A reader asked us if we knew the scoop about Divan Mediterranean Grill, which opened at 622 S 6th St. earlier this week. The restaurant, which replaces the long-shuttered Shouk, has a nearly identical name and logo to Divan Turkish Kitchen, the recently closed spot at 22nd and Carpenter Sts., in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood. So… what gives?

Divan 2

According to Michael Klein, this is a brand new Divan, not a relocation of the previous restaurant. Owner of the original Divan Ilkur Ugur, has no interest in going back into the food business. At a recent SOSNA meeting, he went as far as saying “I tried that once, and won’t ever do it again,” as we told you last month. Klein explains that part-owner and chef Sadi Cetiner is the connection between the old and new Divan, having worked at a chef Divan 1. As for why she and her fellow owners chose this name and inspired all this confusion, we may never know.

Meanwhile, across the street from this new restaurant, transformation of a blighted building into Bainbridge Street Barrel House is well underway, according to Meal Ticket.

Lots of workers on the scene

And on the other side of town, we’re hearing from Foobooz that SOWE, the new gastropub taking over for Divan 1, is about a week away. But where will the customers park!?!

At least the old Divan sign is down