Landmark Plymouth restaurant forced to close after 66 years
A landmark in the City of Plymouth will close this month after six decades of serving residents from throughout the area.
Mueller said the increased monthly rent on the building proposed by the new owners was unsustainable for his business. He said two weeks after the notification of the rent increase, he received an eviction notice. He said he was “shocked and stunned” and admitted he had a “good cry” over the loss of his landmark business. Mueller has owned the business since 2019 after working in the kitchen for the previous owners.
Mueller said he was told the new owners plan to bring in a different restaurant concept to the historic building.
The house was built in 1868 at 280 North Main St. and was initially a boarding house and hotel for railroad workers. As years passed, the building served as a church and a music studio before becoming the famous corned beef house.
Mueller said news of the impending closure has swept through the community. He said the Chamber of Commerce, other business owners and long-time customers have contacted him offering support. He said, overall, the reaction from the public has been one of sadness to see such a longtime landmark business close.
To help the staff, who were also surprised by the impending loss of their jobs just prior to the holidays, a fundraiser has been planned at the restaurant from 4 until 8 p.m. Dec. 15. Mueller announced the effort in a social media post.
“It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts that we announce that Bode's Corned Beef House will be closing its doors on December 19th, 2025,” he said in the message. “As I’m sure you realize, being forced to close right before the Christmas holiday is a tough blow, but we hope you’ll join us on December 15th for a Christmas party fundraiser for our staff.”
Mueller said he was grateful for the years of support from the community.
“Once again, thank you for contributing to the memories we’ve made… It has been an honor serving you,” he ended the Facebook post.
Mueller said he and his wife are hoping to reopen nearby with a smaller operation and perhaps a bakery. “We may call it Bode’s Corned Beef House II,” he said.
