A couple of years ago, Teri Robinson told Edible Michiana magazine, “It’s good to see women are becoming a bigger part of the local food scene downtown. We all bring something to the table. It’s a powerful connection, and when you have multiple people working together you can do far more than one person can.” Sadly, by the end of this coming week, that local food scene in the Benton Harbor Arts District will be minus not only one of those powerful women, but her establishment as well. Robinson is closing down her Phoenix Rising Cafe.
Since first revealing the news on her own Facebook fan page for the cafe, more than four dozen people have expressed sadness, consternation, best wishes and seemingly every other emotion imaginable upon hearing of Teri’s plans to shut down the popular cafe after nearly seven years in business. She had taken the helm after the departure of founder Elizabeth Frost.
Robinson’s original message opened with the news, as she told Facebook readers, “Thank you everyone for the support, laughter, and amazing experiences we have all shared here at the Phoenix these past years. It has been life changing for me and many others. But…… part of life changing is change. Long story short…….. it is time for me and some of the crew to pursue some new opportunities in our lives.”
She didn’t identify any specific place that she or others would land, or what they have in mind, but left a small possible opening for the potential for someone to take over. Asked if there was a transition to someone else or just an outright closure, Robinson said, “Not at this time.” However, she also added, “If anyone is interested in discussing possible options, please feel free to talk with me.”
Robinson was one of the first restaurateurs in downtown Benton Harbor to source the food for her offerings locally. She told Edible Michiana two years ago that the farm-to-table idea had always been a part of her life, adding, “There’s the health benefit of knowing where your food comes from. If there’s an option to not have something traveling across the country, it’s just common sense to get it from close by.” At that time she was sourcing mainly from Mud Lake Farm in Hudsonville and a few other small local farms.
It was her menu filled with “housemade” offerings that kept customers coming back time after time, and many mentioned that in lamenting the impending loss of the cafe located at 124 Water Street in downtown Benton Harbor. Her signature croissants, always crafted on site from scratch, are legendary to regulars.
Fortunately for those who can’t live without them, you have a handful of days left before the doors close for good on Saturday, September 30th.
Robinson says, “September 30th may be our last day here at the Phoenix, but it will always be a part of me and my future adventures.” For now, those future adventures remain a mystery to everyone except (or maybe even including) Teri Robinson.
Perhaps that’s a brief peek into what might come next for Teri Robinson, however that sentiment is now two years old, and anything can happen in that period of time to change ideas and attitudes. Stay tuned.
