Once COVID-19 spread into Texas, causing officials to order bars to close temporarily and restaurants to stop all dine-in service, the unfortunate consequence was that, inevitably, some establishments would have to shutter for good. With very little money coming in, and too much going out (bills still had to be paid), it was only a matter of time before some owners and operators would have to make that tough decision.

One of the first major casualties in the Bayou City food scene is Korean fried chicken hang Dak & Bop. Ownership announced Friday it would be closing its Museum District location after service May 25, citing challenges posed by COVID-19 as the reason for the shuttering. 

"We are proud to say we have zero regrets in regards to being takeout only because we feel it was in the best interest for the safety of our staff and customers," read a post on Dak & Bop's Instagram. "If losing this business resulted in saving a life, we will take that everytime."

Dak & Bop's recently opened location in Timbergrove will remain open and will feature menu options from the original once that closes.

 

 

 

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It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we have to announce that this will be the last month dak & bop Museum District will be open. With the unexpected pandemic, potential health risks, and a myriad of other factors we have to proceed with the closure. We are proud to say we have zero regrets in regards to being takeout only because we feel it was in the best interest for the safety of our staff and customers. If losing this business resulted in saving a life, we will take that everytime. Because our promise to our dak & bop family is this: we will be back with this concept and menu sooner rather than later. In the meantime during this transition, we still have the location in Timbergrove open on 18th Street from 11 am-8 pm daily. Please follow us @dakandbop18th for details. Additionally, we will be offering a d&b "OG" menu at this location after the closure of the Museum District location. So although we won't have that spot, the food will still be available. Our final day will be Memorial Day Monday 5/25/2020. So get your fix until then! Thanks for the love and support you’ve always shown us. We appreciate it and hope everyone stays safe and healthy. We love you Houston, we’ll be back 😘 #dakandbop #museumdistrict #restaurantclosed #covid19 #covidclosure #weloveourcustomers #thanksforyoursupport #koreanfriedchicken #doublefried #chickenlove #koreanmexican #htowneats #houstonfood #houstonfoodies #foodies #houstontx #houstoneats #houstonrestaurants #dakandbop18th #timbergrovehouston #lazybrookhouston #gardenoakshouston #ourfansarethebest #seeyousoon #dakandbopfam

A post shared by Dak And Bop (@dakandbop) on May 15, 2020 at 6:57am PDT

Meanwhile, Italian restaurant Dolce Vita Pizzeria and Enoteca announced Thursday that it was closing with final service set for May 24, though this shuttering doesn't seem to be COVID-related. According to Houston Food Finder, chef/owner Marco Wiles had been aiming to sell for a while, and he's keeping his other concepts, DaMarco and Vinoteca Poscol. Some Dolce Vita dishes will be moving to those restaurants. 

Dolce Vita was put up for sale last June.