MUSKEGON,MI - Habs Good Eats n' Treats has always been a family affair - and that's why so many Muskegon residents and summertime visitors expressed a profound sense of mourning as the restaurant closed its doors on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The eatery's owner, Jon Habetler, recently announced the closure on the restaurant's Facebook page. The 42-year-old entrepreneur and chef said the decision to close the store located at 2445 Lakeshore Drive wasn't easy, but was best for the financial future of his family.

"A year ago, if you would have asked me if I was going to shut the doors, I'd say absolutely not," Habetler told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle. "It wasn't until about six or eight months ago that my wife and I sat down and she said, 'Do you see yourself doing this in 25 to 30 years?'

"Well that's a tough question. Every time before that, I would have said yes, let's keep grinding it out. But at this point in our lives, it's not something I can commit to, and that's where we are now."

Habetler is training to take a job in automotive sales. A few entities are interested in buying Habs' kitchen equipment, but no one has shown an early interest in purchasing the business or the property it sits on, Habetler said.

Within his Facebook announcement is a tender note of gratitude to all those who supported the pizza, sandwich and barbecue joint during some of Muskegon's toughest years.

A similar note hangs taped to Habs' front door near a retro Coca-Cola sign that reads "Sorry, we're closed."

In the wake of the announcement, Habetler has received an outpouring of community support. Past staff members have reached out, Habetler said, to thank him for teaching them about life and business.

Customers - some of whom were Sappi Paper Mill workers who would stop over for lunch before it closed in 2009 - shared memories of good food and even better conversation.

Habetler, along with his wife and business partner Jessica, considered all of them all family.

"It's touching to know at this point that the restaurant has positively affected people like that," Habetler said. "We couldn't ask for more."

We have had a wonderful 14 years doing what we love! We have met so many great people, have had the opportunity to help... Posted by Habs Good Eats N Treats on Tuesday, February 27, 2018

The Habs story starts in 2012, but its roots grew from a Greek Tony's pizza franchise that Habetler ran out of the same location since 2004. In addition to serving Greek Tony's pizza - a chain started by Muskegon County Treasurer Tony Moulatsiotis - Habelter began introducing his own unique menu items.

Soon, customers ordered Habetler's specialty items more often than the signature pies. Habetler's business partner Bill Moulatsiotis later cut business ties with Habetler on good terms as he became busy with his own endeavors - the restaurateur was in the process of opening 750 Bar and Grill, 2190 Whitehall Road.

"We made the business decision between Tony, Bill and ourselves that we would keep everything on the up and up for franchise reasons, and talked about buyout options," Habetler said. "It was a good move for both parties, and I was fortunate enough to bring in my wife.

We started working together and that was an excellent choice for us. Most couples don't want to do it or can't handle it, but we took it all in stride."

They opened their doors as Habs Good Eats n' Treats that year on Memorial Day weekend. It was an instant hit that quickly gained regional and statewide recognition.

The shop was a smash at Taste of Muskegon, and in its inaugural year, Habs won MLive's Rising Star award for its grilled fare.

The husband and wife pair were also known for their philanthropy - the Habetlers hosted and catered Coast Guard Christmas parties and even sponsored Norton Shores youth hockey teams.

Jon Habetler also coaches the Muskegon Junior Lumberjacks squad.

As he reflected Thursday about his impact in Muskegon, Habetler shared laughs and smiles with the occasional tear. He thinks about the future of his city, which he feels is moving in the right direction.

"Considering 75 one way was the power house for the mill, and about 150 yards the other was the pump area, I think the outlook's great," he said. "The Shaw Walker building, as much as I loved driving by that on my way to hockey practice as a kid, it was always an empty building. From what I've heard from the Windward Pointe people, I think this area is going to be absolutely fantastic.

And while he's saddened that Habs won't be around to see its renewal, what Habetler will miss most is the relationships he's made with his faithful staff and loyal customers.

"In our heyday, we had 25 people on staff, people we got to know on a daily basis," Habetler said. "We won't be able to see each other as much as we used to. When the mill shut down, people we saw two or three times a week showed up maybe once a month.

"From that aspect, it's bittersweet."