‘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