Edwards closes, maybe forever
Staff writer
Edward’s Café in Marion is closed for the next two weeks and might not open again.
Owner Mike Beneke said the manager had to leave the state to take care of family matters, and visit her children out-of-state.
She could be back as soon as two weeks from now, or it could be longer, especially if she becomes subject to travel quarantines.
The restaurant’s profitability since January has been disappointing, Beneke said. He says it has been losing $1,000 a week.
COVID-19 hit the hospitality industry hard, causing most eateries to lose money as a statewide order forced them to close dining rooms and convert to carry-out food.
Beneke bought the former Pizza Hut building a year ago with the intention of reselling it, but later hired a manager to operate the café.
A “soft” opening was during last year’s Old Settlers Day celebration.