When we saw a listing late last week advertising that Dorset Cafe was for sale (the business only, not the real estate), we were surprised but not shocked. After all, Dorset has had a good run in town over its ten years here, and a bigger new coffee-plus shop called Caffe Nero is readying to open across the street at the Wellesley Hills train station.

We confirmed the listing with the broker, but when we contacted Dorset owner Sue Khudairi for further confirmation, she asserted in an email that Dorset is actually not for sale. According to Khudairi, “We are NOT selling the business even though the Town approved a new ‘European Coffee Shop’ literally 300 feet (across the street from us)…parking will become very challenging for our customers.”

Those conflicting reports struck us as odd since the listing’s picture and description of the business as a 750 square feet restaurant licensed for 24 seats, immaculate, and in move-in condition, located at 352 Washington St., matches the space. An additional source has confirmed that changes are occurring at that space.

At any rate, at this moment Dorset continues to serve its popular Afternoon Tea Service with various holiday themes (2pm-4pm), as well as breakfast and luncheon selections made in-house from scratch, and artisan teas and estate coffees. The business also provides gluten free vegan desserts to Whole Foods New England stores, Roche Bros., specialty grocery stores, local colleges, universities, and hospitals.

Where to eat in Wellesley

Caffe Nero is getting closer to opening

Chico’s Wellesley Square space on the block

Turnabout Shoppe in Wellesley closing