Community Saddened As Dragonfly Music & Coffee Cafe Closes

SOMERVILLE, NJ — The outpouring of sadness from locals continues to flow as news of the closing of Dragonfly Music & Coffee Cafe spreads.

"We are really upset about this," said owner Peter Prasa.

Peter and Susan Prasa had owned the cafe at 14 East Main St. in Somerville for the past seven and a half years. The cafe will remain open through Sunday, Sept. 15 during the 7th Annual Central Jersey Jazz Festival in downtown Somerville.

"The Jazz Fest will be our last hurrah," Prasa said. "We will have a chili dog wagon with lemonade and ice tea for sale. This is still bitter sweet."

Prasa pointed to health reasons, not making any money and how the town was over saturated with restaurants and not enough retail for reasons as to why they were closing.

"We have met all types of people of every diversity, ethnicity, age religion that has become part of what we call our Dragonfly Community. Our musicians have been a large part of our core family. What amazing, caring people, that have become close friends and a large part of why we were able to persevere through the last few years," Peter and Susan Prasa said in a statement on their website and Facebook page.

Prasa said he will semi-retire after the cafe closes and continue to do piano tuning and performing on the side.

Many locals took to social media to share their sadness over the closing:

"I think I speak for many parents when I say "Thank you for giving our kids the opportunity to play in such a great atmosphere & environment." I will cherish the memories. It's a huge loss to the community," said Jim Adams.

"I am sad to see you go. I always enjoyed my visits for the music, musicians, the wonderful owners, and a nibble with coffee. Best wishes on the road that lies ahead," said Alyce Rudley.

"So sorry to hear!! You created a special place for creative beings, a community for artists, something special that is missing in much of our modern world," said Jennifer Johnson.

"Peter and Susan are pillars of the local music community, always supporting and encouraging local music and musicians," said Brad Sicotte.

Although the cafe will be closing on Sept. 15, Prasa said they will continue to sell everything and anything inside the business through Sept. 30. Items for sale include antiques, instruments, chairs, tables and more. An official estate sale may be announced later in the month.

For now the cafe will run under its regular operating hours. Prasa welcomes locals to stop in for one more cup of coffee while listening to local musicians.

For more information on the Dragonfly visit dragonflymusicandcoffee.com or facebook.com/DragonflyMusicCoffeeCafe.

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