Last week, Pegasus News reported that Sharon Hage had plans to close York Street after nearly 10 years. Considering it's one of Dallas' top restaurants—Hage has been nominated for several James Beard awards—the news took most by surprise. We caught up with Hage after her last weekend in business to see how things panned out. Unfortunately, she still doesn't have any set plans for the future. Sorry, we tried.
Did you ever imagine it would be such a success?
Never, ever. I imagined it would be a quiet place that hopefully those in the immediate neighborhood would enjoy.
Considering the restaurant was doing so well, what prompted you to close?
It was just a personal decision. I feel it's best to go out while you are still on top of your game.
The closure seemed so sudden. Was it something you had been planning for a while?
I had been considering it for a while, but once I made the decision to close, I did not want to drag out what I knew would be a difficult, emotional time for my crew, guests and myself.
How have people responded to the news?
The response to the news was more than I ever could have imagined. Everyone has been overwhelmingly loving and supportive. It is especially rewarding to have received so many congratulations from our colleagues in the business. People have made us feel as if we were a part of their lives.
What will you miss the most?
The amazingly talented, dedicated, professional crew I had the pleasure of spending so many long days with.
If you could go back, would you do anything differently?
Nothing, really. I think mistakes are part of the process.
Did you do anything special for the last night?
We ended up selling out of almost everything on Friday, so we decided to just make Saturday about us. We had one last, long family meal with lots of champagne.
What are your plans for the future?
I have been asked this so many times, I am convinced that no one believes me when I say that there is no plan for the future. I am just going to take it day by day and enjoy as long a sabbatical as my resources will allow, then I'll figure it out.
[The Feast]
