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A night shot of the iconic B&J’s American Cafe taken a few years ago by Mike Sitar. (Click to enlarge)
WNLP story
For 17 years, Billie and John Pappas have maintained the legacy of the enchantingly nostalgic diner known under their care as B&J’s Cafe. Upon the start of 2015, they have announced their retirement and their closure of the 607 Lincolnway destination until new owners can be found.
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Documentarian Jason Bitner and Billie and John Pappas with just a few of the Pease photos. (Courtesy Jason Bitner website; click to enlarge)
“We wish to thank all our customers and friends for their support over the past 17 years,” the couple posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page Jan. 10. “We are actively seeking a new proprietor to take over the restaurant. We appreciate all your wonderful comments and wishes for our retirement. Again, thank you.”
While the Pappas’s have been proprietors since 1997, the cafe’s origins date back to 1915 under various names. But step inside and you can still take in the original ambience: mosaic-tiled floors, tin ceiling, a classic, long lunch counter with stools, rich woodwork.
And then there are those photos.
That part of the restaurant’s history had long been known by many locals, but it was made famous with the 2006 release of Jason Bitner’s book “LaPorte, Indiana,” and the same-titled 2010 documentary, centering on the story of the Frank Pease photo studio once located on the second floor of the business
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An early picture of the 100-year-old restaurant location, known as the Lincoln Way Buffet at the time this photo was taken. (Click to enlarge)
and the hundreds of photos left behind, still filed at B&J’s. Bitner’s rather accidental discovery and recognition of the diner and its treasure troves celebrated history preserved and appreciated, the strong fiber of LaPorte’s ongoing community tapestry, and the never-ending debate: LaPorte or La Porte?
So now the eatery, lauded even on national social networks, awaits its next chapter. Who has the heart and industriousness to perpetuate this treasure of LaPorte history — and just as importantly, to serve the perfect Western omelette?
Postscript: Here are some of the heartfelt comments posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page about the Pappas’s retirement:
“Congratulations and thank you for feeding us and making visits home so special all these years.”
“Hope someone will carry on the wonderful restaurant traditions you created with such love!”
“What? Where am I supposed to get my french toast?”
“We are all sad to hear this news! Hope you find someone to take over for you — it’s such a special LaPorte establishment!”
“Thank you for feeding my whole entire family hundreds of meals!”
“Congrats, Billie and John, on your retirement, two hard workers that made LaPorte a better place. Good luck to you both!”
“ Congratulations to you both! Hoping someone comes to the rescue! Love your restaurant!”
“This news is bittersweet. So happy for Billie and John, but I’ll miss having breakfast at B&J’s.”