Jersey’s Café, a locally-owned lunch destination, has closed its doors after construction at U.S. 31 hurt the business’s sales.
Not to be confused with Jersey Mike’s, this restaurant specialized in authentic East Coast sandwiches, such as hoagies, cheese steaks and Reubens. The location at 13710 North Meridian St. had struggled since U.S. 31 closed and Executive Chef/Managing Partner Blair Laing previously told Current in Carmel that he didn’t know if he could stay.
“I hate to leave Carmel. We’ve been here 25 years, but maybe it’s time to move,” he said in June, noting that his business was losing $60,000 per month in business based on sales from the previous year.
Jan. 31 ended up being the restaurant’s last day, but relocation might be in the works.
“When 31 shut down and Jersey’s began to lose money we decided a move may be in order,” Laing posted on Facebook. “As we researched each possible location we came to the conclusion Westfield, Indiana was going to be our new home. In the process this also angered our landlord in New York. Yesterday (Jan. 30), we were served an exit notice. With that said we were not ready to move yet and must vacate the property by Monday. Today will be our last service at this location and tomorrow will be our last caterings for our Super Bowl clients.”
Laing wrote that he thought it was “very surreal” that the businesses survived the U.S. 31 road closures only to still see the business close due to receiving an exit notice.
“We love each and every guest we have had at Jersey’s in Carmel and look forward to seeing you up the road in Westfield within two years,” he wrote. “Thank you for your friendships, your Jersey stories and your patronage.”
