Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Devon Cafe and Five Corners Craft, which has served as a social staple to the Tamworth community for over 30 years, will serve its last meal on Feb. 28.
Marg Weese, who has run a business at 3 Concession Street S. for 35 years with the help of her husband Brian, has made the decision to hang up her apron.
“It was tough but Brian is sick, he’s got advance Parkinson’s now and it was just kind of the catalyst when he’s failing,” said Weese. “Plus I just decided I’m tired. To us the final thing was lack of staffing and going through the issues of not being able to get enough to cater with.”
And so will signal the end of an era for the Tamworth community. Weese got her start selling ceramics in a small room at the back of the building, while the front operated as a cafe. As her ceramic clientele built up, she began to expand within the building. Some two years later, the previous cafe owners were ready to move on and offered Weese the opportunity to take over.
“At the time I was pretty hesitant, I didn’t think I had any ability to do anything like that. I really didn’t know if I could cook. I fed my family,” she said. “The key thing to the tea room was Monica, the original owner, she was from England and made true English scones. She taught me her recipe, which she had never shared. She taught it to me with the promise that I would never share it, and I never have. It will go to the grave with me.”
Weese attributed the longevity of the business to hard work and their ability to adapt. That includes right up until early December of last year, when a small fire caused them to have to close up for a few days-a set back, but they have since returned to full operation as welcome back old friends and say their farewells.
The exterior of the Devon Cafe and Five Corners Market in the heart of Tamworth.
Their work ethic helped to establish their reputation in the community and over time it became a social gathering place for the village.
“Sundays in here are just home day,” said Weese. “Everybody comes after church. you just know what time it is by what group is in and what church let out. People walk through the door hollering hello at each other and then they come in the kitchen and talk to us. There are children that we’ve watched grow up. My fridge is still plastered in pictures, some of them are 20 years old that were drawn for aunt Marg.”
Over the decades the Devon Cafe has catered hundreds of parties, celebrations and funerals-further cementing its status as an integral part of the fabric of the community.
Her staff were like a second family as well, often taking the job in their Grade 8 year and sticking with it right up until they moved away for college or university. Weese says its common practice for former staff to drop by for a visit whenever they are back in town.
At the end of February the cafe will close its doors to customers and the month of March will be spent sorting through all their belongings. The building has been sold and a new business is expected to set up shop soon after.
“I’m going to miss the people,” said Weese. “I probably will miss the work. I enjoy it. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it.”