Bittersweet Eatery to Close Thursday

Popover lovers, Thursday is your last chance.

, the Northfield coffee shop known for its soups and popovers, will close Thursday after six years in business.

“It’s bittersweet,” owner Jane Volkert said Wednesday morning, with a small smile. “There are so many things about this business that are great, and other things that are not.”

Like other restaurant owners in Northfield, Volkert has dealt with rising commodity prices at the same time customers are watching their spending more. She attributed the closing to “the economy.”

The restaurant has been for sale for several months. Volkert spoke with her staff about the closing when she made the decision, and as a result, her staff has been reduced from six employees to three.

Todd Byhre, general manager of the , which leases the space to Volkert, said the hotel is exploring options to fill the area, possibly keeping it as a coffee shop, but nothing is set in stone.

Bittersweet is the third downtown business to close its doors in recent months. is moving to Minneapolis and to make way for .

A Bright Space

Kathy Rush, an employee of the Northfield Public Library across Division Street, has been a regular customer at Bittersweet for years.

“What I like about it is it’s so bright in there,” she said. “It’s always so cheerful.”

Bittersweet has been a community gathering spot because of its larger spaces, including a private tearoom behind the shop and a large open room in front. It frequently hosts coffee groups, ranging from a business owners group to the Northfield Pedalers biking group.

Since taking over Bittersweet, Volkert has expanded its food options, including adding her signature popovers to the menu.