DOWNTOWN TULSA, Okla. — GOAT restaurant in downtown Tulsa is closing.
This comes shortly after a restaurant co-owner was indicted on charges of sexually assaulting an employee.
FOX23 spoke with nearby business owners about what they'd like to see happen in the space.
Just a week after The Goat co-owner Nabil Allam pleaded not guilty to charges of sexually assaulting female employees, signs are beginning to emerge that the restaurant may close for good.
GOAT took place in downtown Tulsa's East Village for four years.
When you call the number, it just keeps ringing.
There's no message or social media post announcing it, but a quick Google search reveals it's permanently closed.
The windows where people once looked out while sipping handcrafted cocktails are now papered over.
GOAT opened in 2020 right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it wasn't the trendy restaurant's darkest moment.
“It's a tough market, it's very competitive and no one has fully recovered from COVID,” said local chef Josh Baker of Bachelor's Table.
Some of the alleged incidents date back to 2022, while others happened as early as February and March of this year, according to court documents.
According to the affidavit, Alameh spat on several employees and also spit alcohol into their mouths.
At other times, he is accused of taking cocaine from their breasts.
On June 7, Alameh pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including rape with instruments and sexual assault.
The co-owner of the International Vibe Lounge had to return his passport.
FOX23 sent the co-owners an email and a Facebook message asking if they had anything to say about The GOAT's closing, but did not hear back.
Many people say there is a bad vibe in the building.
Others say the location at 222 South Kenosha is perfect for someone to take over the space and create a successful new concept.
Alameh's next court date is scheduled for Aug. 5. FOX 23 will continue to provide updates on the trial and the future of the building.
