BY ELAINE KLAASSEN

I was delighted to discover the Clicquot Club Café shortly after it opened, in 2006. It was on the corner where the grocer had given up and left because he’d been held up too many times, according to neighborhood word-of-mouth news. The enchantment of the uncovered, revitalized Orange Crush ad on the side of the building caught the nostalgic eye of everyone for blocks around. The place became a regular destination of many Saturday walks with my good friend Joann. I went there often alone, as well.

I liked the fact that the main room despite being square and open felt cozy. And you didn’t feel overexposed perched at the counter in front of the huge glass windows.

Many people are lamenting the closing, on January 12, 2009, of this great boon to the neighborhood. Council Member Cam Gordon wrote on the Minneapolis Seward Neighbors Forum: “This is very disappointing and surprising. Are you sure? I remember how long and hard Bryan worked to turn the old “Williams” building around and how long it sat empty until he came along. And what an upgrade it was!”

An enthusiastic customer on a City Pages food blog said, “WHAT!! I can’t believe this! I lovelovelove(d) that place! Man alive ... what an epic letdown.”
It is heartbreaking for fledgling entrepreneurs to pour their heart and soul, as well as all their money and sometimes even money they don’t have, into a dream, be successful, and then have to close the doors. Everybody loses.
Bryan Maher and Aaron Olson left this message on their website (www.clicquotclubcafe.com):

“It is with sadness and regret that we have decided to close our doors … After 3 wonderful years we find ourselves in a situation where sales have fallen to unsustainable levels and we have no other choice but to cease operations. We’d like to thank everyone that has supported us and want our loyal customers to know how much we have truly appreciated you over the last years … We’re honored to have been part of your lives!