Bistro Baffi, an Italian restaurant located in Normandy Park since 2021, this week permanently closed its doors, with the owner citing a combination of break-ins, financial hardship, and a lack of governmental support as the final blow.
The restaurant’s final day in business was Friday, May 16, 2025.
In a series of social media posts, owner Nirav Sheth cited rising crime, insurance difficulties, and lack of support from government leadership as the reasons behind the closure. The decision follows four break-ins over the past two years, in addition to financial struggles that have persisted post-pandemic.
“We survived COVID, government shutdowns, and economic uncertainty, only to be undone by rising crime and a complete failure of leadership to protect small businesses like mine,” the owner wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“On paper, Washington state boasts endless programs, grants, and ‘support’ systems for small business owners,” Sheth said. “But when you’re the one sweeping up shattered glass at 2 a.m., or filing yet another police report that goes nowhere, you realize how little of that support actually exists in real life.”
The restaurant, located in the Normandy Park Towne Center since moving from its original location in Burien in 2021, has been known for its intimate ambiance, cocktails, and Italian fare. In a separate post on Facebook, the business shared gratitude for the community that supported them through the years.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to our community for the treasured memories we’ve created together—countless nights filled with laughter, delightful drinks, and scrumptious meals that truly brought Bistro Baffi to life.”
A new restaurant is expected to take over the location, though no further details have been announced.
“I’m angry, I’m heartbroken, and I’m tired of watching fellow entrepreneurs fall through the cracks while our leaders pat themselves on the back for progress that doesn’t exist,” Sheth wrote.
Sheth ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024 after those series of break-ins left him frustrated with rising crime and what he described as a lack of leadership and accountability. He ran as a Republican for Washington’s 10th Congressional District, but did not advance past the August primary, where he finished third behind incumbent Democrat Marilyn Strickland (who won the election) and fellow Republican Don Hewett.
He also owns a Meineke Car Care Center in Des Moines.
Here’s full text from the notice Sheth posted on Facebook on May 15, 2025:
“It is with a heavy heart that we, shutting down Bistro Baffi for good, with our final day of regular service set for May 16th. Soon New type of restaurant will be taking place instead of Bistro Baffi at the location.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to our community for the treasured memories we’ve created together—countless nights filled with laughter, delightful drinks, and scrumptious meals that truly brought Bistro Baffi to life.
“In honor of our journey, we will be offering a 20% discount on all cocktails and wines tomorrow. This Saturday, we will also hold a special sale featuring discounts on our remaining wines.
“If you’d like to purchase any of our exquisite wines before we close, please don’t hesitate to contact us at bistrobaffi@gmail.com. Thank you for being an integral part of our story.”
Today, I made the heartbreaking decision to shut down my restaurant in Normandy Park.
— Nirav Sheth (@_NiravSheth_) May 17, 2025
Not just because of poor business, lack of revenue, hard to get business insurance— but also because of four break-ins in just two years. We survived COVID, government shutdowns, and economic… pic.twitter.com/aToVLjK54F
That’s sad news . We were sorry to see the restaurant leave Seahurst
And move to Normandy Park. The food was delicious . The restaurant added bit of class to Seahurst . Every area needs more police these days . How sad.
The State government refuses to create drug rehabs followed by halfway homes for a few months , which would help end so many break ins.
I had a man break into my home a few years ago . He was a drug addict with nice parents who were good citizens . He would be jailed then out to look for his drug buddies then back to jail . That’s when I tucked away my anger that he damaged some things in my home . I saw the rehabs weren’t long enough and the addicts get out and have no job so they reoffend. They needed longer rehabs with a halfway home for a few months while they got jobs and lived with a councilor. The money spent for rehabs and a halfway house would slow crimes .
Opening in the middle of COVID seems like the biggest reason that they went under, rather than two break-ins over 4 years. Restaurants are known for existing month to month…when something financially damaging (like COVID) comes around it’s not difficult to go under.
Actually it’s 4 break-ins in 2 years and they made it through COVID which was years ago and I enjoyed their food. It’s a sad state when crime and business regulations on top of everything else close what was a delicious local restaurant.
Omaha, you are wrong. Well run restaurants are not existing month to month. He even survived during the COVID years. The increased crime in Western Washington is due much to the fact that criminals are rarely caught…and often let out. There is little risk in robbing retailers and restaurants in this environment. When customers find out that the street on which a store exists has been robbed they become hesitant to frequent that store. I’m sad that he had very little response from the government to protect his geographical area…but hardly surprised. Hopefully he can find a safer place to reopen.
Dear M’s Sternberg (and other like thinkers)
1) with respect could you kindly tell us what your experience is in owning a small business?
2) what is your experience with break-ins, destruction and theft, and being the only one to clean it up, and pay for it
3) what is you experience with picking up poop, needles, and filth left by drug addicts
4) what is your experience defending your customers, employees and yourself from drugged out people
My guess is zero to all of the above
I firmly believe you are good people and mean well, but at the end of the day I don’t think you really have a clue.
With respect