“Life is an amazing journey, and now it’s time for a new chapter,” the post read. “After eight years, I am closing Rachael’s Cafe. I want to give special thanks to this amazing community, my wonderful staff and the incredible friends who have helped along the way.”
The message was posted along with a link to the closing party event, planned at 5 p.m. June 27. Jones described it as “an evening of celebration and remembrance.”
"Circumstances are such that it's just time for a new chapter," Jones said when contacted by the IDS.
As far as what that next chapter might be, Jones said she has no plans yet.
"Shoot, I keep waiting for Victoria's Secret to call me, but they haven't yet," she joked.
Since its opening in 2008, the cafe, whose tagline is “Come as you want - everyone is welcome at our table,” has been well-known for its inclusive and community-oriented environment. It’s because of this openness to diversity that the restaurant has served as a treasured meeting place for several activism groups around Bloomington. Groups such as Prism Youth Community and Big Brothers Big Sisters have held meetings there. When protestors were upset about the Reliigious Freedom Restoration Act, Rachael’s cafe is where they chose to meet before their march to the county courthouse.
The venue has also been a hub for aspiring artists, musicians, poets and comedians to perform in a friendly environment. It hosts a weekly “Songfest,” a weekly “Laughfest” and a weekly “Jazz Late Night.”
Annie Garau
