After 19 Years and a 'Full and Proud Heart,' Morrisville's Deb's Place Plans to Close
Deb Papineau extended a final invitation: “I hope you will join us in our final weeks to celebrate and say goodbye. I would love to share one last cup of coffee with you.”
After nearly two decades of serving as a beloved community hub, Deb’s Place in Morrisville will be closing its doors. In a heartfelt social media post, owner Deb Papineau announced that the restaurant’s last day of business will be October 29. The decision, she wrote, “was not made lightly and comes after much reflection.” For 19 years, the cozy diner at 345 Brooklyn Street has been far more than a place for breakfast and lunch; it has been a cornerstone of Morrisville life, a reality underscored by the community’s response to its closing. The story of Deb’s Place is a powerful look at how a local business can weave itself into the very fabric of a Vermont town.
More Than a Meal
At its core, Deb’s Place built its reputation on hearty, from-scratch American comfort food. According to numerous patrons and reviews, the restaurant was a go-to spot for breakfast, earning a third-place win for “Best Breakfast” in a regional readers’ choice poll. The menu featured creative and satisfying dishes like a “Sausage Gravy Breakfast Poutine” and fresh bagels delivered daily from The Bagel in Stowe. Its “Vermont Burger” became the stuff of local legend, with one online commenter calling it the “best ‘Vermont Burger’ ever.”
But the food was only part of the experience. The restaurant was consistently described as having a “cozy atmosphere” and a “classic Vermont vibe.” It was a place where families were welcome, local art adorned the walls, and the staff was known for providing, as one source compiled, “outstanding customer service.” This combination of quality food and genuine hospitality created the foundation for the deep community loyalty it enjoyed for almost two decades.
A Proprietor’s Personal Touch
The unique character of Deb’s Place was a direct reflection of its owner, Deb Papineau. She wasn’t just a restaurateur; she was a teacher, a neighbor, and a constant presence. Her role extended far beyond the kitchen, most notably through her popular cake-decorating classes. According to a 2017 feature in Seven Days, these monthly events transformed the café into a vibrant classroom where dozens of community members of all ages would gather to learn a new skill. By offering these classes, sometimes in partnership with local organizations like River Arts, Papineau shared her passion and fostered a space for creativity and connection.
Her farewell announcement highlights the deeply personal relationships she built. She gave specific thanks to regulars by name—”Jason, Nicole and Hazel” for family breakfasts, “Tammy, Vicki and Shelly” for their “3 hour long morning study sessions,” and “Karl, Bob, Tony, Darryl, Ed, Carter” for their unwavering support. “Watching our community grow, lots of little people growing up to graduate and move on to bigger and better things all while being a small part of your daily routines,” Papineau wrote, “has been the greatest joy of my life.”
Woven into the Fabric of Morrisville
Deb’s Place earned its status as a community institution through years of active and meaningful engagement. The restaurant operated as a micro-gallery, giving local artists a place to display and sell their work. It was a regular participant in town life, entering its homemade chili into the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival’s chili cook-off and earning a third-place tie.
The commitment to Morrisville’s well-being was also demonstrated through direct financial support. The Copley Hospital’s 2023 Annual Report, for instance, formally lists Deb’s Place as a donor, a clear sign of its investment in the health of the community it served. This symbiotic relationship—where the restaurant supported the town and the town, in turn, supported the restaurant—was the key to its longevity and beloved status.
What We Can Learn from a Local Gem
The closing of Deb’s Place is more than just the loss of a favorite eatery; it is a poignant reminder of the vital role that such establishments play in our communities. In an increasingly digital world, these “third places”—the spots outside of home and work where people connect—are more important than ever. They are the settings for casual conversations, new friendships, and the simple, shared experiences that build a sense of belonging. Deb’s Place was a quintessential example of this, a gathering point that fostered community simply by offering a warm welcome and a great meal.
As Vermonters, the story of Deb’s Place encourages us to look around our own towns and recognize the value of our local diners, cafes, and shops. These businesses are often run by our neighbors, and they do more than just contribute to the local economy; they create the spaces where community happens. Supporting them is an investment in the social health and unique character of the places we call home.
In her closing message, Deb Papineau extended a final invitation: “I hope you will join us in our final weeks to celebrate and say goodbye. I would love to share one last cup of coffee with you.” It’s an open door that, for 19 years, has helped make Morrisville a community.