Quinn’s Cafe in Fruitland to close its doors on Saturday
FRUITLAND, Md. – A community-oriented cafe in Fruitland is getting ready to close shop.
“We want everyone to come see us one last time,” said Rob Sykes, owner and operator of Quinn’s Cafe.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
When you walk into Quinn’s Cafe, you’re met with walls full of memories and memorabilia, the smell of a superb breakfast, and a warm welcome from Sykes. Saturday will be the last time Sykes locks the front doors.
“The community stepped up and supported us a lot when they could. I’m very appreciative of that, but at the end of the day it just wasn’t quite enough to keep us going the way we needed to be,” Sykes said.
Keeping Family at the Center
This eatery is truly a family affair and a one-man show. It’s named after Sykes’ daughter Aubrey Quinn, and the rose logo is a nod to his other daughter, Parker Rose. Keeping family at the center was always Sykes’ mission, he said.
“Carry out and delivery is growing in this industry, but I wanted to be able to go back in time a little bit when people went to the place on the corner, hung out and saw their friends and family and enjoyed the place … Just the cumulative of seeing people happy and enjoying themselves is what did it for me,” said Sykes.
Community Support Crucial to Success
Sykes said his 14 months behind the grill and front counter, and on top of the books and bills, was an experience he will always cherish.
But as he puts it, times are tough not just for restaurant owners, but for everyone.
“I want everyone to do well, but there are going to be a lot of places in this community in the next six months that we’re going to see not making it,” Sykes predicted.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Sykes is hoping the community will step up to support small businesses more than they already do. He said that is the key to any small business’ success.
“I want people to support their community. There is going to be somebody after me who is just a dad, a local community guy trying to live his dream. Go to the place down the street. Skip the drive-through once. Check out the guy on the corner,” Sykes said.
Quinn’s Cafe will be open Saturday, Feb. 1 at 8 a.m., serving breakfast. The restaurant is located at 308 East Main Street, Fruitland, Md.
