ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – A restaurant in Ithaca is set to close.

On February 1, Asempe Kitchen will welcome its final customers to its brick-and-mortar location in Press Bay Court.

Owners of the West African eatery, which opened in 2024, say the current economic climate and lack of foot traffic have become unsustainable. Cooking classes with Shared Kitchen Ithaca and Cornell Cooperative Extension will continue, as will catering.

In December, Asempe’s Nkatsi Froyi was named one of the Top 10 Vegan Soups and Stews in the country by PETA.

Asempe will be open regular hours leading up to and on the final day of business, which is this Sunday.