After news broke last week that Bunky’s Cafe, 2425 Atwood Ave., was closing its restaurant to focus on catering and wholesale sales, Teresa Pullara-Ouabel says the outpouring from the Atwood neighborhood brought her to tears.
“I’ve received the most gracious, sweet letters from people. I didn’t realize we had such an impact,” says Pullara-Ouabel, who owns and operates Bunky’s with her husband, Rachid Ouabel. “But I have to remind people we aren’t really leaving the neighborhood.”
At the end of April, Bunky’s will cease operating as a restaurant but will still be serving its Mediterranean and Italian dishes at private parties, community gatherings and other events. People can book the old Bunky’s space, free of charge: “I keep telling folks, get 20 of their friends together and it’ll be just like old times,” says Pullara-Ouabel.
Bunky’s hummus, falafel, baba ghanouj and other packaged products are already available at many local grocery stores, UW Hospital and even at the Smart Motors service department. “We are seeing a lot of interest because people want healthy options that are also vegan and gluten-free,” says wholesale manager Jackie Lokvam. “We’ll be ramping up our selections to include more favorites from the Bunky’s [restaurant] menu.”
Bunky’s Cafe’s last day serving restaurant patrons will be Sunday, April 24.
