A downtown Scranton restaurant that had closed because of the coronavirus pandemic will not reopen.
Terra Preta Prime, 301 N Washington Ave., announced today on its Facebook page that “it has become apparent that our time has come.
“We have made the heart wrenching decision that Terra Preta Prime will not reopen,” the venue added. “After much thoughtful deliberation and conversation with those close to us we have concluded that we cannot sustain our business any longer.”
The business resulted from the 2018 merger of eatery Terra Preta, which had been in the former Ritz Theater Building at 222 Wyoming Ave., and Carl’s Prime, a restaurant known for its steaks at 301 N. Washington Ave. Carl’s Prime and Terra Preta were owned, respectively, by father and daughter Robert Dickert and Patricia Dickert-Nieves. Prior to the merger, Dickert had faced a lawsuit that forced him to change his business’ name from Carl Von Luger’s to Carl’s Prime in August 2017.
“We have two very different clientèle,” Dickert-Nieves told The Times-Tribune when they announced the merger. “Why not combine our resources and do the best of everything?”
Today’s announcement came from Dickert and his family, who thanks their staff, customers and all those involved in the business, which had closed temporarily March 19 as precautions against the coronavirus swept through the state.
“We write this goodbye letter with tears in our eyes as a small restaurant family is out of business,” the announcement explained. “My family and I have dedicated much of our time and all of our love to create a special place in Downtown Scranton where people feel welcomed in a safe, clean space, can enjoy a delicious meal with friendly service. We had much more to give but the circumstances did not support us right now.”
They urged their followers to continue to support local restaurants “because they are essential.”
“They are the most hard working, passionate, determined and committed people you will ever know and they need help,” they wrote in the post. “We are one of many that are closing our doors for good and our hearts go out to all restaurant families affected. We sincerely thank you all for allowing us to be a part of your fond memories.”
Terra Preta Prime also encouraged the public to share their memories of the restaurant and its predecessors, which also include the former Great Uncle Peter’s Steakhouse.
Caitlin Heaney West is the content editor for Access NEPA and oversees the Early Access blog in addition to working as a copy editor and staff writer for The Times-Tribune. An award-winning journalist, she is a summa cum laude graduate of Shippensburg University and also earned a master’s degree from Marywood University. Caitlin joined the Times-Shamrock family in 2009 and lives in Scranton. Contact: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5107; or @cheaneywest
