Staff writer
Cindy’s Café was closed March 9 for failure to pay back sales taxes of $12,859 but reopened Friday thanks to an anonymous individual who assisted owner Cynthia Taylor in obtaining a bank loan.
“Everything is paid in full,” Taylor said. “It was by the grace of God. I knew if he wanted me to be here, it would work out.”
The back taxes were from October 2013 through August 2014 and also October 2014.
Taylor purchased the business in April 2012. She said she now owns it free and clear. She plans to make some improvements. New linoleum will be installed in the kitchen and dining room, and the back room will receive a new ceiling. The building also will receive a new roof.
“I’m pretty excited,” she said. “My customers in this town have been awesome. Without them and my help, I would not be here.”
She has five or six employees, most of whom have been with her since she opened her door, she said.
Taylor experienced serious health problems two years ago and still has health issues, but she plans to continue the diner for the foreseeable future.
“This business keeps me going,” she said. “If it wasn’t for this, I would stay in bed every day. Even when I have a bad day, I make myself get dressed and come down here, even if it’s for five minutes.”
She said she puts money into a tax account every day and will be making a tax payment every month.
“We’re going to keep going,” she said.