West OC's Culture Authentic Eatery closing its doors

After three years, Culture Authentic Eatery is closing its doors — for now. 

Announced on Oct. 6 via Facebook post, the West Ocean City restaurant is closing after Oct. 29. Up until then, foodies can still get a taste of their innovative menu Wednesdays through Sundays, opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 9 p.m.  

"It was a really hard decision," said Jody Wright, Culture owner.

The eatery is owned and operated by Wright and her husband, Travis, who also own The Shark on the Harbor in West Ocean City. Culture is a fast casual restaurant focused on celebrating the world through food by changing its menu yearly. According to its website, the eatery is currently celebrating American street food.

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"Nearly three years ago we embarked on a new project. And, today we’re feeling pretty emotional about announcing that at the end of this month we will be bringing Culture / Authentic Eatery to a close," said Travis and Jody in a Facebook post. "We are very sad. But, more than anything we feel so, so proud of what we've created and of our team who implemented our operations." 

Jody explained while the pair felt Culture was doing well with loyal and new customers, it was not hitting the benchmark for the two to sign a long-term lease in their current location at 12507 Sunset Ave. 

With their short-term lease coming to an end, it felt like the right time to close down and possibly look for a new location in the future that would be a better fit for their fast casual concept, Jody said. 

While their dream location would include a glass front with modern design and plenty of foot traffic, Jody said the couple is not actively looking now. 

"It needs to be in spaces where it can thrive," she said. 

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The current plan for Culture is to finish strong and continue to offer customers the same quality as on opening day. If fans are unable to stop in before the closing date, Jody said they are planning to offer pop-up events at Shark on the Harbor for loyal customers to fill their Culture craving. 

"(We'll) keep the spirit alive in that fashion," Jody said. 

Travis said, as the chef for both Culture and Shark on the Harbor, he's excited to combine the flavors of both restaurants even if it's only occasional and temporary. 

To keep up with the Wrights, Jody said customers should watch Shark on the Harbor's Facebook page. She's hopeful this is not the end of Culture's story, but just the beginning.   

On Twitter: @The_MegRyan