Rising Costs Claim Another Beloved Restaurant – How Many More Will We Lose?
After nearly a decade of serving the Farmingdale community, Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro has announced it will be closing its doors for good on April 7th. The heartbreaking decision comes amid the harsh economic realities that so many small, independent restaurants are facing—skyrocketing costs, increasing rent, supply chain disruptions, and inflation that makes it nearly impossible to survive.
For years, Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro has been a cherished local spot, where guests celebrated milestones, shared drinks with friends, and enjoyed meals crafted with care. But like so many others in today’s restaurant industry, the numbers simply no longer add up.
The Challenges That Led to This Closing
Owner Jeff shared the difficult truth: rising costs have made it impossible to continue.
• Soaring food prices – The cost of fresh produce, quality meats, and specialty wines has surged.
• Higher labor costs – Wages have increased, but small restaurants struggle to keep up while maintaining fair menu prices.
• Rent and utilities on the rise – Fixed expenses keep climbing, making it harder to stay afloat.
• Supply chain issues – Even basics like napkins and glassware cost more than ever, chipping away at already razor-thin margins.
“We’ve fought hard to weather these financial storms, but despite our best efforts, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye,” Jeff shared.
A Final Chance to Say Goodbye to Vintage Wine Bar
As the closing date approaches, Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro invites its loyal patrons to visit one last time—to raise a glass, share a memory, and celebrate everything this local institution has given to the community.
And while this chapter is ending, Jeff and his team will not be far. He is doing everything he can to offer jobs to as many employees as possible at High Tide Taco Bar, Vintage’s sister restaurant just down the block. “Even if it means I have to pay out of my own pocket to help my employees, I will do my best,” he said.
Support Local, or Lose Local
Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro is the latest in a growing list of beloved local restaurants forced to shut down due to financial struggles. And if we, as a community, don’t step up and support our independent eateries, we’ll soon be left with nothing but big chains.
Every time we choose convenience over character, every time we opt for fast food over a family-owned spot, and every time we overlook a local business, we inch closer to losing the unique, heart-filled places that make our towns special.
We must do better.
A Message to the Community from the Owner of Vintage Wine Bar
“To all our loyal guests, we cannot thank you enough for your support, kindness, and patronage over the years. If you miss us after April 7th, we will not be far away. Please come and support us at High Tide Taco Bar—it would be nice to see you.”
Let’s take this as a wake-up call. Let’s do better. Let’s support our local restaurants—before there are none left to save.
