North Loop Mediterranean Restaurant Phara’s Is in Danger of Closing

Phara’s, the popular Mediterranean spot on 111 North Loop Boulevard, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to save the restaurant. Owner Jeanette Friedman (also known as Phara) explained that a particularly cold winter has kept patrons out of the 400-seat courtyard, resulting in a precarious position for the restaurant.

Phara’s first opened in 2008. Phara was previously a professional bellydancer and features the entertainment at her restaurant. The restaurant is also known for its Mediterranean food like hummus, baba ghanouj, and roasted lamb shank.

Phara lost her son Christopher to complications of cystic fibrosis in 2004 (the event space Christopher’s Casbah is named in his honor), and her husband in 2015, which left her struggling to maintain income. In the GoFundMe, she mentioned that New Year’s usually makes up for a slow period, but the snow this year caused a slew of cancelations.

To help the restaurant, donate the campaign at Phara’s GoFundMe page, or enjoy the current nice weather on the patio.

• Help Save Phara’s [GoFundMe]