Popular Sudbury Coffee Shop To Close After Disagreement

SUDBURY, MA — A coffee shop closure has led to a lot of controversy in Sudbury.

Debby's Drive-Thru in Sudbury is planning to shut down. This came after its owner, Debby Johnston, said the town's health department ruled the way the business made its breakfast sandwiches was a public health hazard.

The small kiosk at 425 Boston Post Rd. serves coffee, tea, baked goods and breakfast sandwiches.

Johnston stated that Sudbury's health director, Vivian Zeng, mandated that the drive-thru could only serve coffee and baked goods in a social media post on Tuesday.

However, Johnston said after 12 years of making sandwiches, she has never had a problem.

"This stipulation will create a huge shortfall in my ability to cover my rent, other expenses, and provide me with a living wage," wrote Johnston on social media. "Therefore, it is no longer viable for me to continue at the space lovingly known as Debby’s Drive-Thru."

Related: Beloved MA Drive-In To Close After 60 Years In Business

The following day, Johnson stated that she was planning to retire.

"I want to take a moment to clear up some of the concerns that have been circulating," wrote Johnston. "My original plan was to retire and work toward a transition in the coming months, but that was always with the understanding that the shop could continue under the current business model -breakfast sandwiches included - which so many of you know and love."

Town Manager Andrew J. Sheehan addressed the health department's decision in a town news release. He wrote that it did not revoke the food permit for Debby’s Drive Thru.

Sheehan also added that most of the past issues were promptly addressed.

"The Health Department has been working closely with the business owner to address any outstanding issues," he wrote. "Town staff is committed to helping Debby’s Drive Thru find a solution that fits the unique setup of the kiosk while protecting the health of patrons."

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