‘BUILT FOR COMMUNITY’ ASHBY »
Local staple, the 873 Cafe, closing for good in town center
The 873 Cafe, located in the center of town, is closing its doors after the owners announced last month that financial hardship amid the pandemic had grown too severe.
Owners of the business, which opened in February 2014, announced through social media on April 4 they would not be reopening after Gov. Charlie Baker extended the shutdown of nonessential businesses.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that the 873 Cafe, Tavern and Market has decided that we will not be reopening,” said Laura Rainville, who operated the restaurant along with her husband, David, and her father-in-law, Rene.
“This is a trying time for many small businesses,” Rainville said. “We appreciate the loyalty and support from many in the community.”
Rainville said it’s not just her own business that’s struggling right now, and many smallbusiness owners are facing difficult decisions during the COVID-19 crisis.
The 873 Cafe was known for both its dine-in and drive-thru options, which included ice cream, coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Residents could stop in for a
beer, a meal, trivia events, and some music, or to pick up provisions from the market.
Before the decision to close, the business transitioned to takeout meals through its drive-up window. However, the change proved to be unsustainable during the crisis.
Rainville said it wasn’t feasible for the business to continue operating and there was too much uncertainty of when she’d be allowed to reopen.
“Many mom and pops can’t handle this type of loss,” Rainville said.
She said she’ll miss her customers and being a part
of the community the most.
“This place was built for the community,” Rainville said. “The community supported us. We supported the schools, library, local sports teams. We were a place that brought the town together and we are sad that this virus has taken that from us.”
Rainville said while she is sad to leave, she hopes another business can use the building in the future to bring life to the center of town. Following the announcement, there was an outpouring of support on social media from dozens of area residents.
Ashby resident Marilyn Cronin said it was a terrible tragedy that the 873 Cafe would be closing.
“It was such a pleasure
to have a wonderful place to gather with friends and family,” Cronin said. “Great hospitality and food. A terrible loss for the community, I’m very sorry for all.”
Angel Vega, of Leominster, said he was crushed to hear the news. Vega said he was fortunate to meet great people and to have many lasting memories.
Several residents said they would visit the cafe or the market several times a day, adding that it was a staple in the community.
“This greatly saddens me,” said Kathie Bowler Strait, of Pepperell. “I didn’t get to 873 often since I don’t live in Ashby, but when I went there was such a feeling of community present. You should be proud that you created such a wonderful place.”