Mike Isabella Is Selling Graffiato in Richmond

Scandal-plagued restaurateur Mike Isabella is letting go of the Graffiato he opened nearly four years ago in Richmond, Virginia, mapping out plans to sell the satellite location that has been closed pending much-needed repairs.

Isabella, who is still dealing with the fallout from a sexual harassment suit he settled in May, tells Washingtonian that the Graffiato in Richmond is inoperable due to HVAC issues, and that he’s in negotiations with a local restaurant group to take over the space. Since former general manager Chloe Caras accused Isabella and senior members of his restaurant group of sexual harassment, Isabella has had talented chefs leave his organization, he closed the original Requin in Mosaic District — though he allegedly owes over $700,000 in back rent there — and now he’s withdrawing from the Richmond dining scene.

Prior to this rash of legal and professional challenges, Isabella announced that he was returning to the kitchen at his flagship Graffiato in Chinatown. He tells Washingtonian that he’s getting to back to basics there, estimating that he grew “too fast,” and “too big” in recent years.

• Mike Isabella Plans to Close Graffiato Richmond [Washingtonian]
• Landlord Sues Mike Isabella for $715,000 in Back Rent and Fees [EDC]
• Mike Isabella’s Investors May Hold Him Accountable for Sexual Harassment Lawsuit [EDC]
• MIke Isabella Settles Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Harassment at His Restaurant Group [EDC]
• D.C. Restaurant Association Pulls Mike Isabella Restaurants From Dining Awards [EDC]
• Star Chef at Arroz and Requin Resigns From Mike Isabella’s Restaurant Group [EDC]
• Washington Nationals Strip Mike Isabella’s Eateries From Nats Park Amidst Sexual Harassment Suit [EDC]
• Alleged Sexual Harasser Mike Isabella Is Already Losing Supporters [EDC]
• Isabella Eatery Manager Sues Mike Isabella for Sexual Harassment [EDC]