The Kitchen restaurant at Shelby Farms Park to close on Dec. 30

Jennifer Chandler | Memphis Commercial Appeal

The Kitchen American Bistro at Shelby Farms Park announced on Friday that it will be closing on Dec. 30.

“Shelby Farms Park holds a special place in my heart, so it is with great sadness that we will close The Kitchen on December 30th. This was not a decision we made lightly but one that will be the best for our business,” said Kimbal Musk, co-founder of The Kitchen and Big Green."

Musk said that Shelby Farms Park will announce what's in the works in for its visitor center and event center in early 2019.

"We are honored to have been the dining partner at such a pivotal time in the park's history," Musk said. "It's been an incredible two years with unforgettable sunsets. As we close this chapter of our business, our level of gratitude for Memphis runs deep.”

Founded in 2004 by Hugo Matheson and Kimbal Musk, The Kitchen Restaurant Group is family of restaurants with locations across America focused on sourcing and preparing real food at every price point. Its restaurant concepts, Next Door American Eatery and The Kitchen, operate with the mission to source food from American farmers with the goal of helping stimulate the local farm economy.

The company opened its first restaurant in Memphis, The Kitchen, in Shelby Farms in the early Fall of 2016. The 5,000 square foot restaurant opened as part of the renovation of the park.

First Bites: The Kitchen in Shelby Farms, the soft opening

A second restaurant, this one their Next Door American Eatery concept, opened one year later in Crosstown Concourse.

Photos: Next Door American Eatery

Musk also is the force behind Big Green, a national nonprofit dedicated to building a healthier future for kids across America through learning gardens. Big Green, formerly known as The Kitchen Community, built their first school learning garden in Memphis in 2015. They now have over 100 learning gardens at schools across Memphis.

Milestones: Big Green hits 100th learning garden milestone

The company says that Next Door and Big Green are not affected by this restaurant closing and will continue to operate in Memphis.

The Shelby Farms Park Conservancy plans to look for another restaurant to take over the space.

Jen Andrews, Chief Executive Officer for Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, confirmed the plan to close the restaurant as part of The Kitchen's "evolving national business strategy," and said they've been grateful for the strong foundation built by their partnership for future dining options.

"We’re excited to begin the search for a new partner for both our restaurant and café spaces," Andrews said. "While the restaurant tenant may be changing at Shelby Farms Park, the breathtaking patio view and one-of-a-kind setting are here to stay."