Business

Village Café & Pub closes

The Village Cafe & Pub closed on Saturday, March 31.

By Bill Moss, Published: April 6, 2018

FLAT ROCK — The Village Café and Pub, a space that has served Flat Rock as a breakfast spot and sandwich shop since the early 1990s, closed on Saturday, the owners announced with a "heavy heart."

The shop at 2770 Greenville Highway operated as Dean's Deli from the early 1990s until 2013, when Shannon and Dustin Zlacki bought the business, added a beer and wine bar and renamed it the Village Café & Pub.

"We have met so many wonderful people since our arrival four and half years ago and we will truly miss you all," the couple said in a note posted on the deli's door. "To all of our regulars as we say in 'the biz,' and you know who you are, we love you. You friendships will not be forgotten but cherished.... Your support, kindness, open arms acceptance and pulling for us attitude was always felt and deeply appreciated. We have learned a great deal from our experience here and will use this wisdom in all our future endeavors. We wish you all great help and happiness!"

"I got a call from Starr that he is leasing the property that was the pub and cafe. He said he needed it for parking," Flat Rock Administrator Judy Boleman said.

The property is owned by the Duane and Margaret McKibbin Family Ltd. Partnership, owner of Henderson Oil and the Energy Mart convenience stores. It's been leased by Starr Teal, owner of Hubba Hubba Smokehouse and the the Salt and Honey brunch restaurant, which often has a line of customers out the door. Henderson Oil owner Bill McKibbin declined to comment on the lease.

A Hubba Hubba catering truck is parked at the side of the building. Teal did not immediately return a request for comment on the lease., nor did Dustin Zlacki respond to a request for more information.

Built in 1971, the 4,928-square-foot building and half-acre parcel is valued for tax purposes at $156,000.