By Paige Kube
Copy Editor
When the tastes of Hodson Hall become too mundane, students resort to the limited off-campus dining opportunities. However, this year has seen numerous in-town favorites close, despite student patronage.
The first of these closings took place on September 21, when the Washington Square said goodbye to the Village Bakery and Café. The owners of the establishment, Ruth and Bethany Stolzfus, left a note on the locked doors announcing the close and thanking all their loyal customers.
Although few details are known about why the restaurant closed, it was certainly a student favorite.
“It was a good place to go when your parents came to visit for the day,” said junior Shannon Steele. “Where am I supposed to take them now?”
“It was one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had, only topped by the one at Sam’s,” said sophomore Lauren White.
Red Brick Pizza, a relatively new establishment, also closed doors recently. Located near O’Connor’s behind the Subway on High Street, Red Brick Pizza was hidden from most students’ minds, but still received a positive review from those who dined there.
“I loved going with a group of friends to Red Brick whenever a student organization had a fundraising activity there,” said sophomore Emily Hoyle. “I would always bring my parents there when they were in town. I loved their margarita pizza and gelato.”
Those who loved Red Brick Pizza were sad to learn of its closing.
“I love that place,” said sophomore Christian Tateo. Upon hearing of its closing, he said, “That was the one place that had great buffalo chicken pizza.”
However, Red Brick Pizza did just open a location in Salisbury in August.
“I had never heard of it,” said Scherer. “I knew it was a national chain, but I hadn’t heard enough about it to want to go there.”
Most recently, many students have noticed a “For Sale” sign in the window of Play it Again, Sam, home of its delicious BLT and avocado sandwiches and the famous Alaskan.
According to two employees of the establishment, the store is not closing. The owner, Peter Brocker, is simply selling the building.
The amount of patronage was not a problem for the café; rather, Brocker “wants to move on to new things,” one employee said.
As the owner hands off the business, the restaurant’s name and, more importantly, the menu should remain the same.
“We can’t predict what the next owner will do,” the employees continued. “But they would be buying everything in here, so to change the business would be a huge loss.”
Chestertown would suffer a great loss if Play it Again, Sam left. Luckily, residents can expect the unique coffee shop to remain.
“Chestertown is always encouraging students to support local businesses,” said sophomore Sarah Winters. “We do our best and love these businesses, but now we’re left with a chain, Dunkins. Students like the atmosphere of the local businesses. What draws students to Chestertown is its individual charm.”
As restaurants around town have been shutting down or changing hands, many students are speculating what fresh establishments might benefit Chestertown.
“My number one request would be a ‘Chick-fil-a’,” said sophomore Emily Hoyle. “Otherwise, I would hope for a ‘Dairy Queen’ or Wendy’s.’”
“My one wish is a 24-hour dinner,” says Scherer. “There could be job opportunities for the college students, and we would have somewhere to eat after 8 p.m. That’s always nice.”
FYI- Play it again Sams is for sale and he does not own the building. Hope it finds a good buyer and stays open.