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COVID crisis: Downtown Sycamore cafe closes permanently due to COVID-19 pandemic

SYCAMORE – A local restaurant that opened in downtown Sycamore in 2017 will be closing its doors permanently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Randy and Jessica White, owners of The Pantry Cafe in downtown Sycamore, wrote in a Friday morning social media post the restaurant at 418 W. State St. is now permanently closed due to the impacts the pandemic had on the business.

“We know this news will sadden many of our loyal customers who have supported us through thick and thin these past 3 years, but we can assure you that no one is more sad or disappointed than us,” the owners wrote. “However, since the opening of The Pantry we have been very open about our core values and accompanying those within our business, and more than ever we are staying true to those values in making the decision that is best for our family.”

The update came after the restaurant halted indoor dining in August, before the current prohibition, in part due to patrons refusing to wear masks.

The owners wrote that, even if this might be the final chapter for the restaurant and hundreds of other small businesses impacted by the pandemic, they are choosing to view this as an experience that reminds them of their values.

“As cliché as it may sound, one closed door only opens another,” the owners wrote.

The post continued with the owners giving thanks to those who supported them over the last three years.

“Thank you for the conversations, the friendships, the laughs, and so much more,” the owners wrote. “To our amazing staff we have had the pleasure of knowing and growing with over the past few years, we will forever be indebted to your hard work and passion for serving our amazing customers.”

Daily Chronicle reached out to restaurant staff for additional comment on Friday.

• This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Source: The Daily Chronicle

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