COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Market Street Grill, rated as having the “Best Breakfast in Colusa County” has closed.
The sudden shuttering last week of the iconic restaurant, the result of prospective buyers backing out of the sale, ends a decade of hot meals for Colusa’s homeless population and a popular assembly place for board meetings,
political meetings, and other gatherings.
and Marilyn Davison presented flowers to Diane Shuman, right, thanking her for the many years Market Street Grill provided donated meals for the hungry and homeless in Colusa.
“The last 10 years have been quite an adventure,” owner Diane Shuman posted on social media when she announced the closure on Nov. 9. “With your help, we’ve survived illnesses, a broken leg, and COVID. We’ve prepared nearly
14,000 healthy and hearty meals that were distributed to those less fortunate through our One for One program. We’ve had a front row seat through many weddings, reunions, baby showers and celebrations of life. We’ve experienced the joy of new babies, and the sorrow when customers have passed on. We have connected with people on so many levels and have developed lasting friendships.”
Shuman announced plans to retire months ago to spend more time with family but had stayed on to help the prospective owners make a smooth transition. When the buyers backed out, Shuman said she painfully decided to close the restaurant immediately and permanently.
Shuman purchased Market Street Grill, formerly Mi Ranchito Mexican Food, from Tom Indrieri in 2013.
Under Shuman, Market Street Grill became well known – in addition to having generous servings – for helping A Hand Up provide a hearty meal each week to those in need.
“Her program of One to One was from a speaker she heard who talked about giving one pair of socks or shoes for every pair sold,” said Robin Rauch, founder of A Hand UP. “Diane contacted me and said she wanted to provide one cup of soup for every cup she sold, for the hungry and homeless.” She did that and more. She started providing hearty salads in the summer and meals in the winter.
For several years, Shuman also provided the dressing for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, which A Hand Up provided at the Colusa Presbyterian Church on Thanksgiving Day.
Last year, A Hand Up fed more than 300 people on the holiday.
“During COVID, on days when Market Street Grill was closed, and A Hand Up was not able to have the hungry sit down inside for a meal, Diane welcomed them to sit at her outside dining tables so they could eat their food quickly
while it was still hot,” Rauch said. “No matter how she had challenges in the business, she never forgot the hungry in Colusa.”
The Hand Up Board and volunteers from the Assembly of God Church, Colusa First Presbyterian Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Saint Stephen Episcopal Church and Trinity Methodist Church, whose philanthropic work with the hungry and homeless relied on Market Street Grill, said they will miss Shuman’s constant smile, her faithful service, and will never be able to say thank you enough.
For residents of Colusa, the closing of the popular eatery came as a blow.
“For 10 years, she prepared food generously and beautifully,” said Marilyn Davison. “We are not going to forget that.”
In her final remarks, Shuman thanked her customers for their patronage, friendship, and support, and said she takes with her many memories.
“It’s been an honor,” Shuman said.