‘This is the end’: Liquidating Mel’s Tea Room a ‘gut-wrenching’ process
Mel’s Tea Room is facing permanent closure.
“We’re in the process of removing our belongings and the assets of Mel’s,” says co-owner Dave Epworth. “We could not sell the business as it was, which is totally understandable given the times. We’re going to liquidate what we can and try and keep our heads above water somewhat, on the personal side of things.”
Mel’s has been closed since February, when a leaky roof led to a ceiling collapse in the kitchen. Dave and his partner Wendy Epworth purchased the iconic Sackville diner in 2018, and had plans to work up to buying the building from then-owner Ken Mikalauskas. But the couple were unable to get financing on short notice this summer when Mikalauskas decided to sell the building instead of fixing the leaking roof.
In August, new owners John Ernst and Tyler Gay took over, and gave the Epworths two months to either re-open or sell the business. That time expired on September 30, and now the couple has until October 11 to recover what they can from building.
Click below to listen to the full interview with Dave and Wendy Epworth, conducted at Mel’s on October 4, 2022.
‘It wasn’t for lack of caring’
“It’s devastating,” says Wendy Epworth, “not only to our family, but I know to the entire town.”
“We’re sorry.… Continue
A new chapter for Mel’s Tearoom, Sackville’s oldest diner and newest music venue
The floors are a lot shinier, the bathroom is bigger, and there’s now room for a longstanding dream of co-owner Dave Epworth: live music.
Epworth didn’t make a big announcement when Mel’s Tearoom re-opened for dine in service last week. Instead, he was hoping that a slow return of customers would allow his new staff time to acclimatize to serving in the newly-renovated landmark Sackville diner.
Hear Epworth talking about the renovations and his plans on Tantramar Report:
Over the course of the pandemic, Dave and his partner Wendy Epworth took the opportunity to do some renovations at Mel’s. But in an iconic diner with a 75+ year history at its current location, change can be hard. Mel’s stalwarts will be glad to know that the changes don’t appear dramatic.
Epworth says the real test was when previous owner Roger Goodwin came into the newly renovated space.
“He sat in here, and with a puzzled look on his face, and he couldn’t figure out what was different,” says Epworth. “And he was here every day for 40 years. So to me, that’s a bit of a testament that what we did was was okay. And people are going to accept it.”
Tantramar Report: Cap Pelé to build $13.5 million community centre, Mel’s Tearoom is back with in house dining, live music
Thursday on Tantramar Report:
We stop in at Mel’s Tearoom on Bridge Street to speak with co-owner Dave Epworth about his plans for the newly renovated Sackville landmark, including live music.
Meg Cunningham chats with Jeska Grue about her upcoming Sappyfest Infinite Variety Show special: Share your pets with Sappyfest.
We hear about yesterday’s announcement of a $13.5 million community centre going up in Cap-Pelé, just 50 kilometres north of Sackville
We ask Dominic LeBlanc about the progress getting a federal daycare deal for New Brunswick.
Plus other news and local information:
CBC reporter Tori Weldon has announced she is leaving her job at CBC Moncton, and heading for a future in podcasting. Weldon made the announcement on social media Wednesday, saying Friday would be her last day at CBC New Brunswick.
Ability NB is calling for nominations in search of ten outstanding individuals to be recognized for their work helping New Brunswickers with mobility disabilities.
And glass recycling bins are now set up at the Tantramar Civic Centre.… Continue