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Abrupt end to a neighborhood favorite: Stella closes after 15 years

by Michele D.  Maniscalco
Friday May 22, 2020

This article is from the May 21, 2020 issue of South End News.


On the afternoon of Friday, May 15, a Facebook page announced the sudden closing of Stella Restaurant and Bar, 1525 Washington Street, a popular spot for dining and cocktails, its function room the venue of many fundraisers and other gatherings for local organizations.
The announcement reads, "It is with a heavy heart and tears in our eyes that we announce the closing of Stella Restaurant and Bar. Today will be our last night. It has been nothing but a pleasure to serve Boston and especially the south end these last 15 years. We have made so many friends with employees and guests and will miss everyone of you. Please know that this was not in our control we had hoped to come out of this stronger. We will miss all of you very much."
Neighbors expressed mutual appreciation of the restaurant, named for chef/owner Evan Deluty's daughter, sharing the post over 80 times and sharing reminiscences and praise for the eatery's food, service and atmosphere.
On the day the closure was announced, Stella bartender Ryan Walsh created a GoFundMe site for the benefit of Stella staff who are undocumented and ineligible for unemployment relief, many of whom are raising families.
As of Monday night, May 18, the GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/stella-employee-relief-fund posted donations of $6,395 toward a goal of $15,000. Stella joins Masa Restaurant, 439 Tremont Street, which closed in late March.