Apple Haus cites economy in closure notice

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Updated: February 27, 2012 8:37AM

Almost four weeks after they quietly closed their doors, The Long Grove Apple Haus’ disappearance has made such a ruckus that the owners have issued an explanation.

The Apple Haus, one of the mainstays of the now-fragile downtown Long Grove, served its last dozen apple doughnuts and other famed baked goods on Dec. 28. Since then, its Facebook page has filled with lamentations and requiems from loyalists, many seeking an explanation for why the store shut down.

Monday afternoon, the owners gave a bit of a response.

“We have remained open as long as we could, but in today’s economic climate we have been forced to close the Apple Haus,” a post reads.

“Since there have been some unfavorable comments we decided we had to make an announcement,” another post reads. “This is very sad but we are glad to have been a part of your lives.”

The Apple Haus, 230 Robert Parker Coffin Road, had been part of Long Grove for about 40 years, and was the centerpiece of one of the town’s largest community festivals. The Apple Fest is scheduled for Sept. 28-30 this year, one weekend earlier than usual; officials with the Long Grove Business and Community Partners, which operates the festivals, could not be reached Monday for comment.

“We are hoping to return for the fests,” the owners wrote.

Numerous Apple Haus devotees pined for one last taste of anything from their ovens. Bo Blackburn and Amy Helland said some of their children ate their first doughnuts at the Haus; JP Soule, who now lives in Chicago, wrote that he grew up going there and “was just thinking that it was time for a return visit.”

“For years and years going to your store for the best apple cider donuts and hot apple cider was a tradition for me and my mom every fall and winter and it meant so much to us,” wrote Angela Cummuta. “Your shop will be so truly missed you have no idea.”

Downtown’s remaining businesses will soon get the idea, though. Several posters wrote that the Apple Haus was one of the last reasons they made the trip to Long Grove, which lost another mainstay, the Farmside Country Store & Winery, last fall.

“Without the donuts I am unlikely to go out of my way to make the trip,” wrote Cheryl Kreiman.

The Haus’ former owners urged their fans to frequent local shops.

“Please continue to support the small businesses in your area so that they don’t meet the same fate that we did.”