BY LISA STAYTON
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Masterpiece Kitchen & Café announced Saturday it would be “temporarily closing for a few months” starting Dec. 20 as it undergoes revitalization.

The popular eatery shared the news with customers on social media. “During this time, we will be reworking our menu and adjusting our hours to line up with our vision to create a coffee shop and café experience,” it said.

A reopening date remains unknown. However, during its closure the café’s upstairs event space will remain available for rentals and its catering services will continue. “You can still reach out to us for any catering needs you may have,” the message said.

The decision to close close comes after Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) took over operations of the former Shufflin Café in February 2024. Under its new name, the café became part of ARC’s mission to provide opportunities for women in recovery at White Oak Hill, an addiction recovery facility in Inez, through ARC’s culinary arts program.

In February, after the restaurant changed hands, ARC’s founder and CEO Tim Robinson, a Martin County native, expressed optimism about the café’s dual role in the community.

“We are fostering hope, healing and community right here in Inez,” Robinson said. “Through food and education, we are not just offering a culinary experience — we are creating pathways to brighter futures for those in recovery.”

The café originally opened in 1998 as Miss Ida’s Tea Room and carries a rich history. Named after the late Miss Ida Belle Davis, the tea room was known for its blend of home-cooked meals and fine dining.

Miss Ida’s influence guided the establishment’s quality and charm through its first decade, making it a beloved Inez staple.

Later, former owner Linda Booth Davis renamed it Shufflin Café.