The Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, a Route 66 landmark for many years, has been placed on the market after its owner endured chronic health issues — including an episode late this summer that required hospitalization.
Owner Dennis Purschwitz posted Saturday on Facebook:
As many of you all know, this past season has been hard on me, my family, and my Midpoint Cafe family and friends due to health related issues, culminating with an ambulance ride to the hosiptal and then some stomach surgery in the middle of August. Unfortunately for me, I am a very hands on person and have trouble letting people do things for me. As a result, my body is telling me to step back and slow down.
After many discussions, my wife Donna and I decided that it may be time to step away from the cafe. Therefore, we have decided to put the Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop up for sale. We are still trying to determine a fair asking price for the business considering all the repairs and improvements we have made since we purchased it in early 2012. As part of the sale, I will provide the recipes for our famous Midpoint Ugly pies and assist the new owner with the transition, if so desired.
If the Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop does not sell before the beginning of the 2017 season (April 1), we will reopen the business; however we will only operate as a pie and bake shop, drinks, and of course our gift shop. The kitchen will be closed.
Please know that this was not an easy decision given our love for the Route, the Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop, and the folks of Adrian and Oldham County, Texas. It is purely a business decision based on the state of my health.
Thank you for a great 5 seasons here at the Midpoint of Historic Route 66. We have met too many people to name and made many special friends that have enriched our lives immensely. It will be hard to let go…
Dennis, Donna, and Danielle Purschwitz
Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop
Interested parties should contact Purschwitz at (615) 330-8118, midpointcafe(at)bellsouth(dot)net or message him on Facebook.
Purschwitz didn’t make drastic changes to the Midpoint Cafe menu when he bought it in March 2012 because he didn’t have to. Most of the alterations were mildly cosmetic or energy-efficiency upgrades.
But one significant change was beef up the “Midpoint of Route 66” marker across the road. Once a simple sign that denoted the 1,139 miles to Chicago or Santa Monica, it’s now a nicely landscaped spot with flags, a windmill, a brick surface and other features that make it nicer-looking and easier for photo opportunities for Route 66 travelers.. In fact, just last week a marriage proposal occurred there (she said “yes”).
Before Purschwitz, Fran Houser owned the cafe for more than 20 years. The Midpoint, formerly known as Jesse’s Cafe, attracted nationwide notice for its small-town hospitality and what then were known as “ugly crust pies.” Houser also gained fame when she served as an inspiration to the Flo character in the original Disney-Pixar “Cars” movie in 2006.
(Image of the Midpoint Cafe by Pete Zarria via Flickr)
I’m sorry to hear you have to sell Dennis but you have to do what is necessary to keep your health. I’m glad to have met you though! Godspeed to you.