Under the right owner, the cafe in the Courthouse can thrive again

 

Last March, when the shelter in place order was issued, the Smokestack cafe closed. The County leases that space and did not charge rent. The owner, Christopher Rohrs, opened briefly, after months and shut down, again.

The pandemic has certainly affected the restaurant business. Like every restaurant, each one that closes has specific reasons and it isn't just the pandemic. People, for various reasons, want to move on and sell the business.

The cafe, located on the third floor of the Courthouse, needs the right type of owner. It is very hard work. The previous owner, Jeannie, did a great job.

There is guaranteed business, regulars which include attorneys, bailiffs, court staff and jury members. It is a small space but even with COVID, some restaurants have adapted and are thriving.

There is interest in people buying that cafe. Rohrs wants to sell the cafe. He has gone back to his old job at Roundtable. He told some people that he is going to return the $10,000 he received in COVID 19 funds.