The sudden closure of Cafe Laufer, a favorite European bakery and restaurant in Kaimuki, has turned out to be short-lived.

The cafe closed Jan. 31 after 22 years at 3565 Waialae Ave., but reopened today with a new lease and a new name.

Chef Melvin Avecilla is calling it Kaimuki Cafe, with the same menu, but lower prices.

“I want to make it an affordable place so everyone can come,” Avecilla said.

The neighborhood spot drew faithful customers who loved the German specialties, gourmet sandwiches, fancy layer cakes and fruit tarts, and felt at home there. When news of the closing spread in mid-January, loyal customers whom Avecilla described as “more than friends” were at a loss.

He and his landlord have since come to an agreement on the lease, Avecilla said.