Koffee Klatch closes doors after 43 years

A hand-written sign in the window of the popular Koffee Klatch worried Fairfax residents when it announced the last day of business for the coffee spot would be July 29.

But, residents are getting a short respite before the doors shut for good. The shop will be open just two more weeks before a new Cajun restaurant comes in.

"This morning, a kid here was in from college and he started crying, 'I'm going to miss it'," said co-owner Lorena Reyes.

The restaurant has sat in downtown Fairfax for 43 years, serving coffee, pancakes, and breakfast to local families. Lorena and ex-husband Irlando Reyes have owned it for 17 years after buying it from the previous owner. 

"It was nice to raise my kids here," said Lorena. The youngest of their three kids was born after they bought the Koffee Klatch. "He grew up being a Koffee Klatch kid."

For Lorena and Irlando, who are divorced, a combination of personal problems and the economic downturn led to their decision to sell the restaurant. The new owner will take over sometime around Aug. 15 and is expected to close up shop while doing construction  before opening a Cajun breakfast and lunch joint.

"I'll miss everything about it. This is my life," said Irlando, who worked for the previous Koffee Klatch owner before purchasing the diner.

For the last four decades, the clientele has predominantly been local families. Students home from college come back with friends. Families bring their kids in for breakfast. Regular customers come in seven days a week and are known by name and favorite dish.

"I'm not regretting what we did here," said Irlando, who would love to open another local restaurant.

Until he's able to open another place, though, locals have just two more weeks to eat their last pancakes.