After two years with an uncertain future, Madame K's, Ballard Avenue's brothel-themed pizzeria, will be closing for good Oct. 28.

"Our lease is up again, and it finally feels like it's time for Madame K's to make its grand finale," owner Kirsten Burt said in a Madame K's press release.

Burt announced she was selling the restaurant in February 2009. But in March of that year, she said issues with her landlord would force her to stay open for another 17 months.

In the press release, Burt characterized her relationship with Madame K's landlord as turbulent. But now, more than 20 months after the initial announcement, the restaurant will shut its doors.

"We are sad but satisfied that this is the right time," Burt said in the press release.

Burt opened the restaurant 12 years ago after moving to Seattle from Ohio and becoming intrigued by Ballard Avenue's tawdry past. She heard there had once been a brothel in her future restaurant's space at 5327 Ballard Ave. N.W., spawning Madame K's theme.

A few years ago, Burt opened a second restaurant, Lazy K's, in Carnation. That business will remain open.

Downtown Ballard lost another restaurant staple, Lombardi's, earlier this month.