Abe and Hilari Ziaimehr considered several locations, even getting construction drawings for them, before deciding to purchase a corner building in the Logan Park neighborhood to become what they call a “European-style café,” the Briar. The 85-year-old structure at 1231 Washington Street NE had since 1995 been an art gallery owned by the late Georgette and Henry Sosin; it went on the market a year after Georgette’s death in 2019.
After acquiring the property in 2020, the Ziaimehrs began a lengthy reconstruction of the building, creating a 40-seat space with a coffee bar, tables and booths, and see-through kitchen area. The project included a fenced patio for outside dining. Abe said the permit application process had its own trials; some of the building’s neighbors opposed the project (The City’s Planning Commission published six letters from people opposed), citing fears of late hours, noise and parking issues.
There was also a concern that the restaurant might seek a liquor license. At a neighborhood meeting around that time, some neighbors spoke in support of the project. The city finally gave it the go-ahead, with a few caveats, including the installation of a ten-bicycle rack next to the entrance and enclosed trash containers. The Ziaimehrs modified their closing hours to no later than 9 p.m.
The Briar had its official opening on Thursday, Nov. 17, a day after it served as a venue for a performance by American School of Storytelling founder Loren Niemi and singer/guitarist Diane Jarvi, the first of a monthly residency there by the School.
Abe and Hilari are Northeast residents; Hilari was most recently branding and merchandise manager at Dangerous Man Brewing Company. After college, Abe worked briefly as a mechanical engineer; he also worked as an illustrator, storyboard and animation artist, and spent lots of time in the kitchen, recently as a sous chef at Chowgirls.
Abe said some of the employees (there are currently four, besides the Ziaimehrs) have percentage shares of the business.
Abe Ziaimehr waved to a customer while he prepared food at The Briar. Exterior view of 1231 Washington St. NE.
(Photos by Mark Peterson)