By now probably just about everyone has heard the bad news, and while I hate repeating it, I want to be sure everyone knows that Vera, Cathy, and of course, Charley, those wonderful girls at The Girls Café, are packing it in.
For good.
On Christmas Eve.
Vera and Cathy said they’re getting too tired and want to take a rest and maybe do something exciting in the future. But for now, The Girls Café is closing Dec. 24.
Those dynamic sisters Cathy and Vera Hartsgrove, their tireless and energetic long time associate and friend Charlie, and lots of Hartsgrove relatives who all chip in time and talent to keep this wonderful little café the friendliest and, like the other great places in Highlands, highly popular eatery, is closing its doors, and turning down the grill.
The sisters are weary and admit they aren’t as chipper at 5 in the morning as they were when they were younger. And they want to finally take some time to enjoy some quiet time, some late morning sleep-ins, and maybe once in a while have someone else pour their coffee and fry their eggs.
Cathy and Vera are warm, and friendly. They have the ability to make people start their mornings with a laugh, a good meal and send them on their way with a wish and hope they all have a great day. The Girls Café isn’t their first time behind the counter or over the grill. But as to the Café, it’s only been since after Hurricane Sandy that they decided to create this great little sport just off Washington Avenue and overflowing with enthusiasm and happiness.
Now, more than a decade later, with awards for excellence, tons of new friends and lots of customers craving Vera’s special oatmeal or Charley’s sensational omelets or Cathy’s finishing touches and swift deliveries on everything from freshly cut fruit to those toasted bagels or English muffins, they’re taking another big step and plan on discovering lots of fun things to do in their retirement.
Between now and Christmas Eve, stop in with the Girls any day from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. between Wednesday and Sunday, and be sure to sign the notebook they’ll have up. Write a special memory, or a favorite dish, or just hugs and kisses for fine Highlands natives who started everyone’s day with a smile and a hot cup of coffee!
Sooo sorry to hear this sad news. Breakfast at the Girls Cafe with Vera, Cathy and Charlie was such a great way to start the day. They made everyone feel so welcomed. We Will truly miss them but wish them every happiness for their futures. 💙😘
Dotty & Bob Fitzpatrick
Your H.H.B.L. is sending you big hugs and well wishes for a happy retirement.
I will be sure to come in for Eggs o/e, Bacon and Homefries on a hard roll. Dont break the yolk. Iam sure glad to share food instead of Chemo treatments. (It sucks we meet there) But enjoy retirement because I too, as we come up to the 2yr mark, still have the exhaustion with me. Best Wishes
So sorry to hear this. I wish I had gotten time to eat there. A long time ago, Kathy and I were neighbors when we lived at Jenny Parker Manor.
Sad to hear they are packing it up.
But I can understand why.
I’m happy for them personally.
I hope someone else opens a small breakfast place that’s not forty bucks for a breakfast for two.
Sad to see the Girl’s closing and the Waterwitch gone.
Two great long time local places gone.
The inlets not the same.
Just been a rough few years in our town.
So sad! Our go to when we are in town got the summer and holidays! The best home fries ever!
Wishing them a happy retirement!
Too bad they never accepted ATM cards – might have ate there more often but who has the time to run around looking for cash? It’s the 21st century!
We are going to miss the Girl’s Cafe immensely! We didn’t even have to place our order, Charlie knew what “our usual” was. Not sure we’ll be able to find a place that has such great food, great atmosphere and great banter!! While we wish they weren’t closing, they deserve the best in their next chapter of life!!