10/07/2015
I have some important information about the café I'd like to share:
As in the past, MJ will be closing for the season as of October 21. However, I am sorry to say that these will be the final weeks for the café, and that we are not planning to reopen next spring.
We started Matsumoto Joe three years ago as a side project to complement our existing ice cream business. I would like to think that we started this business three years ago with some grand entrepreneurial vision. However, if I am being honest, the real reason we opened the café was so we would have a place to drink the style of coffee we most enjoy. We honestly weren’t sure if we would do much more than breaking even. However, over the past three years, our loyal customers have kept coming back again and again. Along the way it’s been great to see so many of you who enjoy the style of coffee and tea we were serving. I honestly never knew so many other people also liked dried squid!
While its been a lot of fun to see how the cafe has developed over these years, the growing demands of both businesses (I am also the owner of Mount Desert Island Ice Cream for those of you who don’t know) has made it harder for us to keep pace with everything the café requires. Don’t get me wrong, that is a very fortunate problem to have. Nonetheless, as MDI Ice Cream continues to grow and expand into new arenas, it will require all of our creative energies in the coming years. I just don’t have the time to do both without sacrificing quality of life. We would not be doing justice to our MJ regulars if we couldn’t give the café the time, energy, and attention that it deserves. At this point, I just don’t think that’s possible.
I want to say how appreciative we are all to all of our loyal customers who have routinely stopped by, told their friends, posted on social media, and gotten behind the product over these past years. Also, to all of you who have personally made the point to tell either myself of my manager, Natalie, how important the café is to you. All of you have been great. I am especially sorry to those of you who will be missing your regular morning routine. Also, sorry for those of you who will have to find a new place to get your pocky fix.
I can assure you that I will miss my morning cappuccino from the shop more than anyone can know. If you get a chance, please stop in during these remaining weeks to say hello and warm up. Thanks again to all who have supported us, I can’t adequately express my gratitude.
All the Best -
Linda
