It's a sad day for ski bums everywhere: one of Jackson Hole's most iconic spots has closed up shop, again. Powder Magazine is reporting that the Village Cafe's owner Dom Gagliardi announced via Facebook last week that the popular après hangout has ceased operations at the Inn at Jackson Hole. The pizza joint had relocated to the Inn after its original home in the Village Center was torn down at the end of 2013. While Gagliardi says the VC team plans to look for "another opportunity down the road," it's unlikely that when the resort celebrates its 50th anniversary this winter, the Village Cafe will be there.
Here's the full statement posted on Facebook from the Village Cafe:
"Shuttin' er down….again.
The Village Café has closed its doors at the Inn at Jackson Hole. As of now, the VC has removed its belongings from the space and we will look for another opportunity down the road. I want to thank everyone at the Inn for welcoming us and allowing us to keep the dream alive for a year and a half after the Village Center era ended. The Inn and VC mutually agreed since the summers were a very difficult business to maintain, and remodeling will be happening this winter, it made most sense to let them operate food service on their own. If you need a nights sleep in the village or have friends traveling through, please send them to the Inn at Jackson Hole. They supported us and we should do the same.
The VC has been an institution in Teton Village over 20 plus years. It's been a place creating habits through egg mccollisters, cookies, thai wraps, slices, orange sodas, PBRs tall boys, trendys, and all your favorites. It's been creating traditions and friendships that will last forever. I am so grateful to have recognized how cool that spot was and bought from Rich in 2000. I never imagined what an impact on my life it would have. Just about every close friend I have has worked there. My wife and I partied at VC theme parties together before we even found each other. My daughter meets her ski club friends there and my son took his first turns-après ski at the VC.
I'm not going to say goodbye and you shouldn't either, as you never know when the VC will rise again. A place like the Village Cafe we all need to really embrace what we love so much about living in Jackson Hole and skiing the Big One. So much love to all of you who have supported, high fived each other, or worked there. We may not be standing next to Doug's Grateful Dead skis, but when I run into you, I'll be seeing you at the VC.
~Dom"
· The Village Cafe Closes…Again [Powder]
· See How Jackson Hole Has Changed From 1969 to Today [Curbed Ski]
· These Are the Median Rents of Ski Country's Most Popular Towns [Curbed Ski]
· Ai Weiwei's Zodiac Heads Look Spectacular in Jackson Hole [Curbed Ski]
· Jackson Hole's Local Ski Hill To Get $9 Million in Upgrades [Curbed Ski]