In the fall of 1991 my friend Lynne and I opened a restaurant. We sold it in 2004 and since then it has had 3 successive owners. On Halloween the Arbor Cafe closed its doors for good–the end of an era.
Goodbye Arbor Cafe. It changed our lives in many ways.
On The Way 
I especially love the blissful ignorance of the two new business owners.
You guys provided something that Salem was missing and in many ways is still missing, now that the Arbor Cafe is under new, newer and newest ownership.
Oh, I had a couple of lovely meals in the Arbor Cafe…and though Provence is a little far me to visit again for a wonderful meal…I feel a bit sad.
Seems like a lifetime ago, working at the Arbor Cafe. Lots of great memories. I especially enjoyed when the main kitchen had that one big table and we all worked around it. Good times.
I didn’t say the truest thing above, but the gift of the Arbor Cafe for me was all the wonderful people that we crossed paths with over those 13 years of being in business…Elizabeth being one of those!!
Some of my fondest memories of working at the Arbor were afternoon chats in the office with Bonnie, over a chocolate chip scone and a latte, while Lynne created in the bakery. Bonnie and Lynne were great to work for, and I miss it to this day. I will always cherish our victory at the SCVA wine and food pairing event in the lobby of the Elsinore. What fun it was to beat the big guys of the Salem restaurant world.
Oh Bonnie, I miss the Arbor Days! It changed and shaped me, but more importantly so do did your friendship. I was 18 when I first came to work for you. It was a month before the Arbor’s 1st anniversary. You and Lynne offered a whole new dining experience to Salem. I am so thankful for my time at the Arbor. You helped this this young woman spread her wings and I love you for that. Always your friend-XO