A community institution is changing hands. After 27 years , Carla Reid is selling the Black Dog Cafe to a longtime employee. And they both say it’ll keep its homey atmosphere.
On her last day as owner, New Year’s Eve, Reid spent the day hanging out on the coffeehouse deck, which overlooks Lake Ella. A steady stream of patrons came to tell her goodbye. One brought her flowers.
“We’ve had weddings here," Reid says. "We’ve had funerals here. People bring their new babies here. People get engaged here. People meet here daily, weekly…yes.”
It’s not a business Reid would sell to just anybody. But she says Hannah Cummings, the new owner, is the perfect person.
“She loves the shop. She’s been coming in since she was 19 years old," Reid says. "And she’s the perfect person to take it over. She’s been working as my manager for the past year in preparation for this.”
Cummings knows the ropes. She's worked at Black Dog off and on for 12 years. “I love this," she says. "This is home. And the people make this place what it is.”
Reid has her own plans. She’ll garden, care for her dogs and horses, and maybe teach a class or two.
