By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Marion’s often-confusing restaurant scene became more confusing this week.

Dorothy’s Coffee House and Tea Room announced Tuesday on a social media page that it is closing.

Edwards Café, which has been closed since mid-August — and at last word from owner Mike Beneke, might not reopen because he was losing $1,000 a week — was given a $10,000 grant by the city of Marion on Tuesday.

Beneke will have to return the money if he does not reopen Edwards.

The town’s newest eatery, Café 256, in the building where FamLee Bakery formerly operated, is owned by Tim and Babs Melendy. The Melendys worked on renovating the building Monday.

The Melendys say they plan to serve breakfast and lunch starting in October.

According to Dorothy’s Coffee House and Tea Room’s social media page, today is the business’ last day.

“It is with great sadness that we announce that tomorrow, 9/9/20 will be our last day,” the post says. “We are permanently closing the coffee house and tea room. We sincerely appreciate your patronage over the past 17 months and want to give a shout out to Jena Terrell and team for trying to survive Covid-19. We just couldn’t do it.

“We will be listing the building for rent and will also be listing it for sale as a business or a residence. If you are interested or know anyone that is, please have them call Tammy at 316-253-3922.”