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• Editor's Note

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Didn't expect to see me here, did you? My name is Stephanie Prather, and I'm currently the Around Town Editor for buzz. Tatyana left me in charge while she's on vacation, and, hence, left me with the great responsibility of putting together the magazine and writing an Editor's Note to put in this space. It brings me both pleasure and sadness to deliver my first (and maybe only) Editor's Note because it marks the end of an Urbana landmark.

By the time you read this, the Strawberry Fields CafÇ, in downtown Urbana, will be in its final days of operation. As a townie, I've been going there for my favorite sandwich, the Californian (avocado, tomato, cheddar, sprouts, on your choice of bread), since early adolescence. Since opening in December 1999, Strawberry Fields CafÇ has consistently been ranked in the top three vegetarian menus in buzz's Best of CU. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or just interested in quick organic and all-natural meals, Strawberry Fields has likely been a stop on your dietary journey.

Nearly a year ago I started working at the Fields (as I affectionately call it) as a barista and have since become increasingly attached to the food, eclectic staff and regular customers, who recognize the unique role the Strawberry Fields CafÇ plays in community.

Upon arrival to work last Saturday, I learned that it would be my last day working there. Nearly everyone in the CafÇ was losing their job, including the cafÇ manager, deli workers and kitchen staff. I was told that the cafÇ was closing after Saturday August 11.

The panic set in. How could this be? During Friday and Saturday lunches people lined up nearly out the door to get a sandwich or salad plate. Where was I going to buy vegan antipasto? When did they decide this?

Regular customer Lois Steinberg (featured on Page 4) was devastated to learn about the change. Her yoga studio is located across from Strawberry Fields on Springfield Avenue, and she and her students frequent the cafÇ. "We should boycott to make them bring it back," she said.

Days later I was notified that I had not technically been fired and that they wanted to continue with the same baristas when the coffee bar was moved to another location in the store. I planned on leaving, regardless of the change, but I guess it would have been nice to know that ahead of time.

The rest of the store will remain in operation, but, after Saturday, it appears that the future of the deli is virtually non-existent. On the horizon, pre-packaged sandwiches will replace the homemade hummus and chicken-fried seitan. I guess there's just not enough money in the vegetarian deli business.

Goodbye Strawberry Fields CafÇ. You will be greatly missed.