Beth Standish and her three daughters at River’s Edge Cafe.
Dear Aurora Family,
My family and I have decided to step away from River’s Edge Café. Our last day running the cafe will be May 1.
This has been the most fun, rewarding, and absolutely frightening thing I’ve ever done. My family and I stepped up to re-open River’s Edge Café along with River Valley Community Church back in the fall of 2010. We knew that we wanted to make sure Aurorans had a place to come together—a place to work to revitalize our beautiful town—but we had no idea what we were getting into. We had no idea that our family would become part of a much larger family or that we would be the ones invested in and revitalized. We never expected to be supported so generously and consistently. You were patient with us as we learned to make espresso, paninis, and soup without a stove. You encouraged us to keep going in hard times and made the long hours enjoyable.
I want to make sure that everyone knows that my family and I are not stepping away from our beloved café because of lack of support or encouragement or desire to make Aurora great. You all carried us through the bridge construction and an economy that caused countless small businesses to close.
I would also like to make sure everyone, especially others considering starting businesses in Downtown Aurora, know that this was not a financial decision, as the café has been doing progressively better each year and we are experiencing our busiest and best year yet! The Downtown Aurora community can and does sustain small businesses—both economically and emotionally.
We stepped in to meet a need and did our very best to maintain and grow The River’s Edge Café for the past three and a half years. We took over where Jeff and Cathy Jones left off. I believe it is time for us to move on to another venture and for another team to take River’s Edge Café to the next level. I was honored to be here for this time and to help to develop this place for the City of Aurora. This is your café. It was never about who was wearing the apron.
Nothing is set in stone, but several people are interested in continuing the café. All are committed to our vision of working toward a revitalized Aurora and making it a destination that rises above perception with its excellence.
I will miss seeing you all during your visits for lunch or morning coffee, but this is not goodbye! Perhaps I can spend some time on the other side of the counter from now on.
Stay tuned for my next big adventure with you in the beautiful City of Aurora.
Thank you to all of you!
Beth Standish
Editor’s note: We will keep you updated on any announcements or news regarding River’s Edge Cafe. Beth believes that it will be a smooth transition and she hopes that the cafe will be able to remain open as usual.
