Editor:

Fairhope is set to lose a valuable downtown asset in Mary Ann’s Deli on Church Street. The restaurant is an exceedingly popular spot often drawing huge crowds that benefit other businesses on the street and in other parts of town. At this time, the property lease for Mary Ann’s is not being renewed so this forces the establishment to go elsewhere, but only if a suitable place can be found. The problem is that similar properties in size and kitchen design don’t seem to exist anywhere near their established business. Therefore, Mary Ann’s may be forced to relocate in another town or close all together. What a loss. No more Shirley specials or MA cosmopolitan salads served in a lovely courtyard large enough for many to enjoy.

In this time of financial downturn, this is a sad and unsettling situation. Here we are, blessed with a viable business owned by an upstanding, dedicated and hard-working young couple. The restaurant not only sustains itself and hires local employees but brings others to town to shop and eat. In addition to serving delicious food, the owners, Bob and Kendra Coppoletta, are committed to Fairhope and support a large array of fundraisers for our community. The possible demise of the deli is a lose-lose situation for a wonderful town that otherwise has so much going for it.

Many residents and out-of-towners alike are hoping some agreement between the property owner and Mary Ann’s can be reached to keep the restaurant where it has been for the last 25 years. It’s a favorite spot, a meeting place, a Fairhope institution. Let’s all work together to see what can be done to support this downtown business.

Fairhope