Ember & Oak restaurant owner discusses moving hopes, rumors: bankruptcy, yes; closing, no

Editor's note: This story has been updated.

Yes, the rumors are true: Kevin Andersen, owner of Ember & Oak, the popular higher-end restaurant in downtown Melbourne, has filed for bankruptcy.

No, it is not true that the steak specialist will close any time soon.

“We’re trying to move (Ember & Oak), and because of the way the business is structured ... the wisest thing we could do was change the way the business is structured, and so we filed for bankruptcy two weeks ago,” Andersen said.

“The court has to accept our plan ... This is a reorganization. We have partners, and the only way we’ll get to help Ember & Oak, and them, is by reorganizing.”

The bankruptcy is called a liquidating subchapter 11, Andersen said.

"We are keeping all our stuff. It’s coming with us," he said.

"The current cash and real estate gets given to our creditors, which is my brother-in-law mainly. A new LLC that I set up buys all Ember and Oak's stuff and we take it with us and move.”

The business is not expected to be shuttered while the bankruptcy actions proceed, according to Andersen.

“We’re going to stay open,” he said.

Andersen, who said he has been working on a reorganization plan for months, said the most important step toward solvency will be to move from its current location, 712 to 716 E. New Haven Ave.

That site, which is owned by Irish businessman Donal Carroll, Andersen’s brother-in-law, includes a 4,302-square-foot structure with an indoor bar, full kitchen and seating for as many as 150; a second, 2,000-square-foot building with office and storage space; an outdoor bar and courtyard; and a food truck. It is listed for sale on www.loopnet.com.

“My brother-in-law is my major creditor, and we will continue to pay rent until we are ready to move,” Andersen said.

Ember & Oak has most often been connected to a move to the Eau Gallie Arts District, where one of Andersen’s associates, Larry Jarnes, is a business owner. Jarnes has assisted him through the bankruptcy process, Andersen said.

But he did not rule out a move to a beachside location or another space in downtown Melbourne.

“We’re considering five or six sites, although I would prefer Eau Gallie,” said Andersen, whose family members were business owners in the district when he was a child.

Wherever he goes, his staff, at least in part, is likely to follow.

“It’s just the completion of restructuring,” said Greg Schutt, who heads Ember & Oak’s beverage operations.

“We’re just trying to get back to where we can show we are viable without the weight of crushing debt. This just speeds things up; makes things more organized. We’re not going anywhere until we move.”

Lyn Dowling is a freelance food and lifestyles writer based in Melbourne.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Ember & Oak restaurant owner discusses moving hopes, rumors: bankruptcy, yes; closing, no