Final Bow: The Coach Stop

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 24th, 2009

(Image: Carol Joynt)

Coach Stop proprietor Mike Tate wants everyone to know he’s cherished his two-decade run as a Hunt Country haunt.But barring any 11th hour offers, he estimated that the homey restaurant will likely close for good on January 3, 2010.

In an open letter to their loyal patrons, Mike and brother/co-owner Mark Tate confided that, “Simply put, it is time.”

Mike provided some added insight into the career-ending call via email, noting that, “Our lease has come up for renewal and while negotiating a new lease, it became clear that we had had enough long hours and felt it best if we retired from the restaurant business and explored other opportunities.”

And while discussions with parties interested in acquiring the historic space–the original restaurant was founded in 1958–remain ongoing, Mike suggested that “it is unlikely that it will be The Coach Stop, as we control the name.”

The surprise shuttering has sparked an outpouring of support from long-time fans, some of whom have taken it upon themselves to organize a farewell fete on Wednesday, December 30–an event that currently boasts 20 confirmed revelers, another two dozen maybes and over 120 uncommitted invitees.

Of course, not everyone may feel like partying.

“It just isn’t right for the Coach Stop to close,” farewell dinner attendee Amanda von Argyriadis bemoaned on Facebook. “The experience will be very much missed. As will the raspberry pie.”

–Warren

Tags: Gut Check, Mark Tate, Middleburg, Mike Tate, Northern Virginia Magazine, restaurants, The Coach Stop, Warren Rojas