Many members of our community, including myself, love Blackworth Live Fire Grill. However, this once-celebrated culinary destination in the historic Wilbur Chocolate Factory building is now at a crossroads.
..pun not intended.
A combination of financial struggles, legal battles, and operational setbacks has left the restaurant’s future uncertain, sparking debate in the Lititz community about what’s next for the once-thriving eatery.
A Financial Firestorm for a Lititz Favorite
Blackworth’s troubles became public in December 2024 when LH Investors LLC, the landlord of the property, filed a lawsuit against H2 Ventures, the entity behind the restaurant, for unpaid rent.
According to court records, Blackworth owes $84,486 in overdue rent. The lawsuit, filed on December 23, seeks to terminate the restaurant’s lease and reclaim the space.
In a follow-up filing on December 27, LH Investors took the legal dispute a step further by requesting the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office to intervene and take possession of the building.
Despite these legal troubles, Blackworth has yet to publicly comment on the case or announce any plans for repayment or resolution.
Operational Hurdles and a Fire That Shook Business
Blackworth has also faced major operational setbacks, including a fire in March 2023 that disrupted business and raised safety concerns.
On March 27, a fire broke out in the restaurant’s exhaust ductwork, forcing an emergency response and a temporary shutdown while repairs and safety evaluations were conducted. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the disruption added to the growing challenges faced by the restaurant.
A Divided Community Response
While Blackworth once enjoyed a strong reputation for its unique live-fire cooking and upscale atmosphere, community opinions have since shifted.
Blackworth now holds a 4.0 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor, with 118 reviews reflecting a mix of praise and criticism. Some diners continue to applaud the ambiance and high-quality food, while others cite service inconsistencies and high pricing as drawbacks.
Locals also speculate whether poor management decisions contributed to Blackworth’s financial woes, with some questioning how a restaurant in a prime location could fall into such distress.
What’s Next for Blackworth?
With eviction proceedings underway, a large unpaid debt, and an uncertain financial future, the fate of Blackworth Live Fire Grill hangs in the balance.
If H2 Ventures fails to resolve its financial obligations, the restaurant could be forced to close permanently—a move that would leave a high-profile vacancy in the Wilbur Chocolate Factory space.
While some in the community hope for new investment or a change in ownership to salvage the business, others remain skeptical about its long-term viability.
As the legal battle unfolds, one thing is certain—Blackworth’s story is far from over, and the coming weeks will determine whether it can survive the storm or become a chapter in Lititz’s business history.
