Bridge Park’s Kona Craft Kitchen + Bar, located at 6757 Longshore St. in Columbus has suddenly closed its doors after a year and a half in operation. Employees were informed of this unexpected closure on a recent Sunday. This Hawaiian-inspired restaurant, co-owned by Stacy and Frank Leary, made a grand entrance into the Dublin dining scene in March 2022, offering a unique all-day dining experience. Notably, Kona received the prestigious title of “Best Eatery in Central Ohio” at the Ohio Restaurant Association’s 2022 Industry Awards.

The closure was announced on Kona’s Instagram page which paid respect to the staff and customers who had participated in the eatery over the past year.

In light of legal records, it has come to light that the restaurant proprietors were grappling with financial troubles. Stacy and Frank Leary are facing legal action as defendants in a lawsuit initiated by Sam McAdow in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Recently, the judge in this case ruled in favor of McAdow’s complaint, ordering the Learys to repay over $3.6 million borrowed from him through two separate loans.

The judgment, which was recorded on September 22, covers half of the outstanding debt along with court costs. Another legal matter is ongoing, where Brackett Builders Inc. has filed a complaint against Frank Leary and Kona Craft Kitchen, alleging default on a loan exceeding $621,678.