COVID casualty: ‘Crippling’ challenges close cafe known for huge cinnamon rolls
A Cynthiana cafe known for its huge handmade cinnamon rolls is giving up the dough. But you have a chance to get a last batch if you hurry.
The owners of The Burley Market & Cafe, 201 E. Pike St. in Cynthiana, announced on social media that it would be closing Aug. 14 after just over two years in business. They blamed the “unending waves of challenges dues to COVID-19.”
Karey and Noel Riddell wrote that although their cafe has been a success, “the end of a wild adventure is upon us.”
The Riddells did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But in the post they said the restaurant opened with “to bring people around our tables for good drinks and quality food. ... and offer Cynthiana things we wanted in our town that we could not get. We accomplished this.”
But the coronavirus pandemic has changed things, they said. “COVID took so much away. Our tables were empty many weeks due to mandates, cost of goods and services have been crippling, and staffing is an unending battle. We have pivoted to make changes and adjust with every challenge, but 18 months later we have run out of steam.”
They opened their restaurant and market in May 2019 in a historic building serving a menu of sandwiches, salads, cocktails, coffees and their family recipe Cyn City Cinnamon Rolls, which built a following in the Cynthiana area.
They’ve sold almost 45,000 rolls over the last two years, and according to their post on Facebook, would love to have someone take over and sell more.
“If anyone out there wishes to pick up where we are leaving off, The Burley Market is for sale. We do have some interest and will keep everyone posted on the exciting new things to come,” they wrote. “Until then, please enjoy this last week at The Burley Market. We will have food available, with menus adjusted daily as we deplete our food inventory. We’ll be open 7 am-5 pm Tuesday through Friday and 7 am-3 pm on Saturday, our last day. Cinnamon rolls will be baked all week long!”
This story was originally published August 10, 2021 at 6:00 AM.
