Mike Prachar's joy of cooking will cease after 27 years at Mike's Western Cafe in Duluth's Lincoln Park/West End.
The cafe's namesake received a 60-day notice from his landlord
Dec. 23 that will force him to close his doors the last day of February.
WB Ibiza bought the property in 2005 and converted the top two floors to apartments. Now, the company plans to turn the three ground-level storefronts into apartments after the other two storefronts remained vacant for some time.
Prachar met last week with Marshall Jackson, the managing member of WB Ibiza, to discuss a six-month lease extension or the prospects for filling the two other vacant storefronts so Mike's could stay at its current location in the building at 2803 W. Superior St. Jackson declined comment, citing the uncertain situation.
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But Prachar says the meeting didn't produce an alternative, so he'll have to leave.
"I love what I'm doing," said Prachar, who puts in about 60 hours a week.
"Nothing makes me happier than to make a breakfast and set it down in front of someone and see them smile."
Prachar, who has had six landlords in 27 years, says the new Heritage Center a few blocks away could have provided the cafe with a boost in business.
"I would hate to see them take prime space and convert it into eight more apartments," he said. "I do understand that the tough times are forcing him to change."
As businesses close across Duluth because of the recession, Mike's Western Cafe has continued to remain profitable, Prachar said.
"That's the worst part of it; we're still doing good," said Prachar's son, Scott, who has worked at the cafe for 18 years.
After the cafe turned into a family business as his kids grew up, Prachar said that routine made him unsure of his next move. He said he would consider opening a new cafe in a different location or what he called "a real job" in a different field.
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Locals who frequent the restaurant said they'll lose a mainstay of their community. Cafe regulars also meet to toss horseshoes, go bowling or ride motorcycles or snowmobiles.
"I feel that it will be a travesty if they take it away," said Paul Lemke, who has gone to the cafe at least once a week for eight years.
Lemke said his support is not only for the food -- he recommends the Everything Omelet -- it's also the relationships he has forged with other regulars and all the Prachars, not just Mike and son but also Mike's wife, Debbie, and their daughter, Andrea.
"Mike is always there," Lemke said. "He is there no matter what and working his butt off."
Prachar even hustled to get back to work after injuries suffered in a snowmobile accident 10 years ago. He was back flipping burgers and serving drinks within a week.
Greg Brisky, another regular, sips coffee there about five times a week with a group of friends.
"It's always a good portion and a good laugh," Brisky said of his 20-year experience. "I've seen the kids grow up. You feel a part of it, like a part of the family. They treat you like that when you come in here."
