A neighborhood institution is leaving the neighborhood.
After 17 years in the University Shopping Center on Highland Road, Chelsea’s Cafe is moving into the former Colonel’s Club building under the Perkins Road overpass area at the first of the new year.
Owner Dave Remmetter said his decision to move the restaurant and bar was prompted by pressure from The Venue apartments, which will be expanding into the University Shopping Center.
He said neighborhood staples like Inga’s Subs and Sandwiches and Roly Poly Sandwiches will move as well.
“The word around here is that none of these shops are going to be here at the end of the year,” Remmetter said. “Our lease is running out, and it’ll all be apartments here soon.”
Remetter said Chelsea’s will remain in business at the Highland Road location until Dec. 31 before moving to the larger 5,000 square-foot building on Perkins Road.
“I just think there is a better chance of having business grow at that location,” he said. “I like that location because it’s still close to campus and the businesses over there are all locally owned.”
But Remetter said he will miss Chelsea’s current location.
“I love being here,” he said. “It’s only a 10 minute walk from the Quad.”
Cornilus Townsend and Emily Kernion were eating lunch at the restaurant Monday afternoon. They both said they have enjoyed coming to Chelsea’s for years and are saddened to hear it will be moving.
“It’s going to have a total different crowd because the area and the people who live around here contribute to the atmosphere,” said Kernion, recent University graduate.
Townsend, general studies senior, said he will miss the convenience of the Highland Road location.
“I like it because it’s easy. They have good food, and you can walk here,” Townsend said. “But [The Venue] already got rid of Arzi’s and McDonald’s, so I’m not surprised.”
Kernion said she thinks The Venue has other options besides the University Shopping Center for places to expand, including the more run-down north of campus area.
“The way I feel about it, there is a lot of room north on Highland that could be fixed up by condos,” she said. “A lot of our friends walk here, and they won’t be able to anymore.”
Remetter said he plans to leave the “Chelsea’s formula” unchanged, providing the same mix of live music and food students have enjoyed for years.
“We want everyone to still come and see us,” Remmetter said. “We hope they will.”
 
Contact Jeff Jeffrey at [email protected]