Call it a tale of two buildings. On the corner of Longcommon and Burlington, on the site of the former Henninger’s Drug Store, one building-still in its infancy-looms large, awaiting its future. The other is the grand dame of Riverside commercial buildings-the Arcade Building. Displaying the ravages of time and neglect, it stands as a testimonial to another era in the Village of Riverside.

While the former has yet to make its mark in village history, the latter has etched its place firmly in Riverside history. The Village Center has plans to revitalize the downtown business area with shops and condos and the plans are well on their way. The Arcade Building, under new ownership for the past three years, is a subject of constant speculation.

Once a vital building, only one business now remains-Grumpy’s ice cream store. Grumpy’s became the sole business on June 30, when Chew Chew Cafe closed its doors.

The closing of Chew Chew meant the end of something the village had never known before, a place to meet, greet, imbibe, and dine on fine food in an atmosphere that could serve the most discriminating restaurant goers and attracted diners from all over.

It never made its way to the show “Check Please,” although it should have. Chew Chew was not the first eatery in the Arcade Building. Those who grew up in Riverside and are of a certain age remember The Grill-ette, Uncle Frankie’s (and boy were his homemade donuts great) and, of course, The Refectory.

Eleven years ago a young man named Scott Zimmer came on the scene with the Chew Chew Cafe. It didn’t take long to catch on. It was new, it was different, and it was good. Holidays, seasonal happenings, ringing in the New Year could all be celebrated at Chew Chew in fine fashion at the hands of Scott Zimmer.

As its popularity grew its regulars hoped it would go on forever, but it was not to be. Last week an e-mail was sent out notifying of the closing on June 30. It struck people hard and, until the last serving, the place was packed with people trying to hold on to what had become the favorite place of many-yours truly included.

The faithful were invited on July 1 to an appreciation get-together, sharing memories and declaring their favorite menu items. But the evening was bittersweet with people wondering what their favorite restaurateur was going to do, and amid much speculation there was no answer.

Now we wait to see what the “new building in town” will bring and watch to see if the grand old lady is going to get the facelift she needs and continue on.

So to Scott Zimmer, his friends and clientele say “thank you” for 11 years; they were the best of times. June 30 can be called the worst of times in Chew Chew Cafe history. My feeling is that we have not seen the last of Scott Zimmer and his quality dining, a feeling shared by many.

Building owners (old buildings, new buildings) take note: we’ve had a good thing going with Scott and Chew Chew-don’t miss out.