Sundial Bistro to close Sunday

SOAP LAKE — A little more than a year after opening, Sundial Bistro in Soap Lake will be closing its doors. A discounted menu and half-off beer and wine are being offered through the weekend. Hours will be Friday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., according to their website.

"We love the city of Soap Lake," said Executive Chef Spencer Peet, "it's just the lack of business we have." The business is listed for sale, but there are no potential buyers yet.

The restaurant was celebrated for its gluten-free meal options, live music and friendly staff. Mary Loeffelbein of Ephrata has Celiac's Disease, an auto-immune disease that makes it painful for her to eat gluten, found in wheat and other grains. She said she is disappointed the Bistro is closing because it was one of the few restaurants in the area that cater to those with the disease. "It's hard to explain every time I'm at a restaurant that it's not just an allergy...it puts me at risk," she said. "The owner, Karrie's, mother had Celiac disease. She knew how to prepare the food, it was good."

Loeffelbien said she will also miss the Bistro as a music venue for her students. Loeffelbein runs ML Studio where she teaches voice lessons, incorporates guitar and piano and live performance. Her students enjoyed the crowd and the vibe at the bistro and she said she hopes to find more venues with young people who want original music.

The Sundial Bistro is located at 332 E Main St., Soap Lake. For more information call 509-246-1400.