Talk about a buzz kill for Maplewood caffeine aficionados: will be pouring her last cup and shutting down her at the end of this month.
“This has been in the works for a while, but I was hoping to last through the summer,” confides Capone, whose trials and tribulations to keep the business viable have been well .
While there was no ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ per se, there was the back-breaking reality of working 60-hour weeks for naught.
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“I’ve been walking around with a huge knot in my shoulders and neck pain,” says Kari. “I just came to the point where I had to face the fact that at the end of the month I was barely breaking even or making too little a profit to actually support myself and son.”
With the help of close friends and family, Capone came to the conclusion it was time to close the Café on Monday. When she awoke Tuesday, it was with the calm realization she’d made the right decision:
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“I’ve already had two offers for part-time jobs,” she reports.
“I’m just going to take the next two months to try to find something that makes the most of everything I’ve learned these past two years — as well as my publishing experience and love for .”
Her struggle to stay afloat has left her — like her trademark coffee — without bitterness.
“I'm really at peace,” says Capone. “I feel I’ve honestly left no stone unturned and by closing now I am leaving room for new energy and fresh ideas to fill this space.”
Energy and ideas that may just end up coming from one of the gourmet gurus already using the Café’s Kitchen: and . (Patch promises we’ll keep you posted on any delicious developments — until then both ladies are moving ahead without any anticipated interruption or slow down on production.)
We look forward to hearing about Capone’s next endeavor — although she promises coffee beans will NOT be involved.
“The next time I hold a latte, it will be one that’s been prepared for me,” she says with a radiant smile.
Stop into Kari’s soon for some closure and a great cup of Joe — while you’re there she’ll also entertain inquiries on some of the great furniture and fixtures filling the café.
