Hamrah's Lebanese Kitchen in Kinderhook Will Close October 31

Hamrah's, the Lebanese takeout shop that quickly became a staple in the village of Kinderhook after opening in 2024 will serve its last meal on Saturday, October 31, owners Julie and Theo Fels announced in a letter to customers.

The couple say the decision came down to arithmetic. "Despite our growing sales, rising expenses have pushed the prospect of the business supporting even one owner's salary too far into the future," they write. Closing that gap would have meant adding services to an already busy kitchen, or raising prices "beyond what feels fair or feasible for much of our community." They said neither is a path they are able or willing to take. They plan to pursue other work that offers "greater financial stability and a more sustainable routine."

In four and a half years, two and a half of them selling only wholesale and at farmers markets, Hamrah's employed 16 people, 14 of whom live in Kinderhook or grew up there, according to the Felses. They paid off their small business loan, supported local causes, and catered weddings, birthdays, graduations, family reunions, and fundraisers. They also renovated the building at 3 Albany Avenue, which they now describe as a welcoming, leasable commercial space. They aren't yet actively seeking a tenant but welcome inquiries.

Julie Hamrah Fels is a third-generation Lebanese-American who grew up in Ohio and Maine and spent a decade as director of the Kinderhook Library. She started Hamrah's during the pandemic, selling at the Hudson and Kinderhook farmers markets out of a shared kitchen at Philmont Coop. When the storefront opened in fall 2024, she told RI the idea came from missing the food she grew up with. "I'd lived in either Dutchess County or Columbia County since I was 18," she said. "And I never actually thought about the lack of Lebanese food, because I always had access to it." When family gatherings dwindled, she felt the absence.

The menu was built on that memory: chicken shawarma, falafel, za'atar cauliflower, mujadara, and the savory hand pies herher grandmother always made. "I would eat like six meat pies at a time as a little kid," she says.

The Felses' letter widens into a comment on running a restaurant in the current national economic crisis. "One of the greatest challenges facing restaurants in Columbia County is keeping dining affordable for the people who live and work here while also paying employees a fair and sustainable wage," they write. They hope "the economy improves, food costs come down, and local restaurants are able to thrive without having to choose between affordability and fair pay."

They also look ahead with some enthusiasm. They've heard that a couple of Middle Eastern restaurants may open in Hudson soon and say they're "genuinely excited by the prospect—not least because we may finally have time to dine out ourselves."

"Thanks to you, we were able to explore our very simple dream of having more fresh, healthy Middle Eastern food in Columbia County," the Felses write. They're inviting customers to stop in before the end of the month. "We hope you'll come see us between now and October 31 so we can feed you a few more times," they write.

Hamrah's, 3 Albany Avenue, Kinderhook, NY 12106

Open Wednesday through Saturday through October 31; check hamrahs.com for current hours. Gift cards will be honored through the closing date.