Crane's Remains!

This late breaking news just came in from Steve Crane, owner of Crane's Delicatessen & Cheese Shoppe: "I am glad to announce that Crane's Deli and Cheese Shoppe will remain open as we have reached an amicable agreement with our landlord. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your kind words and continued support. I posted an announcement on Facebook and Maplewood Online.  Thank you again for everything you have said and the outpouring of support on Patch."

Crane had previously announced that Crane's would close as of March 31, citing the economy and a pricey rent — one that made more sense five years ago in boom times, but that became difficult to justify in light of new economic realities. Next door to Crane's, the former location of Luke's Kitchen remains vacant — the property also belongs to the same landlord, Saul Fisher. Elsewhere in the Village, some businesses are moving (Village Belle moving into No. !65), others have decided not to open (the funnel cake shop), while other new businesses plan to move in (Wok Star).

All in all, the Village has maintained a fairly high occupancy rate, but does have a few persistent vacancies with Village Belle's former space soon to be added to that mix.

We'll follow up with Steve Crane for more details tomorrow. In the meantime, this Saturday night just got a little more festive for Maplewood Village!