish into non-existence (although tempting). I’ll be back on a new project around here at some point. Be sure to plan ahead for reservations the last couple of weeks as it will start to fill up. We will continue to be safe, wear masks and finish strong in our final two weeks. Thank you to all for six years of amazing memories!” Knowles wrote.
Knowles bought the of Ezra Café in 2014 from Bradenton Heart Center cardiologist Dr. Raj T. Rajan, an investor in area restaurants Blu Mangrove Grill in Palmetto and Selva Grill in Sarasota. Rajan purchased Ezra Café in 2013 from longtime owner Donna Eason
Knowles opened enRich with the aim of it becoming a trendy dining spot, using locally sourced produce, seafood, dairy and meat.
“Our mission statement is to enrich Bradenton’s dining experience by incorporating global flavors with local ingredients and a refreshing atmosphere,” Knowles told the Herald in 2014.
Knowles was drawn back to Bradenton from Montana where he had worked in the culinary arts for four years by his deep family roots here. Several generations of his family grew citrus in East Manatee.
“My childhood was the orange groves,” he told the Bradenton Herald in 2014.
His first job was at 13 years old, working in Robin’s Downtown Café. Knowles is a 2004 Manatee High School graduate and a the University of Florida graduate.
This story was originally published June 29, 2020 at 11:26 AM.
