After five years of service, the restaurant “Kinų Jūra” (Chinese Sea) in Raseiniai, Lithuania, has closed its doors. The decision, announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page, followed “long deliberations and doubts,” and is being attributed to bureaucratic hurdles following a change in property ownership.
Rental Complications
According to Dalia Lukauskienė, head of the “Raseinių turgus” (Raseiniai Market) small partnership, the restaurant initially operated within a pavilion rented for trade five years ago. With available space, a café was established with all necessary permits. “We wanted something unique, different food, and through acquaintances, we found a very good Chinese chef. Everything worked out,” Lukauskienė stated.
The situation changed when the lease agreement between Lukauskienė’s company and the municipality expired, and the property transferred to Raseinių Komunalinis Ūkis (Raseiniai Municipal Utility Company). While a new agreement with the utility company was initially considered, it ultimately fell through. “Two months have passed, nothing is moving. The chef, whom we brought here and rented an apartment for, has been waiting for two months. We see that there is nothing left. Laws have also changed – maybe that hinders it, I don’t know. We are not explained in detail,” Lukauskienė explained.
The Chef’s Departure
The closure has forced the restaurant to let move of its chef, who had plans to expand the Chinese menu and was deeply connected to the restaurant’s clientele, some of whom traveled from surrounding areas. “He wants to be here. The people and the team had settled in. All the jobs have been lost. The chef has moved to Vilnius to seem for work and is moving out of the apartment. He cannot live for months without a salary, and We find no prospects,” Lukauskienė said.
Lukauskienė noted that while the standard VAT return for the catering sector is challenging, it was not the primary cause of the closure. She emphasized the restaurant maintained a loyal customer base, as evidenced by supportive comments following the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the closure of “Kinų Jūra”?
The restaurant closed due to complications arising from a change in property ownership, transferring from a private lease to Raseinių Komunalinis Ūkis, and subsequent delays in securing a new lease agreement.
What happened to the restaurant’s chef?
The chef, who was highly valued by the restaurant and its customers, has relocated to Vilnius to seek new employment after being unable to continue working without a salary due to the prolonged uncertainty.
Was the restaurant popular with customers?
Yes, according to Lukauskienė and comments following the closure announcement, “Kinų Jūra” was a well-liked establishment with a loyal customer base who appreciated its unique Chinese cuisine.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Raseinių rajono savivaldybė (Raseiniai District Municipality) will provide further clarification on the lease transfer and the reasons for the delays. Will the municipality respond to the concerns raised about bureaucratic processes impacting local businesses?
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