LINCOLN SQUARE — Café Selmarie’s owner still plans to close the restaurant this year, but the beloved establishment will remain open until at least the middle of February, she said.
Last fall, Café Selmarie owner Birgit Kobayashi announced she plans to retire and close the popular restaurant in Giddings Plaza at 4729 N. Lincoln Ave. in early 2024 to begin a “new chapter” in her life.
Kobayashi made her announcement around the 40-year anniversary of the business she and late co-founder Jeanne Uzdawinis began when they were both 29.
Devoted local fans have wondered when the café’s final day in business will be. Now, in a recent update to the restaurant’s website, Kobayashi said that she plans to keep Selmarie open for a few more weeks.
“We are still planning on closing Café Selmarie in early 2024 and do not yet know our closing date, but we plan to be open through at least mid-February. We will make an announcement when we know our closing date. We hope you can join us before then,” Kobayashi said, in the update.
Kobayashi was not immediately available for comment but her spokesperson, Lisa Ripson, said Kobayashi would like fans to come through to enjoy the restaurant before she eventually settles on an official closing date.
“They really want people to come in and enjoy everything,” Ripson said.
Café Selmarie’s name comes from the founders’ middle names: Birgit Selma and Jeanne Marie.
Starting in a small storefront facing Giddings Plaza, Kobayashi and Uzdawinis sold coffee and homemade pastries, and had the first espresso machine in the neighborhood.
As the business became more popular, the founders broadened the menu and added seating. Over the years, the founders expanded into its current space facing Lincoln Avenue.
For decades, the café has been the anchor of Lincoln Square, drawing loyal customers to enjoy cozy meals, weekend brunch and its wide selection of pastries, cakes, tortes and pies.
Uzdawinis died from ovarian cancer in 2017. Neighbors remembered her “grace and artistry” and called her the “heart of Lincoln Square.”
Then-Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th) had a few blocks on Giddings Street near where the cafe was originally located designated as “Jeanne Uzdawinis Way” in 2018.
In her announcement, Kobayashi thanked Uzdawinis, her general manager and daughter Connie Kobayashi, and staff for their support over the years.
Kobayashi previously told Block Club some of her post-retirement plans includes a visit to Japan with her grandchildren, who are in their early 20s and late teens.
Her husband is from Japan and still has childhood friends who live there, she said.
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