Downtown Kennett

1. Challie's Famous Grille on East State Street closed down last week.
"Challie has retired (briefly)," the owner said on Facebook. "We would like to thank each and everyone of you for everything over the past 5 years!"
The property used to be a grocery store, and when Strato Moriello was renovating it as the Pizza Gallery back in the late 1990s he took us on a tour and showed us the stacks of old wooden soda crates still sitting in the old dirt-floored basement.
2. One block east, the sign at the old Kennett Cafe still says that Jack McFadden's new restaurant will open in "early spring," but I'd say that's wishful thinking. According to Historic Kennett Square's January newsletter, "Jack McFadden has begun to earnestly work on his property. He is hoping to have renovations completed by June but admits that it may take a bit longer."
Cinder blocks, stones and other construction materials are piled in the alley next door, along with many bags of potting soil, and it looks as if there's going to be a sunken patio out back--which would be very cool.
3. On South Broad Street, a "for lease" sign has gone up at the former Cafe Lindo, which shut down a few weeks ago. One of the Lindo regulars hasn't gone far, though: I spotted him, along with his dog, having coffee at Talula's Table, just around the corner.