Café Roka in Bisbee is Closing After 30+ Years in Business

Rod Kass, chef and owner of Café Roka, is closing the Bisbee restaurant that first opened its doors in 1992.

Kass plans to sell the entire three-story building, listed for $1.675 million.

The building includes a restaurant and bar on the first floor, additional seating on the mezzanine level, and a loft apartment on the third floor. The sale also includes all kitchen equipment, furnishings, and the business name.

However, Café Roka plans to remain open for up to six weeks so he can help a new owner transition. In other words, he’s hoping to keep the restaurant running with someone else behind the wheel.

“We want to find someone who has a similar passion and a love of the community,” Kass told AZ Central. “We want to make sure that when the business is handed off, that part of the business maintains.”

So, it’s the end of an era for the restaurant nestled in the small mining town south of Tucson. Café Roka is a special place for many and, in the words of local Foodie Edie Jarolim, managed “to be unpretentious while embracing many haute cuisine trappings.”

Check out her 2017 article about the restaurant.

Witnessing a longstanding restaurant like this close its doors is bittersweet, but there’s always hope and something to look forward to if a new owner steps in to continue its legacy.

As mentioned earlier, the restaurant will stay open for a few weeks until it’s sold. Be sure to make a reservation for dinner, which is offered 5 – 9 p.m. from Thursday – Saturday, or walk in for cocktails from 9 – 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Café Roka is located at 35 Main St., Bisbee, Arizona 85603, and can be reached at (520) 432-5153. For more information, visit caferoka.com. Check out our interactive guide to more restaurants in the town.

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