American Bistro on Main Street Closes Its Doors

After just under seven months in business, the much-beloved American Bistro and Coffeehouse at 10407 Main St. in Old Town Fairfax City closed its doors suddenly this week.

The bistro, which served coffee drinks and a menu of made-from-scratch items like pastries, soups and sandwiches, had just opened in the former Subway location on Main Street in February.

The shop was owned by husband and wife Bob and Jo Sholtis and their family. On any given day, Bob and Jo's children or Jo's mother could be seen helping out at bistro, serving customers and helping Jo with food prep.

On Sept. 13, the staff posted to the eatery's Facebook page that the shop would be closed due to "equipment issues."

This past Tuesday, Sept. 24, the staff posted that the shop would be closed on both Tuesday and Wednesday for "reorganization."

However, on Wednesday, the staff posted grim news - the shop's last day in business would be this past Friday, Sept. 27.

The following letter was posted by the owners:

"Friday will be our last day open. Please stop in and see us... we'd love to say thank you for being part of our family.

Our greatest joy, serving the community, is no longer possible for our family.

We still believe this city needs a caring mom-and-pop restaurant that is honored to serve the city. We believe even more today than we did back in February that coffee beans don't have to be weeks...months...years old. That foods can be served fresh from farm to table without preservatives.

This wonderful city has become a second home to our family, and we believe that the City leaders can revitalize Old Town Fairfax by promoting small businesses, hosting local events downtown, reviewing ordinances and processes for starting businesses in Old Town.

We have been so blessed for the staff that served every day beside us and can only hope you know how much you mean to us! 

So many of our customers have become friends and neighbors to us. We don't like to let the community down, and ask that you trust that we gave it our all.

We continue to look for opportunities for The Bistro to serve, but at this time, please give us the opportunity to thank you tomorrow and Friday. Semper Fi.... Bob, Jo, and family"

Nearly 50 fans of the bistro posted on the bistro's Facebook page, anguishing over the news.

"This is terrible news. I'm really going to miss this place," said Facebook fan Lance Hartbarger.

"I am so sorry to hear this. You are all so wonderful and lovely, and I'm sad to hear that this lovely new establishment will no longer be open," posted Facebook fan Helena Okoliccsanyi.

Melanie Hendickson said, "Very sad. It was such an easy place to just be and have a nice lunch or cup of coffee. Wishing you and your family all the best."

Fellow Fairfax City business owners posted their sympathies as well.

Twins Ace Hardware posted, "So sad to hear the news. Thanks for doing all that you did. We will miss you!"

The Factory posted, "Sorry to hear! But we sure understand the struggle in trying to stay open in Old Town Fairfax!"

The staff of Cafe Amouri said, "We at CAFFE AMOURI are so sorry to see you go. There's not enough places that really take pride in what they do and serve."


TELL US - Were you a fan of American Bistro and Coffeehouse? How do you feel about the local eatery closing down? Tell us in the comments below.

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