Rumors have been rampant for months now that the Black-eyed Pea restaurant on Cedar Springs — the original Black-eyed Pea — would be closing sometime in 2016. And as we reported back on Dec. 2, the chain declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
As of yesterday (Friday, Jan. 1), it’s official: Today is the last day for the restaurant that has been a gayborhood mainstay since 1975.
A sign posted on the restaurant’s door notified customers — and reportedly, employees too — that it will close for good at 10 p.m. today (Saturday, Jan. 2).
“To all our loyal BEP customers: After 40 years, the building owner has decided to start a new restaurant concept in this location. Our last day is tomorrow, 1/2/16 — closing at 10:00 pm. You can find us at our other locations — Coit/Beltline, Dixie House, Plano (15th and 75), and in Arlington. We appreciate your loyal patronage over these decades! We will miss you and hope you have much luck in the New Year! Hope to see you down the road ……..
— Black-Eyed Pea Staff and Management”
The Black-eyed Pea opened in the Cedar Springs location in 1975 and expanded into its current space in the 1980s. According to rumors, BEP and other bars and restaurants in that block would be closing this year to make room for an expansion of the Melrose Hotel.
Some 15 Black-eyed Pea restaurants have closed in Texas over the last two years. Now you can officially add the original Cedar Springs restaurant to the count.