New London Cafe in Duluth will be closing their doors

New London Cafe located in the Lakeside area of Duluth announced on Facebook on Thursday that they will be closing their doors.

They have been in business for 20 years with a little over 2 years under the latest ownership. In 2004, Carl Ehlenz, the owner of Betty’s Pies, created the New London Cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On October 1st, 2021, Jacob Ferris and the Jenkins Family took over the business.

John Jenkins told WDIO News that the main reason for deciding to close is to spend more time with family.

“There’s a lot of sentimental value that I have towards New London Cafe and just making it kind of home and putting all my love, sweat and tears into it. A lot of sacrifice I’ve made on myself and just time away from family and just constantly staying almost on the clock,” said Jenkins. “It’s just hard to close the store for me, but I know that there’s bigger plans and I just need to stay focused on the purpose of all this. It is for my kids and my family and give it off to someone that has the energy that they are ready to commit, eager with grit. And we found the perfect couple for that.”

The new owners will spend time February and March making the space into a new business.

“It’s going to still be food. I’m not going to say too much. I’ll let them give their announcements,” said Jenkins. “But it’s something that we, our partners, me and my wife, we’re very excited for and to come and enjoy it. So we hope the rest of the community feels the same way.”

The last day for New London Cafe will be Monday, January 29th, 2024.