Area cafe closing

BERLIN HEIGHTS — After opening nearly a year ago, one of the only eateries in Berlin Heights announced it'll soon cease operations. "I'm sorry to say that we will be permanently closing (at) the end of July and putting (the) cafe up for sale," according to a social media post published Tuesday by Debbie Dobson, the owner of Mazie's Main Street Cafe, 12 E. Main St., in Berlin Heights near Edison Middle School. In a follow-up interview, Dobson expanded upon her reasons for shuttering the business. "It's not paying for itself," said Dobson, listing off several expenses she can't overcome like insurance, taxes and permits. Dobson opened her restaurant on July 30, 2022. "I've never owned a restaurant," Dobson said a year ago when referencing the site, formerly home to Main Street Cafe. "I was all excited and wanted to buy it. I wanted a restaurant." The restaurant — serving desserts, soups, sandwiches and ice cream — is named after Mazie, Debbie's teenage daughter. Many people expressed their sympathies upon learning of the cafe's fate. • Dean Mingus: I will miss this one-of-a-kind cafe. (The owners and management) have been a bright spot in our community. You may be closing but the friendships will last forever. Love you guys. • Cathy Swinko: You did a great job getting the cafe going. So much talent. One of our favorite places. • Ramona Ockajik: So very sorry to hear this. Your food and baked goods are very, very good. Dobson appreciated all who reached out to her and others involved in the business. "I love you all and will miss you all ever so much," Dobson wrote when addressing customers online. "Thank you for the fun and memories I will cherish forever and supporting my small business."