Mag’s Cafe, a Downtown breakfast and lunch spot at 231 N. Laura St. across the street from the Main Library, is closing Oct. 6.
Owner Bobby Reynolds cited the inability to retain and hire staff and the Downtown “homeless situation” as reasons he is closing after three years.
He said over the years his staff has been accosted and 911 had been called.
He also pointed to the lack of Downtown development.
“The revitalizing of Downtown is a constant battle. There is nothing to bring people Downtown,” he said.
“When there is something like Art Walk, it brings in food trucks and food vendors and takes away support from local businesses.”
Reynolds has no immediate plans to open in another location. For the time being he will be working with his wife, Dr. Jessica Anderton, a forensic psychologist.
“I own another business with my wife and I have some things I need to take care of over there,” he said.
Reynolds and his sister, Melina Reynolds, took over the former Magnificat Cafe, having purchased the kitchen equipment, furniture and recipes from Kathy and Benoit Declefs in October 2020.
Melina Reynolds left the business a couple of years ago, Bobby Reynolds said.
Magnificat Cafe opened in 2003. It closed in August 2020 after both former owners and their son were diagnosed with cancer.
The restaurant served breakfast bowls and sandwiches. It was known for its quiche.
