Popular Mediterranean restaurant closes its only location as longtime restaurant group shuts down

A well-known Mediterranean restaurant in San Jose has permanently closed after its parent company announced it is ending restaurant operations following more than three decades in business.

Meso Modern Mediterranean, located at Santana Row, is among the concepts affected by the closure of Vine Hospitality. The company said the shutdown will result in the loss of approximately 300 jobs across its restaurants.

Meso Modern Mediterranean permanently closes

Meso Modern Mediterranean offered a menu inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, featuring dishes such as grilled meats, seafood, fresh salads, house-made dips and shareable small plates. The Santana Row restaurant had become a popular destination for diners seeking a modern take on Mediterranean cuisine.

The restaurant has now permanently closed as Vine Hospitality winds down its remaining operations, ending Meso’s presence in the Bay Area.

Hundreds of workers affected by the shutdown

The closure of Meso Modern Mediterranean is part of a larger company-wide shutdown that impacts several restaurant concepts operated by Vine Hospitality. Overall, the company expects approximately 365 employees to lose their jobs.

The sudden closures came as a surprise to many workers and customers, with reports indicating employees received little advance notice before the restaurants ceased operations.

Company cites ongoing financial challenges

According to Vine Hospitality CEO Alistair Levine, the decision to close the restaurants followed years of mounting financial pressure. He cited rising labor and food costs, a difficult operating environment and unsuccessful expansion efforts as factors that made it impossible for the business to continue.

With no plans to reopen Meso Modern Mediterranean or its other restaurant brands, the closure marks the end of another longtime dining destination at Santana Row and concludes Vine Hospitality’s more than 30-year run in the Bay Area.

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