COLDWATER, MI — Veronica Carter closed the doors on the Goodie Shop on Sunday, March 15, 72 years after the diner opened at 30 N. Monroe St.
A new owner is set to close on the purchase of the 1950’s diner next Friday, after Carter put the business up for sale in January.
Carter has not yet met the new owner, a woman from Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
She said the new owner plans to keep it as a restaurant. “She bought the name,” Carter said.
“I wish them well. I’m glad someone will keep it a restaurant,” Carter said, reflecting on 72 years in the community.
Her grandfather purchased the business in 1985 from the Drumm and McLaughlin families, who opened the diner in 1954.
Carter bought the business in 2018 from her father, Brian Weber, who had taken over in 1995.
Carter has been involved in the business since childhood. After years of early mornings opening from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., she says, at 43, “It’s somebody else’s turn.” She plans to sleep in, though she expects old habits may be hard to break.
There is no family member to take over. Her daughter Kaitlyn, almost 16, wants to be a criminal psychologist, and her son Grant is studying HVAC.
“I want them to do what they want to do,” Carter said.
Carter said her dad told her he is proud of her. “I just hope my grandparents would want me to do this. I’m sure they would. He’d say, ‘be happy. Life’s short’.”
Since news of the sale became public, people from all over have shared memories and wished Carter well.
One couple drove three hours from Ohio to visit The Goodie Shop after hearing about the new ownership.
Kaelyn Swain brought her four children for breakfast, recalling lunches at the counter with her late mother, Kristy.
Retired Coldwater city employee Dennis Scheilder first visited in 1972. He’s enjoyed the friendliness and says, “The food is really good.”
Carter had mixed feelings as she locked the front door for the last time. “I’m sad, but I’m excited. It’s a conflict. I’m ready to enjoy my family and take off for a weekend without worry,” she said.
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Carter closes door for last time at Coldwater’s Goodie Shop
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
