Hickory's 1859 Café To Close; Owner Says: 'It's Time'

HICKORY, N.C.,None — It was a good run, but after 27 years, Jane Moore is closing the 1859 Café. The Hickory restaurant will serve its last meal Saturday evening.

The decision to close is a personal matter, Moore said. "It's time for me to do something different. It's hard work, running a restaurant. It's hard for independents to compete with the chains," she said.

Moore plans to spend more time with her children, and she's going to be a grandmother – good news she shares with delight.

"I want to do volunteer work," she said, "but I've not made a decision on my (business) future. I won't work for myself," Moore said emphatically.

"I'm thankful for all the support we've had over the years," she said. The restaurant at 443 Second Ave., SW, opened on July 5, 1984. It's been a place for evening dining, entertainment and seasonal parties. Moore and 1859 caters at lunchtime.

"I've got many things I'm grateful for," she said, "and many people."

One of those people is Ulysses Long, the piano whiz whose expertise is playing and singing any song in the Rock ‘n' Roll era and earlier, in just about any genre. "Ulysses has been with the café for 23 years," Moore said. "He's been great. A lot of people would like to have him in the house."

Moore reiterates that there is much that goes into running a restaurant, especially one that lacks a supporting corporate structure. "It's hard," she said, "but I've had a good, long run."

She appreciates her clientele and she has no regrets. "I'm a positive person," Moore said. "I look forward to the future and spending more time with my family."

So, after almost three decades of serving Hickory and the surrounding area, it's time to leave the business. Saturday, the 1859 Café will open as usual at 5:30 p.m.

The kitchen closes at 9.

WSOC