Barnegat Café To Permanently Close Due To Coronavirus Challenges

Update: Delights Artisan Café announced Monday that they remain open. They will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and maintain business until at least the end of September.

BARNEGAT, NJ — Delights Artisan Café dedicated itself to its indoor atmosphere featuring tea, dining and sometimes live music. Then the pandemic hit. After months of challenges relating to coronavirus restrictions, the business will close Aug. 14 — less than a year after its grand opening.

Owners Bill and Natercia Clanton fulfilled a longtime dream of opening their own café, holding their grand opening Nov. 9. They felt like they hit their groove by February, but everything changed as New Jersey entered a coronavirus state of emergency in March.

Related article: Barnegat's New Cafe Brings A Tea Party With A Twist

They continued to operate through takeout and delivery and then offered outdoor dining once Murphy lifted its ban. Delights even received some support through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

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But it wasn't enough. Looking at nearly $40,000 in debt, they decided to close. The Clanton's hope this isn't the end though, eyeing a return next spring.

"We would like to thank our friends, family, dedicated employees, and everyone that made Delights a part of their daily routine," they wrote on Facebook. "We will never forget the friendships and relationships we’ve made over the past 10 months."

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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