A downtown Moorhead community favorite tavern has announced its permanent closure. Rustica Eatery and Tavern will shut down its operations at the end of the month. The owners have decided not to renew the lease of the restaurant’s Kassenborg building.
Rustica in Moorhead Announces Closure
Co-owned by Anna Weisenburger and Micah Leitel, the Rustica Eatery and Tavern has been a local staple for 12 years. The restaurant features a quieter dining atmosphere alongside a lively bar area. The space features a rustic look with exposed brick and creates a cozy dining experience.
Co-owner and Executive Chef Micah created the restaurant’s innovative menu, which offers artisanal wood-fired pizzas paired with craft beers from copper taps.
The owners announced the closure in a social media post. The post confirmed that Rustica, located at 315 Main Avenue in Moorhead, MN, will host its final day of service on August 29.
The owners added a special note of appreciation for the staff and community and wrote, “To our loyal team (our ‘RustKids’), local vendors, friends, and neighbors: Thank you.”
The owners further requested that their loyal customers bear with them as they wrap up the operation. “Our menu will change, but we’ll do our best to offer as many of your favorite things as possible,” said the team.
Reason Behind the Closure
Rustica operates in downtown Moorhead’s historic 1898 Kassenborg Block building.
In the closure announcement post, the owners highlighted that they have made the difficult decision to close the restaurant after 12 years of service. They explained, “We have decided not to renew our lease in the Kassenborg building. Unfortunately, this chapter has come to an end.”
In 2019, the current owners of the restaurant, Anna and Micah, took the reins of the restaurant and operated it for the last seven years.
The restaurant owners also added, “The decision to close after so long has weighed on us, but we are incredibly grateful for every guest who walked through our doors, shared a meal with us, celebrated milestones here, and became part of Rustica’s story.”
