Comings and Goings
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Adieu, Water Street Cafe

January 8th, 2009 at 03:36pm Sean Driscoll

Gerlinde’s Water Street Cafe, 115 N. Water St., has closed for business.

Owner Gerlinde Sampson opened her French-inspired downtown cafe six years ago and said the combination of a poor economy and decreased traffic contributed to her decision to close.

“It has gotten worse every year, especially the last year and a half,” Sampson said. “I will miss it all.”

Sampson, who grew up in Europe, has lived in the region for about 25 years. She plans to pursue catering and has had offers to open a restaurant on the city’s east side.

To contact her regarding catering, e-mail Sampson at gersampson@aol.com.

Sampson leased the cafe building, and the owners are looking to sell or lease again. Call 815-963-5125 for more information.

Entry Filed under: closings

3 Comments Add your own

  • 1. Judith Gilmore  |  January 8th, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    Too bad, the food was excellent; carrot cake to die for!. Sign of the times I suppose but a very unfortunate one and I wish her well whatever she ends up doing.

  • 2. lyle nubbins  |  January 9th, 2009 at 6:57 am

    food was good but prices were too high and atmosphere was weird because it is so small

  • 3. Swede  |  January 10th, 2009 at 8:35 am

    That’s too bad. I always wanted to try it, but never went. The location was rustic and pretty, although the neighborhood could use a little bit of a facelift.

    I hope she finds success elsewhere.

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