Faces Bar/Bistro to Close in January

Chef Eric Morris said he plans to close his latest concept, Faces Bar/Bistro, “within two weeks,” according to an announcement on social media.

Faces opened in spring 2020, just as the covid pandemic was on its initial rise, but Morris stuck to his vision. The menu rotated, offering various featured dishes — along with signature hot sauces. Chicken sandwiches were a staple, and gourmet pizzas have in recent months crept to the fore. In fact, LEO’s Robin Garr last summer wrote a positive review touting the new pizza focus.

Citing rising expenses, however, Morris announced the restaurant would soon close. Online ordering on the restaurant’s website also appears to be shut down.

“Our rent will be more than doubling starting Jan. 1st and that mixed with everything else just doesn't seem like a good business move to remain fighting another year,” Morris wrote, indicating he wanted more time with his family, and noting that a search for a new location was unsuccessful.

“If you know me personally then you know we've been quietly shopping for a new location for almost a year but without any luck,” he added.

The announcement said his staff was informed two weeks ago of the impending closure to give them time to find other work. Morris cited his team’s hard work, saying, “We can walk away with our heads held VERY high!”

In truth, it’s fairly amazing the small business, which Morris said he funded with a partner without bank loans, made it a year in a half, given the pandemic and market conditions.

Morris in recent years had opened concepts in New Albany called Hull & High Water, a seafood restaurant, and the popular Gospel Bird, before opening Faces.

“Obviously I've closed some before and perhaps some were self-inflicted on my part,” he wrote, “but this group of people and myself did absolutely everything we could. We worked SOOOO hard! Especially being self-funded with me and my partner with zero loans to open it. We were on our own and I'm so very proud of all of us!”

Here’s hoping we’ll get to enjoy Morris’ food again in the future.