This morning on Facebook, Perk on Main owner Jill Killo posted a message that she will be closing the cafe.
Her message reads: "It is with a heavy heart that I make the following announcement,
"Perk on Main will close its doors for business on Friday April 1, 2011. This decision, yet difficult, is necessary.
"I have enjoyed serving such a great community and am blessed to call so many of you friends. Thank you all for four wonderful years of memories."
The message was posted at about 8 a.m. This afternoon, Killo said the business just wasn't were it needed to be financially to survive.
"I think we can boast that we have the most community support, but it just isn't enough," she said.
Killo will give an exclusive interview to Patch tomorrow, March 22.
Nicole Frierson, president of The Shops of Emmaus and owner of The Weeping Yogi, said the closing is discouraging.
"I know a lot of businesses in Emmaus are finding it hard to survive," Frierson said. "I hope we can find a resolution soon, before we fall into what many other downtowns have."
Frierson said she will miss Killo and having lunch at Perk every Friday with good friends.
Perk on Main was originally opened by Pam Parker, owner of Baked, in 2002 at 228 Main St. Killo bought the concept in 2007 after the store had changed hands several times, Killo said, though she thinks she has owned the cafe the longest.
Killo moved the new Perk on Main to 332 Main St. in February last year.
Within an hour of the announcement today, Killo had a couple dozen comments on Facebook from customers who express regret for the closing, but also wish Killo all the best.
I've actually heard folks say they wouldn't buy a househld item for $11.00 because they could get it at Walmart for $9.99. Or, because a store was closed on Sunday night at 9pm, they would order online because they couldn't wait til Monday. All illogical when you stop to think about the gas to run to Walmart...and the time delay for delivery of the online order. As a local business owner, I try to be tuned into others who are in this same boat. We have expenses of rent, payroll, advertising, utilities, taxes and more. The risks involved in operating a small business are huge. The joy is immeasurable, too. But the moral of the story is to really dowhat you can to support us. When you're pleased with our service, tell others. Help us grow and prosper so we don't close the doors. Realize that real people run these businesses. You know our names. You know our faces. Your kids go to school with ours. We sit in the pew behind you at church. We're not a 1-800 number...and we're not "Operator 728" in some corner of the world you've never visited. OK, I think I'm done now. :)