To the Editor:
It is a sad truth that the Fresh Pasta Shoppe of Edgartown is going to close by mid-February. We have known and enjoyed John Van Epp’s wares for some 27-plus years now. Not a bad run for any business, but in Island life, an extraordinary feat. Refusing to close for the winter as so many do, John stood by his clientele, and even though he ran into the red every off season, he felt it important to be of service to his community. His landlord has plans to turn the space into housing for employees at the Harborside. They have worked with John over the past several years and have been accommodating as well as flexible to his situation, honoring his staying open during the winter months.
There are no new places to move to nor funds to accomplish same. John has been an icon to the industry. I can think of at least a half dozen other Island restaurateurs who started as kids working at the Fresh Pasta Shoppe. I don’t know what the future holds for John, and I don’t know as he does either, but sometimes the universe does provide. I can only wish him well and trust that his next chapter will be here in the community to which he has dedicated his life. Irascible yet loveable, John Van Epp’s closing of the Fresh Pasta Shop means that pizza on this Island will never be the same. Fare thee well my friend. I hope you get swamped with orders these next few weeks. Bless you.
Tom Wetherall
West Tisbury
