The Last Drop: Cafe Chartier Closes Its Doors

Ernie Chartier has seen some of his favorite businesses close.

Often, he's learned through notes on the door that say things like "Going Out of Business" or simply "Closed."

Chartier decided recently that, after two years of trying to make a success out of an independent coffeeshop/ bakery in Lexington's Old Mill, he and his wife would close Cafe Chartier. 

Chartier, who told Patch of the closing on Wednesday, said it was a tough decision but was desperately needed after two years of "trying to make the numbers work."

But he didn't want to leave the local business scene in the way he had seen others.

So he's keeping the doors open just a couple more days — probably until the end of this week — allowing customers to come by, say their goodbyes and pick up a free item while they're left.

This isn't a going out of business sale — it's a giveaway.

Cafe Chartier has developed a devoted, albeit-too-small following, winning Patch's Best of Coffee contest for Lexington and hosting Patch meetings for the past year each Wednesday. 

So plan to head over to the shop over the next two days to talk to the Chartiers and say your goodbyes.