Elements Cafe to close after 14 years

Get in your last meals now at Elements Cafe in Haddon Heights, as chef/owner Fred Kellermann has found a buyer for his eclectic small-plater after 14½ years.

Kellermann, 49, says the last day will be June 25 to 30, depending on inventory. Gift cards should be used by then, he said.

Kellermann worked tirelessly to put South Jersey's independent restaurants on the map through his work with SJ Hot Chefs, a marketing and promotions coalition.

He said he was bowing out because he needs a "recharge." His financial situation has changed since his son, Fred, graduated from college, he said.

In an email to customers, he said that "at the end of the day, I just want something different today than when I dreamed of opening Elements." It opened in January 2003 after Kellermann had turned heads with his cooking at the Crazy Kat's in Delaware.

He thanked son and his wife, Mari, "for all that they have done and put up with. As most of you know I spent way too much time away from them so they would try to make it easier on me by coming and helping at work. They never had any intention of being in the restaurant business and did so only for me." He also thanked his parents and brother.

Elements is open Wednesday through Sunday, opening at 5 p.m. and taking its last seating at 8 p.m. To those hoping to snag a late table, Kellermann offered advice in his email: "Sorry, for the better part of 15 years it was nearly impossible to get people to dine after 8 p.m. and we won't start now."

Another restaurant is on its way to the space.