Catawba cafe closes

CATAWBA ISLAND — A popular cafe, which perfectly replicated a famous and cherished time-honored Sandusky doughnut recipe, recently closed. Aug. 6 marked the final operational day for JT'S Catawba Cafe on NE Catawba Road (Ohio 53) in the Catawba Island-Port Clinton area just south of the Miller Ferry entrance. "I want to start by thanking everyone for their support, kind words, friendship and even, on an occasion, a shoulder to cry on for the last 10 years," said Tonya Couture-Grubb, the owner of JT'S Catawba Cafe. "I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to earn your trust, your friendship and be 'the doughnut maker.'" Couture-Grubb didn't specify a reason for closing. JT's offered many dishes for breakfast and lunch. But it's well known for the doughnuts. These doughnuts were made from the same recipe once used by two former local eateries: Markley's Restaurant in Sandusky and Mayhew's Restaurant in Port Clinton. Many people took to social media, reacting to JT's closure. "This is sad news," Renna Carroll Stutzman said. "You and your team will be missed greatly. Wishing you all the best." Couture-Grubb appreciated the well-wishes as well as her business being "a part of your special occasions, big moments, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, school functions, after-church gatherings and the daily conversations with so many dedicated, supportive customers that I now call friends." She then pivoted to talk about her colleagues. "I want to thank the amazing team that has stood beside me for all these years," she wrote. "They made JT'S successful in every way. The memories will last forever, but now it is now time to dream a new dream. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."