Revelation Cafe closes

FAIRFIELD — As of April 7, Revelations Café has closed their doors, though, they will remain active in the community with the Rev’s Health Center.

Following their participation in Fairfield Restaurant Week, Revelations Cafe closed their doors permanently.

After 25 years ago, Owner Betsy Howland began Revelations as a used bookstore and coffee house in a garage located next to Everybody’s Cafe in 1996.

Only nine short months later, Revelations moved to Main Street where it remained until last Friday.

They grew from a coffee shop to a popular lunch spot which served wood-fire pizzas, paninis, salads, and soups which featured Mediterranean flavors and vegetarian options.

Despite their growth into a full-fledged restaurant, Howland continued to sell books right alongside the delicious dishes.

Tables filled the space right alongside shelves full of literature.

As big supporters of the arts, the cafe consistently participated in Fairfield First Friday Artwalk, invited Karla Christensen to create a mosaic art mural on the external south wall of the restaurant, and displayed local art within the cafe.

Many of these art pieces will remain available at Rev’s Health Center.

With continued participation in Fairfield community events, Revelations further grew into a staple of the community.

Revelations Café became a well known spot for good food, good books, and excellent atmosphere in the community as they offered something a little different from the norm.

With heavy hearts the community says goodbye to the beloved cafe as they pack up the books that lined the walls and move forward with the next chapter.

As Howland already sold the building for the cafe, the spot will not sit vacant for long, though information about the new owners is not yet readily available.

“I only hope the new owners are as gracious and enlightened as the old,” Revelations Café supporter Alexander Gabis said.

While Howland has closed the cafe, she has not ridden into the sunset.

She will downsize her business and focus on Revs Health Center which offers alternative and holistic health services with the continued grace and enlightenment the Fairfield community has come to know and love

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com