UKIAH 70 LOSE JOBS WHEN RESTAURANT CLOSES

One of Ukiah's newest and arguably fanciest restaurants closed abruptly Wednesday, placing about 70 employees out of work without notice.

The restaurant, Branches, closed when an opportunity became available to regroup financially, owner Debra

Watson said. She declined to explain.

Watson said she hopes to reopen in a few months with a revamped menu and decor and rehire most of the former employees.

The restaurant, which opened in late 2010, was rumored to have closed several times in the past year. Watson said she inherited about $400,000 in debt when she took back control of the restaurant from a partner in July.

Watson and her husband also own two motels that flank the restaurant, she said.

-- Glenda Anderson