Rockford Says Goodbye to Jody’s Restaurant After 44 Years

News Summary

Rockford, Michigan, bids farewell to Jody’s Restaurant, a beloved local diner that has been serving the community for 44 years. Owner Don Mendham announced its closure, with the final day of service set for December 22, 2024. Known for its comforting diner fare, Jody’s holds a special place in the hearts of many who have shared countless family meals and celebrations there. As the community remembers its cherished memories, a new chapter is set to begin with the property being sold to Consumers Credit Union, which plans to open a new branch in 2025.

Rockford Bids Farewell to a Cherished Diner After 44 Years

Rockford, Michigan, is feeling a wave of nostalgia as it announces the closure of the beloved Jody’s Restaurant, a local landmark that has been serving up classic diner fare for a whopping 44 years. This news hits home for many, as they remember family breakfasts, late-night snack runs, and those famous homemade cinnamon rolls that have become a staple in so many diets over the decades.

The End of an Era

On December 11, 2024, the restaurant’s owner, Don Mendham, made the heartfelt decision to retire, and the last day of business was tentatively set for December 22, 2024. For patrons who have danced down memory lane through the doors of Jody’s, this closing marks the end of an era in Rockford dining. Known for dishes like mouthwatering mushroom melts and crispy chicken tenders, Jody’s has been a go-to spot for community gatherings and family meals since the early 1980s.

Don Mendham and his wife opened Jody’s when they noticed a significant lack of dining options in the area, filling a void that the community has cherished for generations. Over the years, nearly 1,000 employees have worked at Jody’s, helping the restaurant develop a loyal patron base. As situations changed, like the challenges posed by COVID-19 and inflation, Mendham felt it was time to hang up his apron and pass the reins.

A New Chapter on Division St.

In a surprise twist, a Facebook post from Jody’s announced the sale of the property, though at first, the buyer remained anonymous. However, according to city property records, Consumers Credit Union, a banking staple from Kalamazoo, has made the investment, purchasing the property for $700,000, which includes a generous half-acre lot accompanied by a 2,178-square-foot building. The closure has stirred emotions within the community, with many reminiscing about baked chocolate chip cookies and delightful strawberry shortcakes.

Exciting plans are already underway as Consumers Credit Union prepares to break ground on a new location in Rockford in 2025. This expansion will mark the credit union’s further establishment in the Grand Rapids area, something they see as a natural fit for their growth strategy.

Bittersweet Memories

Jody’s closure has cast a shadow over Rockford, as both the Mendhams and the community share nostalgic feelings surrounding the diner. Many regulars took to social media to express their fond memories, highlighting the restaurant’s unique ability to bring families and friends together over hearty meals served with love and a smile.

Mendham’s daughter, Stacy King, emphasized the restaurant’s dedication to service and community impact rather than just profit, something that has certainly resonated with those who have dined there over the years. Everyone knows that eating at Jody’s was about more than just the food; it was about feeling at home and being part of something bigger. The restaurant served as a backdrop for countless family celebrations, community gatherings, and delicious brunch dates that will be missed.

Celebrating a Legacy

As Jody’s prepares for its last hurrah, a farewell party for both current and former employees, along with loyal patrons, is being organized. It’s a time to celebrate the memories, the friendships formed, and the fantastic food enjoyed throughout the years. Although the doors of Jody’s may close for the final time, the heart of this beloved establishment will live on in the memories of all who have enjoyed its warm hospitality.

Rockford is about to close a chapter, and while the community will surely miss its diner classics, it looks forward to welcoming new beginnings, thanks to Consumers Credit Union, right at the spot where memories were created.

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