37 years have come and gone and Clara's Lansing Station is about to serve its final customers. A family owned business from the day it opened to the day it will close, the Jubeck family is sad to see the end of an era.
"This isn't just a building to us, this is part of our family," says Cindy Jubeck, one of the co-owners of Clara's. "This was not a decision that we came to overnight."
The Jubeck's have been making the decision over the last year and a half until they announced last weekend that they would close in eight days. The choice to close their doors comes in part because of the cost for needed renovations.
"Our concern well obviously was for the restaurant, for our employees, for the customers, and for Cindy and myself," says Scott Jubeck.
Since the announcement of the closing came, people from all over the mid-Michigan area have come to the old train station to relive their memories, and to grab a bite to eat.
"Every customer that we've spoken to has a story to tell. They all had memories, and over 37 years, there's a lot out there," says Scott.
Some of those memories include proposals at the restaurant. Jerry and Linda Reha got engaged in the train at Clara's 16 years ago. The anniversary of their engagement? Just over a week after the restaurant will close. But that didn't stop them from coming out with their family.
"It's just nostalgic. It's something we've always done to come and get good food and be with family," says Linda Reha.
Other customers, like Tim Barron, are considered regulars. Barron has come so often he even has his own table with his name marked on the wall. After 30 years, he wanted to pay his respects to the restaurant.
"It's a place that I certainly embraced," says Barron, "and it embraced me for a long time."
Clara's will close its doors on Sunday, June 26, as the Jubeck's plan to go out in style with one final Sunday brunch.
