The Loft, a well known restaurant in North Chattanooga, is closing.
Employees were told that Christmas Eve would be the last day for the once popular restaurant.
Loft owner, Hamid Andalib, asked several days ago if reports were true that The Loft was closing, said he had not made a decision.
Mr. Andalib has become involved in a VIP Internet business, VIPGift.com, a corporate gift-card and certificate company that he said was doing well. It is headquartered in Chattanooga but does business all over the country.
Mr. Andalib, an immigrant from Iran, long operated The Loft after working there and then becoming the owner.
The Loft several months ago discontinued serving lunch, except to civic clubs and parties.
The civic clubs were told recently they would have to find another location. The Pachyderm plans to meet at the Mt. Vernon Restaurant, and the Civitan Club, at the Bessie Smith Hall. The Lions Club plans to meet at the Town & Country Restaurant.
The Loft is located at the corner of Cherokee Boulevard and Manning Street. It has been in existence since 1974. It suffered a damaging fire several years ago but was rebuilt.