By David King
Sugar Plum, known as the 2nd oldest-running restaurant in Concord, is now another year older (Barney’s Hickory Pit is the oldest) and will be celebrating its 65th anniversary throughout the month of November.
Sugar Plum Coffee Shop first opened its doors on November 30, 1959. Soon after, it became “the” meeting place in Concord, known for its delicious food and homey atmosphere. Over the years, several owners have operated this historic diner, but its reputation for homemade biscuits and gravy, smoked applewood bacon, and fresh hash browns, remains.
The current owner, Claudia Lemus, sat in a booth with me, along with previous owner Ray Rosenblatt for some coffee and historical reminiscing. Ray said he bought the coffee shop on February 13, 1996. Claudia worked for him off and on all her life since the age of 15, as well as other members of her family. We went through the names of past owners and employees. We pulled out old newspaper clippings, some original dining tickets and took photos off the wall too wax nostalgia.
The City of Concord proclaimed July 2, 2009, as “Sugar Plum Coffee Shop Day” to honor its 50 years of community service. But Claudia and Ray claim every July 2 to be Sugar Plum Day.
And, of course, much of the success belongs to Jose Tapia and Esteban Chavez, the men behind the apron working the grill. These cooks extraordinaire have been pushing out meals there for 25 years. If you ever dine alone, I recommend you take a seat at the bar and watch Jose and Esteban and the rest of the staff perform their wizardry behind the counter. It is quite the choreography.
Claudia purchased the restaurant in what may have been the worst possible timing. She bought it in early 2020 — the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. With severe dining restrictions imposed, she improvised and navigated through those lean years relying on a variety of promotions, car hopping, street dining, pick-ups and take outs.
She also invested in updating and refurbishing the restaurant but maintaining its signature 50’s style atmosphere.
“I was proud of being a part of the Concord community,” Ray says. “Claudia was the perfect person to pass the legacy on to. She has always understood its charm having worked here since she was 15.”
Ray says, Claudia was a godsend. In regards to COVID-19, “I would have been drowning.” Claudia’s use of social media along with her networking skills helped keep it in operation. As we know, many downtown restaurants did not survive those days. “
Give this jewel your support. During the month of November, join the celebration, congratulate them and enjoy a cup of coffee or meal. Sixty-five years is no small feat for any small business. The legacy of a truly family-oriented, friendly place to get a reasonably-priced meal and swap stories continues to this day.
On November 21 at 5:30- 8:00 p.m., come celebrate with Classic cars, discounts, music, and more. “Bring the kids, we’re ready for the next generation of customers,’ Claudia says.
Happy 65th Anniversary Sugar Plum.
