Since Karl’s Place Cafe unceremoniously closed its doors early last month, many customers and friends of owner Karl Eberle have been wondering about the status of the restaurant and of Eberle’s future plans.
The Baldwin Road eatery had been a fixture in the Gingellville community for more than 18 years, and the sudden closing came as a surprise to many.
Eberle, who has been laying low since leaving the restaurant, said he is overwhelmed by the kindness shown him in recent weeks.
He said the decision to close the restaurant was a difficult one, adding that the cost of operation, tough economic times and the loss of his beloved wife, Joan, to brain cancer a little more than a year ago, were all factors.
‘When Joanie died on December 15, 2005, it took a big toll on me,? he said. ‘We had always been together. She was my childhood sweetheart and we were married for 31 years.?
After his wife’s passing, friends and family advised Eberle to avoid making any major decisions for a year — which he did. But by December of 2006, he was mentally prepared to close the restaurant and move on.
‘I just got to a point where I was physically, emotionally and financially wiped out,? he said. ‘I had to walk away from it.?
Being away from the restaurant hasn’t been easy, said Eberle, adding that if he could find the right investor, he would consider reopening.
‘I really miss it,? he said. ‘Most of all I miss talking with the people — my customers.?
Eberle said he relied on his wife’s expertise to take care of many aspects of the family business.
‘She took care of the business end of things, while I managed the kitchen,? he said. ‘When Joanie got cancer, I pretty much abandoned the restaurant to take care of her.?
A deeply religious family, Eberle said he and his daughters, Alicia, 27, and Angela, 23, made the decision to put their lives on hold to be with their mother.
‘There was no way we were going to put her in a nursing home,? as had been suggested, said Eberle. ‘She was never left alone at night at the hospital. Either me or one of my daughters would always be there.?
Eberle said Alicia was a law student at Harvard, and Angela was studying in England when Joan became seriously ill. Each of them came home to assist their father during the difficult time.
‘My girls were so strong,? he recalled. ‘To give everything up and come home was a real sacrifice for them. They’re both living in Boston now and pursuing their education and careers, but they still call me every day to check up on me.?
After having some time to step back and consider things, Eberle reiterated the possibilty of getting back in the restaurant business — if the circumstances were right.
‘I’d do it in a heartbeat,? he said. ‘The business was always an extension of us. Joanie and I often thought about how we ended up in downtown Gingellville. We just figured God put us here because it was where we belonged.?
While uncertain about his and the restaurant’s future, Eberle said he has been bolstered by the support of his many friends and loyal customers throughout the family’s ordeal.
‘The community has done so much for us,? he said. ‘I can’t thank them enough.
Those interested in contacting Eberle, can reach him at home at (248)391-0427.