The Abbey, the foothills restaurant that had a locked-doors scare earlier this year, is now seemingly closed for good.

You might remember that in May, then-owner Brian Metzger had an issue with a lender which led to the property being seized, but eventually took care of things to reopen. However, as part of Metzger's divorce proceedings, full ownership (and many of the establishment's financial issues, apparently) transferred to Sandy Ford, Metzger's ex-wife and general manager of Playground and HUB downtown.

It would seem that the pre-ownership transfer issues were too much to overcome under Ford's leadership and we've been told that she sent a letter to investors on Monday informing them that she would be unable to keep the place open.

Sandy Ford sent out a statement about the closing, which is below the cut.

September 30, 2014

It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the closing of The Abbey restaurant. We will continue to explore options to transfer my ownership to a viable operator. In the meantime, my family and I would like to thank Tucson for embracing our restaurant and being so supportive for the past four years. I had hoped for a better outcome when I took over on July 2, 2014, but unfortunately, too much damage had been done. Despite our tireless efforts, we could not recover. And though we have to walk away from a restaurant we love, we walk away with pride because we know we tried absolutely everything in our power.
I send heartfelt thanks to my amazing staff for their unwavering loyalty and to my friends and family for their support and understanding. I would like to thank my best friend, Emmie Fohr, for always believing, and Beecher Howard, my rock and partner throughout this, for picking me up every time I fall.
Most importantly, I want to thank my children, for their unconditional love and their generous and brave hearts. And my daughter Abigale, wise beyond her years, for her thoughtful, consoling words, “You can close the Abbey, momma, as long as we get to spend more time together.”

Always,
Sandy Ford