An old tradition is getting a new life in downtown Clarkston ? The Clarkston Cafe was purchased approximately two weeks ago by local Kurt Catallo, the owner of The Clarkston Union.
‘The Cafe holds a special place in my heart because I grew up there,? said Catallo. ‘It plays such an important part in the community.?
Catallo said he heard the previous owner was considering needed renovations on the building, but didn’t want to do the work.
‘We happened to throw our hat in the ring at the right time,? he concluded.
According to current General Manager Doug Haack, the restaurant was owned by Sign of The Beefcarver, Inc. based in Birmingham. Haack said the restaurant will close soon so the new owner can begin renovations.
‘We plan to stay open as long as possible,? said Haack, ‘however, I anticipate we could close our doors as early as this week.?
As for the future, Catallo said he is keeping the establishment as a restaurant, and maintaining the well-known name. However, he hopes to give the legacy a new spin.
‘We’re just going to put our interpretation on a great Clarkston tradition,? Catallo said.
For those already aching with withdraw symptoms, Catallo is planning a fall opening for the restaurant.