End of an era; Sutter Street Grill bids farewell

The Sutter Street Grill, a destination restaurant that has served loyal patrons for several years, has closed its doors for good."The Sutter Street Grill was an absolute institution in the Historic District. The food was not only delicious but very affordable and no one ever left hungry. My wife, Amber, and I have been patrons of the Grill for over 14 years," said John Felts, a Folsom resident and avid patron there. "We would often split the number nine omelet with hash browns and a biscuit. To top off the extensive menu, the staff was the hardest-working group of people on Sutter Street. They are all great people and I am happy to call them all friends and neighbors. While we are sad to see them go, we will always cherish the memories that we created there."The restaurant was considered by many to be the best place in town to take friends and family visiting from afar, truly a breakfast beacon of sweet and savory fare such as blueberry waffles with whipped cream or chicken fried steak."This is my son, Jack Felts, circa 2009 for his ninth birthday. Yesterday, when I told him, he (now turning 20) asked where am I supposed to have breakfast on my birthday?" said Felts on social media.Jinnelle Matsumoto, an employee of the neighborhood staple for the last seven years, is grateful that the community has shown so much love and support."Our community support is incredible and we love every single one mourning our loss with us," said Matsumoto.Lorna Smart, the iconic restaurant's owner, spoke about her future plans: retirement and living a more peaceful life and enjoying her grandchildren (she just recently stopped doing triathlons). However, she will miss everyone who helped make the business a success.Smart, who grew up in Folsom and now resides in Truckee, bought the restaurant in January 1996, a decade's-long journey that would bring her many happy memories in the 2,000-square-foot dining haven."It's hard to say what my favorite memory is," Smart said. "Probably my favorite time was when I first bought it in the earlier days.""I had been in the restaurant business all of my life. My mother owned two restaurants on that street (Sutter) when I was a little girl. I followed in my mom's footsteps," Smart said.Judy Collinsworth, Folsom Historic District Association executive director, has noted the vast changes area businesses have had to acclimate to during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that some are worried they might not weather the storm and might have to close down for good."The impacts felt by the Covid-19 in the Folsom Historic District have been substantial. All but a few of our essential businesses have had to close. The retail locations are trying to host online sales but it has been slow and difficult for most of them. Merchants are concerned that their business will not survive this government shutdown," Collinsworth said. "Rent is due and the bills keep coming in. Very few have received any assistance, as of yet. Several of our businesses have already been threatened with eviction if they can't pay next month's rent. We are hoping the community will support the commerce here. The retail and restaurant mix is the best it's been in a long time, according to some of our merchants that have been in the district for 40 years." Local shopping, whether online or curbside pickup, is highly encouraged during this difficult time (shop and dine in Historic Folsom! #FolsomStrongTogether). Collinsworth warmly reminisced about the Sutter Street Grill, noting that it will be truly missed."She (Lorna Smart) had a friendly crew and a delicious and well-loved menu. The diner was a favorite among Folsomites. Especially on weekends, families would wait near the Sutter Street Grill, sometimes for up to an hour, just to get a table," Collinsworth said. "The loss is felt throughout the district and community and we are hoping that none of our other businesses will have to close due to the pandemic."Smart has some parting words for the community."I want to sincerely thank everyone for coming in all these years and supporting us, and I want to highlight the great employees I have had," Smart said. "It was a business decision to close. It wasn't just the virus; it was time to do it."