Breakfast and lunch cafe Benedict has closed its doors on Lake Avenue in downtown Traverse City.

Owner Leslie Elsen announced the "immediate and sudden closure" of Benedict on the restaurant's website and social media pages this week. "Due to circumstances outside our control, we were unable to notify our community until this week, and for that we are immensely sorry, and your energy and kindness will be sorely missed," she wrote. "This was a decision that we did not take lightly, both for the sake of our wonderful staff and for the relationships and community we have built over the past 4 years."

Elsen said the company "set out early this year to find someone who would carry on Benedict, and our intention was to hold space for Benedict in the community as we found a new buyer. The circumstances changed as time went on, and it necessitated swift transition. Unfortunately, for that reason, the Benedict brand cannot continue at its current location...many folks in our close circle were aware of the changes that are forthcoming for Benedict. While we always aim to maintain as much transparency as possible, our decision to move on was made largely due to immediate personal concerns, and we ask for privacy for our family during this transition. There are other reasons that contributed to our decision, but we’ll save those conversations for close friends/industry colleagues over a beer."

Elsen said that her hope is that "Benedict will continue to exist in a different capacity. We are exploring opportunities for prep kitchens to continue to offer catering, quiche, pastries, and various private breakfast opportunities. Stay tuned as we sort out the details and logistics."

The restaurant's last day of operation was Thursday. Elsen had occupied the Lake Avenue space - formerly home to Patisserie Amie - since early 2021 after relocating from Union Street.