Because of its location across from the courthouse, Jake's saw more than its share of judges and lawyers.
With the Hampshire County Courthouse in the background, a waitress at Jake's makes sure the coffee cups are filled.NORTHAMPTON – A week after it closed its doors, there is no final verdict on the fate of Jake’s Restaurant, where judges and defendants alike often dined.
The King Street eatery, which sits across the street from the Hampshire County Courthouse, closed on June 15, less than a year after long-time owner Daniel Workman sold the building to Gary Perman for $480,000. It has been run since then by Melissa Brunt, who has worked at The Toasted Owl and other local establishments. Perman said this week that Brunt has bowed out.
“She tried it, it wasn’t for her and she moved on,” he said.
Perman said he has no intention of managing the restaurant himself but has several people interesting in resurrecting Jake’s.
“We’re waiting to hear,” he said. “Like you say, it’s an institution. We’d like to see it continued on.”
Because of its location across from the courthouse, Jake’s saw more than its share of judges and lawyers. Even defendants awaiting their verdicts would have what they hoped would not be a last meal at Jake’s. When court officers brought lunch to deliberating juries, they bought the sandwiches at Jake’s.
But scores of people outside the legal system also frequented the restaurant. Many could be found at their usual tables on Sunday mornings, digging into the huge pancakes or feasting on omelets. Workman, who knew many of his customers personally, was often around to chat. He couldn’t be reached for comment on the closing.