The homestyle restaurant, Janie’s Cafe, is now owned by the Castanedas, who have a longstanding relationship with the restaurant.
Karen Cataneda and her husband, Luis, are the newest owners of Janie’s Cafe, located at 431 Main St. in Longmont.
The cafe was opened by Janie Madwell more than two decades ago. Although downtown Longmont is filled with cultural fusion and modern American restaurants, Janie’s Cafe sticks to its roots. Known for its traditional American diner feel, Longmont residents count on Janie’s for quick comfort food and friendly company.
For most of the cafe’s existence, Karen Castaneda had taken orders, built relationships with loyal customers and became a leader of the staff. When the owner decided to close the cafe, Castaneda knew she couldn’t let those doors close.
“I was a waitress for twenty-one years … he (the previous owner) was going to close the place and I couldn’t see that happening,” Castaneda said.
To celebrate the new ownership, the restaurant offered free coffee and slices of pie to customers on Sep. 1.
