After almost 26 years in business, TJ’s Cafe in Colonie has closed.
At first, they announced that they were taking a break due to COVID-related financial issues and the death of the owner’s father, but now, on Facebook, they announced more permanent news.
They posted this: “To our valued customers, dear friends, family, and customers who have become friends and family… it is with a heavy heart that I must announce the closing of TJ’s Café after almost 26 years in business.
The economic forces presented to us at this time have become insurmountable. We cannot, in good conscience, for the sake of ourselves, our health, and our family continue swimming against this current. The cost of goods, supply chain issues, staff shortages and pure exhaustion of the last two years has taken it’s toll on all of us. We have been burning the furniture to stay warm since the pandemic began, and we have thrown the last chair into the fire.
I would like to thank our most outstanding staff who have been with us every step of the way. It is rare that a group of strangers comes together in such a successful way as I have seen from our staff. A finer group of people we couldn’t have wished for in a dream. Each one of them unique, wonderful, and amazing in their own way, and I couldn’t be luckier to have had them work with us….some since 1996, others across a 5-10-20+ year spectrum. Even the newest staff members proved to be outstanding and amazing individuals. Thank you all, who ever worked with us.
Our customers have been our lifeblood and our purpose for the better part of 26 years. I wanted people to feel at home and comfortable. I wanted a place where people could relax to a good meal, without pretense. I feel we have accomplished that, and so much more, I’m sorry we cannot continue to do so.
While this chapter is closing, the book is not finished, of that you can be sure.
Thank you all so very much for everything… the memories, the laughter, the joy and the smiles. It really has been quite a ride.
Our love to you all
Sincerely,
Todd J, Joelle, Tyler and Abby
A very special thanks to my mother and father … without whom none of this would ever have been possible 
“
We’ll keep you up to date on any news on another business moving into the famous A-frame building on Central Ave.
