Vegetarian restaurant The Red Lentil closed its New Haven branch on Oct. 8, just two weeks after Atlas Restaurant closed and Panera Bread and Chipotle announced they would come to Chapel Street.

Managers at the restaurant told the New Haven Register that bad parking options and construction for the nearby Gateway Community College might have driven people away from the eatery.

The Red Lentil, which was located on Temple Street, catered to vegetarians and vegans. With dishes like Gobi Manchurian — their specialty — and batter-fried cauliflower, the restaurant avoided the trappings of tempeh and tofu.

Panjak Pradhan, the owner and chef, opened the New Haven restaurant in July 2011. The restaurant’s original branch in Watertown, Mass. continues to operate today.

HAYLEY BYRNES