Julien's Breakfast Place in Manchester closed until further notice after owner dies
Feb. 7—Julien Pepin's wish came true: to keep his restaurant — Julien's Breakfast Place — in its original spot on Bridge Street in Manchester for the rest of his life.
Pepin, 63, of Manchester, died Saturday morning, according to a brief obituary posted online by the Cremation Society of New Hampshire. The restaurant will be closed until further notice, according to a Facebook post.
"Our beloved and cherished friend Julien passed away (Saturday) morning," a note on the door reads. "As many of you know Julien hasn't been well for some time. He is with God now, may he rest in peace."
The restaurant's Facebook post added, "He had loved ones at his side. Julien will be greatly missed."
On Tuesday, a bouquet of flowers rested at the front door.
The 70-seat homestyle eatery opened in 2000 after Pepin secured a lease with building owner Bill Stergios. Originally Julien's Corner Kitchen, it was known for its homey decor.
The space had been occupied by Sabo's Sandwich Shop, which went out of business.
In 2008, Julien's faced eviction over confusion about Pepin's interest in staying in the space. Everything was cleared up, though Stergios had leased the space to another tenant.
"He built the business up from nothing and there aren't a lot of people willing to work that hard anymore, if you know what I mean," Stergios said Tuesday afternoon. "He was a hard worker."
He said Pepin planned to sell the restaurant to longtime workers last year, but the sale didn't go through before his death.
The restaurant expanded around 2004, when Stergios knocked out part of a wall to connect the corner spot to another unit, previously home to a "junk store."
Pepin said in a previous Union Leader article he inherited his love for the restaurant industry from his grandfather, also named Julien Pepin, who ran a restaurant on the West Side for years.
In 2002, Pepin received a key to the city from former Mayor Bob Baines for helping to enhance the neighborhood.
After the lease dispute, Pepin said in a 2008 Union Leader article he was glad to be able to stay.
"Bill said I can stay indefinitely, but I like to say permanently," Pepin said at the time. "I'm here for the rest of my life."
The note on the door says the restaurant will be closed until a "change of ownership takes place."
"Thank you for your patience and understanding while we resolve this matter," the note reads. "Please check our Facebook for updates."
