Lemon Leaf Cafe on High St. in Chestertown
There have been rumors for months that the Lemon Leaf Cafe and the adjoining co-owned JR’s PastTime Pub might close. Those were confirmed today, Thursday, Feb 15, when owner and operator JR Alfree posted the following message on the cafe’s FaceBook page just a few minutes after 3:00 pm.
“Family and friends,
I’m so very sad to let you all know that after 8 years, the Lemon Leaf Cafe and JR’s Past-Time Pub in Chestertown, MD, will close our doors for the last time on Saturday, February 17.
Opening the restaurant was the greatest adventure of my life. Together with my team we won awards and accolades and served so many cups of cream of crab soup. I felt like we were the living room and dining room of Chestertown. We hosted many special events, community gatherings, and simple dinners for friends and family. People gathering for happy moments like weddings and sad moment like funerals would come to the Lemon Leaf and JR’s and feel at home. It has truly been the privilege of my life to serve the Chestertown community for many years and I am heartbroken that it has come to an end.
Unfortunately, the business ran into some challenges that despite our very best efforts, we could not overcome. We have a large historic building and it’s badly in need of major repairs. I hope in the future, someone will give the building the time and investment it needs so it will again serve the downtown Chestertown community.
Thank you to my wonderful managers Cathy, Jesse and Jeff, and to the entire staff for giving it all they had.
On behalf all of us at the Lemon Leaf and JR’s, let me say a final thank you to everyone who let us be a part of your lives.
Warmest wishes,
JR Alfree”
Visit the Lemon Leaf facebook for more information or to leave a message.
Beryl Smith says
How sad to see you close. My grandchildren in Ohio cite Lemon Leaf as their favorite restaurant and tell all their friends about it. Too bad the community couldn’t find a way to help with the problems you faced to make it work.
Ryan Eanes says
It is incredibly troubling that one of the most recognized restaurants in Chestertown has gone the way of the dodo. Chestertown isn’t exactly brimming over with restaurants, much less establishments that are open particularly late (…if you consider 10 PM or so “late…”). I hope that this isn’t an omen of future closures, because before you know it, we’ll be down to a handful of fast food places and not much else.