If nothing changes, nothing changes: The Coffee and Teagarden that was ahead of its time

Late 90s in the city of Pottsville.. a little gem of a place that popped up serving the city expressos, fresh coffee and teas.. A home blend of vanilla chai.. Sandwiches. A spicy soup that could cure hangovers and the common cold. And a sandwich they called Thanksgiving Every Day. And now 20 years later, Sage in Pottsville is closing its doors…

There are plenty as to what the now papered up storefront will bring next. Another abandoned facade in a town that does not need any more? Perhaps another restaurant in a town where it seems only a few survive? Or a tattoo shop.. in a town that needs…more tattoos? Rumors will abound. As they did all week since the coffee shop shuttered and locked its doors..

On Saturday morning, the Facebook page for Sage posted a final message that seemed to hit the mark in so many ways. Short, sweet.. to the point but also capturing the magic of a restaurant succeeding for 20 years–a rarity in this country with so many failing within the first 60 days.

The post wrote,

If nothing changes..nothing changes…it is with that spirit that we are closing the cafe..it has been an honor to have served this community for over 20 years..and we will miss you all.thanks for all the love over the years!!!

There was plenty of food and coffee over the years.. and artwork as well. Sage had become an art gallery for several local stars throughout the years. Including the great Dave Naydock.

From happier times, this is when the restaurant first opened. This article was printed in the REPUBLICAN HERALD in December 1999:

And since then, things remained the same. Other places nearby have popped up, such as Pressed. And restaurants began to cook in a modern style. But Sage did it first in the city, before everyone else. They brought a level of class and 21st century to a county that rarely accepts change easily.

It is unknown publicly what caused the Jennifer at Sage to close down. Perhaps a pandemic? Perhaps times to move on to another goal?

But nothing is owed to US. We already got what we sought after.. A great place for two decades.

For posterity, the menu:

So raise your glass of tea or expresso to Sage! Cheers to the memories there!

And good luck to Jennifer in the future.

But as I commented on the Facebook post today..
Just one final request:

Sage was one of my safe places through the years since I first went there in the tear 2000 .. I visited as often as I could since.Thank you for some great food and drinks over the years, including artwork..And if you can find it in your heart to do us one last favor, can you give us the recipe for Sage Soup? That cured me of a cold at least 5 times

Please?

GOOD LUCK AND THANKS FOR THE CAFFEINATED MEMORIES!