MAITLAND, Fla. – After news of the iconic eatery’s closure on Monday, Kappy’s Subs in Maitland had to close early a day later due to “overwhelming” love and support from the community.
The restaurant announced on Facebook it would be closing for good on Saturday, Sept. 14 after they were “unable to come to terms on a new lease” with the “parties purchasing the location.”
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Since the post, the community showed up on Monday and Tuesday to show support.
“WOW! Y’all showed up (Monday) night and I cannot thank everyone enough for the support. We see all your comments and messages and are overwhelmed by the love and support,” the restaurant posted Tuesday on Facebook.
Maya Milsom was working Tuesday at the counter of the iconic restaurant.
“I’m just so grateful for everyone coming out and supporting my family in this time. It’s been really hard to, like, cope with all the change, but seeing everyone come out it’s, like, more than I could have ever asked for,” she said.
“I came to work in elementary school. They would put me up on a box and I would take orders at the very old register, and this is my whole entire life,” Milsom said.
Kappy’s Subs closed around 12:15 p.m. Tuesday but said it would share on Facebook if it would be able to reopen later in the day.
“This is the heart of Maitland. Losing this is like Maitland losing its heart. It’s one of the last original mom and pop places that makes Maitland unique and special,” Jonathan Witt said.
The restaurant, which features cheesesteaks, hotdogs, milkshakes and other popular diner food, opened in Maitland in 1967 and has been run by the same family since 1972.
The historical walk-up building offering window service and a covered eating area stands out among the rapid growth of new construction along busy North Orlando Avenue.
“For me, it’s everything. I grew up here. I had a lot of trials and tribulations with friends here, and always coming here was a comfort. I’m really sad that it’s closing,” Hailey Griffith said.
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