Wells Kitchen announces closures after more than a quarter century

The heart of Brighton’s small-town charm, Wells Kitchen, has closed its doors permanently following a devastating fire and the loss of co-owner Emily Crocker Schmitz.

The restaurant, a family-run staple known for its home-cooked meals and welcoming atmosphere, had been a community gathering place for decades.

The fire, which broke out in the early morning hours of Oct. 26, 2024, left the building with significant damage, forcing the beloved restaurant to cease operations. The Crocker family, who have owned and operated Wells Kitchen for nearly 26 years, initially hoped to rebuild. However, in the months that followed, they faced an even greater loss.

On Feb. 13, the family and community were heartbroken by the death of Emily, one of the daughters who had dedicated her life to continuing the family legacy. She passed after a lengthy illness and leaves not only her sisters, Sarah and Jennie, but her parents, husband Joseph, and sons Jamieson and Gunnar.

In a heartfelt social media post Monday, Vannice and Sarah Crocker, Emily’s mother and sister, announced their decision not to reopen the restaurant.

“The loss of our Emily and the health of my mother and myself have led us to the decision that we will not be reopening,” the post said. “It is our hope that we have inspired your taste buds at least once or twice.”

For many, Wells Kitchen was more than just a restaurant; it was a cornerstone of the community, where families gathered for meals, friends reconnected over sweet tea, and weary travelers found comfort in a plate of fried chicken and homemade pies.

The story of Wells Kitchen began with Louise Wells Vandergrift, who originally opened the restaurant more than 40 years ago. Over time, it became a family affair, with her daughter, Vannice Crocker, taking over and eventually passing the torch to her own daughters, Sarah, Emily, and Jennie. The restaurant, nestled in the heart of Brighton, became known for its fried chicken, catfish, skillet cobblers, and signature home-style dishes that kept customers coming back for generations.

For years, Wells Kitchen embodied small-town Southern charm, where handwritten menus on a chalkboard greeted guests and regulars knew they would be served with a smile. The restaurant’s reputation grew beyond Brighton, drawing visitors from across the region who craved its comforting meals and welcoming atmosphere.

Vannice and her daughters poured their hearts into the business, often working long hours to ensure that every customer left satisfied.

“We always had the same menu, because good food doesn’t need to change,” Vannice said in a 2014 interview with The Leader. “Fried chicken and love—those are the ingredients that keep people coming back.”