Ondis in Vermont is closing its doors this year. The restaurant cited its decision not to renew its lease as the reason behind the closure. The news prompted disappointed reactions from longtime customers.
Ondis Announces Upcoming Closure in Vermont
Ondis is a small, independently owned restaurant and cocktail spot located at 207 Barre Street in Montpelier, Vermont. It gained national recognition when its chef, Max Vogel, was named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Northeast. However, the restaurant has now announced that it will be closing its doors permanently.
Ondis announced the closure in a social media post. The restaurant will close when its lease expires in November, nearly three years after opening. The owners also thanked customers and staff for their support.
Ondis was founded by Emma Sanford and Christopher Leighton in December 2023. It has a small, intimate setting with about 20 indoor seats.
According to a Seven Days report, the restaurant originally had a substantial seasonal, New American-style menu. It emphasized locally sourced ingredients and creative seasonal cooking. Now, its menu includes hand-cut fries with house-made garlic aioli, Kale Caesar, local tomatoes with burrata, truffle fries, cocktails, wine, beer, and more.
Another report by Seven Days shares that chef Max Vogel left Ondis in August 2026. After Vogel’s departure, co-owner Emma Sanford decided not to hire another full-time chef and instead simplified the menu to snacks and small plates.
Community’s Reaction
The news of Ondis’ upcoming closure prompted reactions from several longtime customers. The announcement prompted several customers to share memories and well wishes on social media.
One customer on Instagram commented, “Aw Emma! This has been the only restaurant that’s come close to satisfying my husband’s and my expectations since moving back to VT from Martha’s Vineyard. We will miss it for sure.”
Another customer wrote, “You built something truly beautiful in our little town!! So proud of you, Emma! I hope this next season of your life is even MORE wonderful than the last.”
A customer also wrote, “Ondis forever. Y’all really did it! Cheers to what’s next”
Ondis’ upcoming closure will mark the end of its time on Barre Street after nearly three years in business.
