After nearly 30 years in business, Jake’s Restaurant & Bar in Flemington has decided to close its doors.

The owner announced they have decided to retire from the restaurant’s daily operations and permanently close the popular local hangout after three decades.

“I think of it as closing a chapter in a book,” said Executive Chef Bill Kinslow, who created the first menu for Jake’s when it opened in 1991. “It wasn’t the first chapter, nor will it be the last. Without a doubt, though, it’s been the longest and best chapter. We have enough memories to last a lifetime.”

Kinslow and owner Stephen Little opened the Flemington restaurant in the early 1990s and watched as Jake’s became a staple in Flemington. As the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Little noted on Facebook the “unseen challenges” that were affecting the community.

A month ago, Gov. Murrphy announced new guidelines for restaurants under the coronavirus quarantine. A few days later on March 19, Jake’s stopped serving take-out, but did provide free Grab-and-Go meals with a suggested $10 donation to fund for their staff.

Little and Kinslow continued to review costs and options for the business and its 35 employees under the new guidelines. Ultimately, a decision was made.

After 30 years of weathering all types of challenges, the pair understood that closing the business was the best option; though a painful one. When Little and Kinslow made the decision to close the doors, they announced it on Facebook and more than 500 comments were made in reaction to the news.

“You are the heart and soul of Jake’s, and you’ve made these last 30 years an unforgettable ride,” Little said in reaction to the community’s support. “It’s been our honor and pleasure to serve you."

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Brandon Gould covers Hunterdon County news for NJ.com and may be reached at bgould@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrandonGouldHS. Find NJ.com on Facebook.