Pomegranate Cafe in Ahwatukee to close after 12 years in business

Pomegranate Cafe, one of the Valley’s top vegetarian and vegan restaurants, announced it will close  Thursday after 12 years in business in Ahwatukee.

The history: Marlene Tolman and her daughter, Cassie, opened the eatery in a strip-mall on the southeast corner of Chandler and 40th Street in 2010 and expanded into the space next door in 2012.

• A second location was launched in central Phoenix in 2012, but it lasted less than a year.

The quote: ‘‘We will miss the beautiful community that has come through our doors for over 12 years and supported a dream that surpassed all expectations. While this is the end of one remarkable chapter, we wholeheartedly embrace new beginnings,’’ the cafe posted on social media.