New in town

The upgrade will include new bathrooms, a new floor and ceiling, new furniture and new equipment in the kitchen. The new owner, who spoke with me in September when negotiations had just started and again last week, asked to remain anonymous until the deal is closed.

The new owner runs a restaurant, which he said he may sell after the Knight Cap deal goes through. And he wants to keep the Knight Cap’s theme the same.

“The Knight Cap has a reputation for having quality steak and seafood and I don’t want to mess with that,” he said.

Last year, owner Charlie Sinadinos celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Knight Cap, which she and her late husband, George Sinadinos, started. On Thursday, she wrote this on the Knight Cap’s Facebook page:

“(T)he restaurant is in the process of being sold. In order to transition smoothly to new ownership, we will close our restaurant doors for the last time on March 21, 2015. Last chance to enjoy the very best steaks, lobster bisque, wine list and service in the region, under the ownership of Charlotte Sinadinos. Thanks to all of our loyal staff, friends and patrons for a wonderful and memorable 45 and a half years.”

The Journal ran a story on its website Friday that it also posted to its Facebook page.

Within 15 minutes of posting the story, it had nearly 100 comments and twice as many shares, many lamenting the loss of a Lansing landmark. They say a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. Well here’s your proof.

Getting Crafty Lunch hot spot Restaurant Meditaran closed three weeks ago, but owner Igor Jurkovic is already back with a spinoff: Meditaran Café & Catering. The seven-table café, formerly the Capitol Bean Counter, opens Monday. It’s situated in the atrium on the first floor of the Capitol National Bank building. There’s also a side room that can accommodate private parties of eight or fewer, and Jurkovic said a banquet room is being renovated that will seat about 80.

Mediteran Café will feature European coffee, paninis, a salad bar and two fresh soups daily. Jurkovic said some holdovers from the restaurant, such as the spinach pie and Wiener schnitzel, will be added this summer. Also coming soon: soft serve ice cream.

Meanwhile, a new restaurant is already prepping to open in Mediteran’s old digs: the Crafty Palate, an American eclectic breakfast/lunch diner is set to open there in mid-April. I’ll tell you more about that soon.

Mediteran Café & Catering 200 N. Washington Square, Lansing (inside Capitol National Bank building) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday (opens Monday) (517) 402-6791