The Little Store restaurant in Woodside, which has seen many openings and closings in its 100-plus years, closed Jan. 14.

Although the sign on the door says "Closed for repairs," Dick Eastley, who with his wife Lynn has operated the restaurant for almost five years, said they are no longer associated with the business.

Property owner Marcel Mouney told the Almanac late last week: "I want to open it again. It is a landmark. When customers heard about the closing, they said 'Oh, Marcel, where will we go now?'"

Mr. Mouney said he is interviewing chefs about taking over the business. He also said it's time for the restaurant to undergo a complete "overhaul."

Asked why he and his wife were leaving the restaurant, Mr. Eastley said: "The business was successful. But, like any business, it wasn't just one thing. There were many issues."

The homey Little Store has seen plenty of ups and downs through the years. It has been a general store and, briefly, a gas station. When Mr. Mouney bought it in 1972, "It was just a little grocery, selling beer and sandwiches."

Longtime Woodside residents hope to see their neighborhood hangout reopen. In the Jan. 3 Almanac article about opera nights at the Little Store, neighbor Stuart Whittelsey said, "We consider this our second kitchen."

The Little Store is located at 3340 Woodside Road in Woodside.

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