‘Iconic’ restaurant abruptly closes permanently after 82 years as heartbroken owners lose eviction battle
AN iconic Florida restaurant has closed its doors for good since it opened and hosted stars in 1941.
The swanky Taboo bar on Worth Avenue is closing its doors for good on May 29th.
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An abrupt announcement was made on Facebook on Saturday morning.
The post Read, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce that TaBoo Palm Beach will be closing on May 29th… after more than 80 years of service to our community.”
A farewell party for the public was held in the bar on Sunday evening.
Owner Franklyn DeMarco narrated CBS12 that the restaurant’s 31-year lease expired in September 2021.
Since then, work has been done on extending the lease.
Despite DeMarco’s best efforts, Ta-boo was issued an eviction notice in March.
Accordingly fox 29The eviction notice was issued by the new owner of the building.
A representative for the owner claimed that the bar’s lease expired at the end of April 2022 and rent has not been paid since.
DeMarco hit back with the rent demands, specification: “The rent was never a problem, we offered to pay it if we were offered a long-term lease.”
“They weren’t interested in that. They have other ideas for the property.”
“They’re going to do something that’s going to be different and we’re all going to see how that works.”
News of the closure has shaken loyal fans, with some calling the closure a “historic milestone”.
Under the Facebook announcement, comments read, “Palm Beach and Worth Avenue will never be the same.”
One fan said: “It’s heartbreaking. I hope they don’t ruin the avenue any further. They thought about paid parking – classless.”
“It’s just a terrible omen now that Ta-Boo is gone. The end of an era. A noble era.”
Another added, “Sad to say goodbye to the last great lunch and happy hour hangouts.”
“Taboo is Worth Ave and will be greatly missed.”
“It’s really quite sad! 80 years make it a historic milestone! We will really miss it,” wrote another.
In a March post, Taboo shared a picture of Ethel Merman and Eddy Dunchin playing a piano at the restaurant.
The picture read: “Ethel Merman and Eddy Duchin in an impromptu performance one night in the 1940s at the Ta-boo. Historical Society Of Palm Beach County.”
The caption added by the restaurant read, “The oldest restaurant on Worth Avenue.”
Other famous guests include Frank Sinatra and former President John F. Kennedy.
DeMarco said, “Ta-boo has an 82-year history, lots of Palm Beach history, lots of locals.”
“The last 30 years have been fulfilling for me. It has been a pleasure to lead this fabulous company and more importantly we have a team of 75 people dedicated to making it happen.”
“It’s unique. There is nothing like it in Palm Beach and maybe there never will be anything like it in Palm Beach.”
There are reportedly plans to replace the iconic bar with another restaurant.