Raw at the Piazza is '50% closed'

Tony Rim, who only recently opened a branch of Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge in the Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties, tells me that the spot is "50 percent" closed.

By that, he explains, the Raw sushi concept is indeed done. (Critic Craig LaBan did not have much good to say about it in his recent review.)

In several months, Rim says, the space will reopen with a new name and nightlife concept that he says is more in keeping with the younger clientele of the Piazza. Rim said a big New Year's Eve party on the Piazza that involved the other bars/night spots convinced him that the Piazza was a viable venue.