Coffee shop in Burlington, Asian restaurant in Williston announce closures

Brent Hallenbeck, Burlington Free Press
·2 min read

An Asian restaurant in Williston closed last week and a Burlington coffee shop announced Monday that it will shut down at the end of June.

Perky Planet Coffee

Perky Planet Coffee opened on St. Paul Street in Burlington on Jan. 26, 2019, with a mission to serve coffee and baked goods while employing people with disabilities. The shop announced its pending closure Monday in a post on social media.

“It is with mixed emotions that we share some news with you today,” reads a post attributed to Perky Planet owners Richard and Christine Vaughn. “After much consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to renew the lease for our Burlington location.”

Perky Planet Coffee Shop owner Richard Vaughn waits on Kelsey Tierney of Monkton on Jan. 29, 2019.
Perky Planet Coffee Shop owner Richard Vaughn waits on Kelsey Tierney of Monkton on Jan. 29, 2019.

Richard Vaughn told the Burlington Free Press on Tuesday that he’s 63 years old and couldn’t picture committing to another five-year lease on the space. Perky Planet opened a second location in April 2022 in Waterbury; Vaughn said that site will be on hiatus after business Friday until reopening in early July. He plans to relocate the roaster in Burlington to that location on the Waterbury-Stowe Road (Vermont 100).

“While it’s hard to say goodbye to this (Burlington) location, we are proud of the positive impact we made together,” the social-media post reads. “We’ve provided opportunities for individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents and contribute to our community. The memories and friendships created here will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

The post credits “our incredible team of dedicated staff members and the individuals with disabilities who have been a part of our coffee shop family. Your hard work, resilience, and beautiful spirits have inspired us every day. It has been an honor to work alongside each and every one of you.”

Naru Asian Cuisine in Williston ceased operations after business on May 31, 2023.
Naru Asian Cuisine in Williston ceased operations after business on May 31, 2023.

Naru Asian Cuisine closes

A Williston restaurant posted on its website that it closed after business May 31 due to the owner’s retirement.

Naru Asian Cuisine served a mix of Chinese and Korean food in a plaza on Cornerstone Drive. Dishes ranged from Chinese classics such as lo mein, kung pao and General Tso’s chicken to Korean specialties including bibimbap and bulgogi.

“Dear customers,” a website announcement attributed to “Naru Management” reads, “We would like to offer our sincerest thanks and deepest gratitude for all of your support over the years.”

Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Perky Planet Burlington, Naru restaurant Williston announce closures