The popular Vineyard Haven restaurant Little House Cafe will come under new ownership in July. The buyer is Chilmark resident Brook Katzen.
The popular Vineyard Haven restaurant Little House Cafe will come under new ownership in July.
Tisbury selectmen agreed Tuesday to transfer the restaurant’s common victualler’s and alcohol licenses to Chilmark resident Brook Katzen, a real estate developer from Washington, D.C. who recently relocated to the Vineyard year-round.
Mr. Katzen, who said he is a longtime Little House patron, said the sale is expected to close in early July and that he does not plan to make many changes at the popular year-round eatery.
“I have always appreciated the humble simplicity of the place,” he told the selectmen.
“The objective is to provide the same level of quality and service, and uphold the reputation of the founders,” Mr. Katzen said.
Located in a small house set off the busy State Road commercial district two doors down from Cronig’s Market, the restaurant was founded in 2010 by two Island women, chef Merrick Carreiro and artist Jenik Khelalfa Munafo, and their husbands as a place where Islanders could get breakfast and lunch year-round. The following year, they added dinners.
The 1,118-square-foot building dates to 1950, according to town assessors' records, and was renovated in 2012 after it became a restaurant.
The restaurant has been on the market since October 2018, when it was listed for $1.5 million.
“Little House Café is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer, on July 1, which coincidentally is also my birthday,” Mr. Katzen said. “So maybe it was meant to be.”
The sale price was not disclosed.

Comments
I hope they continue to have
Liz Vineyard HavenI hope they continue to have the falafel sandwich! Best I've ever had!!
We have known Brook Katzen
Linda and Gaston adasz WTWe have known Brook Katzen his entire life and his experience in business and his appreciation of the quality of life our island offers will ensure the continued success of The Little House.
Love little house but maybe
Devon Vineyard HavenLove little house but maybe they will now change that menu or have a special. So much potential!
I love the consistency of
DownislanderI love the consistency of their Menu. Its one of the reasons I go there all the time. If I wanted something different, I’d go somewhere else.
I grew up in that house. It’s
Judy P VhI grew up in that house. It’s a lot older than the 50’s.
PLEASE keep the fabulous
Mary VHPLEASE keep the fabulous grilled salmon skewers with jasmine rice on the menu...... best best meal on the planet !!!! Good Luck to you Mr Katzen. I hope you will continue the high quality and great service of this little gem of a restaurant
For many years it was the
Karin West TisburyFor many years it was the Martha’s Vineyard Travel Bureau. I have great memories from my years working there and I enjoy dining there seated in the corner where my desk was!
I have long left the island
Mills Harwich, MAI have long left the island was a year-round resident for 18 years and the chef.
Although the best fish taco that I ever ate and still think it’s the best fish taco and I’ve had a lot of tacos is at the Little House. From the fish batter to the fresh limes cabbage slaw and corn tortilla, Fabulous, Good luck!!
The Little House has the best
Christine SengekontacketThe Little House has the best fish taco I have ever had anywhere in this country. Please keep it on the menu and don’t change it in anyway.
Fish tacos are my Holy Grail
Pam Coblyn Oak BluffsFish tacos are my Holy Grail and I try to order them whenever I try a new restaurant. Little House gets the #1 spot out of at least 50 restaurants on my list. Bravo!!!
Correction: Mr. Katzen’s
Bari Boyer ChilmarkCorrection: Mr. Katzen’s birthday is July 21st. That is the LHC founding date.
♥️Brook is a kind, brilliant,
Paddington Matz Armchair♥️Brook is a kind, brilliant, fun, funny , hard working entrepreneur who has a penchant for great food...the original owners picked the perfect buyer!
I know Brook from his time in
Dana Matassa Washington DCI know Brook from his time in the DC area. and I know he will be successful. Great guy!! Good Luck Brook. If I’m in your neck of the woods I’ll stop in for sure. Chapeau
Congratulations Mr. Katzen
Nancy EdgartownCongratulations Mr. Katzen and early Happy Birthday! We wish you all the best. Little House is our favorite spot on Island for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner - rare for vegetarians to be able to say this! Love the menu as is.
Relieved to hear the Little
Theresa AquinnahRelieved to hear the Little House Cafe will maintain its character and praying Brook keeps those yummy fish tacos, the scrumptious falafel sandwich and my husband's fav, the Cubano sandwich!
Can we get a 'shout-out' for
john shannon ChicagoCan we get a 'shout-out' for keeping THE Strawberry Shortcake on the menu - WOO-HOO, WOO-HOO!!
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