Popular Durham restaurant to close

After more than 26 years in business, Nana's will close its doors in Durham at the end of the month.

Posted 8:59 p.m. Jun 7, 2018 — Updated 3:22 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

Kathy Hanrahan, Out

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DURHAM, N.C. — After more than 26 years in business, Nana's in Durham will close its doors.

The last day of service will be June 30. Reservations are still being taken by phone.

"We are incredibly grateful to our community for the continued support and patronage," owners wrote on Facebook. "We are especially humbled and proud of all our staff, both former and current, for being the heart and soul that has kept Nana's going for almost 26 years."

Chef and owner Scott Howell opened Nana's in 1992 at at 2514 University Drive. The space underwent extensive remodeling and expansion in 2000. Howell has not returned calls for comment.

Howell, an eight-time James Beard semi-finalist for the best chef in America, also owns Nanataco, Nanasteak, Bar Virgile and partnered with Dan Ferguson to open the original Q Shack.

Nana's flooded last month after persistent wet weather. Neal Benefield, who said he has worked at the restaurant for eight years, told WRAL at the time that the eatery had dealt with flooding in the past.

"I’m just about done anyway. I’ve really kinda come to the end of my thing here," Howell told WRAL when interviewed about the flooding.

Howell was frustrated at the lack of effort to fix the drainage system. He also expressed concern about upcoming road closures.

"They’re going to close the road for six months…which will do its best to put me out of business, too," he said.

"I’ve given Durham 26 years of my freaking life. I love Durham. I’m also really sick of it," Howell said at the time.

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