An iconic Lexington Park restaurant has been forced to close because of a kitchen fire this morning. The fire at Linda’s Café on Tulagi Place was reported at 5:07 this morning. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office has not yet released a report on the fire.
Owner Linda Palchinsky posted the following notice on the Linda’s Café Facebook page: “We are sorry to inform all of loyal customers that Linda’s Cafe experienced a fire this morning that will be closing us down till further notice. We will keep you up to speed on when we will be open. Keep us in your thoughts for a speedy fix!”
Linda’s opened in 1988. The story of the restaurant is told on their website: “Our story begins one warm day in 1988 when Linda Palchinsky decided that commuting to Washington DC was not the ideal way to raise a daughter and have a family. So she decided to purchase then ‘Kelly’s Place’ from her former maternity employer Kelly Buckler. So on September 1, 1988 she turned the key for her first day of business.
Times were hard in the beginning and she soon realized that she and her husband spent more time away from home than they did when she commuted! But they pushed on, many years of blood, sweat, and tears, Linda’s Cafe turned into a local spot, From the founding fathers of Lexington Park to contractors on the base, they all found a sense of comfort in her down home meals and comfortable surroundings.
“Focusing on homemade and fresh food daily, Linda has really set herself apart from other local restaurants. Not focusing on “saving a buck” she purchases quality product and let’s the food speak for itself. Using innovative ideas she has set new standards for dishes that even large chains are steps behind on. She works with a staff that has been with her from the beginning and pushes for the “Cheers” mentality! We want to know your name! Everyone works hard and it shows in the dedication to perfecting their craft. Customers and family alike prefer the flat top grill for eggs, deep fried hotdogs, and always excited to try that #3 special that is sure to surprise you each day you come in for lunch.”
