“Gretchen Gordon and Wendy Palmer were in their very early twenties in 1991 when they borrowed $25K each to buy Masthead, a restaurant on Mill St. in Oxford, known at that time as a local hangout with a small menu.”
That’s how the Spy began its coverage of Latitude 38 as it celebrated its 28th anniversary back in 2018. After 31 years of being an Oxford mainstay, the two are moving on, and we are back as they say goodbye.
The Spy spoke to the duo about the past 31 years, how they started in business with the help of Gordon’s father, Ron Fox, and their future, including Palmer continuing her role as Director of Operations at the YMCA at Washington and Gordon’s insistence of relaxing by her pool.
According to Palmer, the popular local eatery, located at 26342 Oxford Road in Oxford, will be transferred over to new owners Kris and Leigh Clear on May 9th. When asked what they would miss the most, the two mentioned their patrons, who showed up to support their favorite restaurant even during the height of the pandemic.
A recent FB post displayed the love the locals have for Palmer and Gordon and the staff as they congratulated them yet expressed how much they will be missed. Latitude is returning the favor and will be hosting a farewell party on May 6th from 6-9 PM.
Val Cavalheri is a recent transplant to the Eastern Shore, having lived in Northern Virginia for the past 20 years. She’s been a writer, editor and professional photographer for various publications, including the Washington Post.
Lois Hamilton says
One of my real favorites over manny years. You will be missed
Ceci and Pete Schneider says
Such a favorite to go restaurant in Oxford for us. Knowing the owners and staff made us feel like we were dining with family and friends. The bar dinner were the best. We will miss seeing Wendy and Gretchen when we come back to visit.
Wendy Palmer says
Ceci and Pete, you are missed in Oxford. Thanks for your kind words.❤️❤️
Linda Cutts Featherman says
THANK YOU for the many years of delighting us with your food and friendship. You have left a beautiful legacy to our small town.
God bless you both in all that lies ahead.
Wendy Palmer says
Thanks so much Linda!
❤️❤️❤️
Wendy says
Thanks so much!
Jamie graff says
BesT bosses EVER‼️‼️‼️ I have worked for these two women for 26 years and we ARE FAMILY I will miss you both SO MUCH!😘
Wendy says
Jamie, you are so amazing! We have been blessed to have you on our team all these years!! Latitude family for life!❤️
Linda Goss says
You will be missed, Wendy and Gretchen. I’m sure you have heard that before.
I look forward to having Wendy as my instructor at Cross court.
Thank you for all those years at Lattitude.
Wendy Palmer says
Thanks Linda! See you at the YMCA soon!
Katherine R. Herbert says
Absolutely the BEST restaurant in Talbot County and my favorite. A menu that changes, home baked bread, wonderful desserts and a bartender that made the best Scotch Manhattan Perfect on the shore( actually new what the perfect was)! ….and the atmosphere suited me perfectly…reminding me of an English pub. Could always count on a wonderful meal there. Hoping the new owners can measure up. Thank you both for some delightful dining experiences. Good luck.
Wendy says
Thanks so very much!
Matt Simington says
I worked with Gretchen and Wendy for many years. Nothing but good memories from my time there. Thank you both and best wishes to you.
Congratulations to Kris and Leigh Clear.
Wendy says
Matt, please come to our party May 6th!!
It would be great to see you!!
Dick and Susan Deerin says
Wonderful restaurant, staff and owners. Big part of Oxford for so many years. Always our “go to” place.
Wendy says
Dick and Sue, thanks for your support!! We love you both and hope you can attend our party on Friday!! Dick, we have karaoke!!! I know how much you love to sing!!
Charlotte says
Charlotte Bradley here, wishing both of you much success in your future endeavors. I so miss Oxford and the small-town feel. I’m glad that you’re leaving on such a high note with the world ahead of you. My very best to you and your families!
Merry says
Sorry to hear this , one of our favorites
Betsy Roe says
So many great memories …I wish you both the best !!!
Jena Spurry says
I literally grew up working at this restaurant. Gretchen and Wendy we the best bosses you could ever have. They cared deeply for their staff, their customers and about the quality of food they served. I worked for the girls for 12 years. Latitude is not just a restaurant it’s a feeling of companionship. See you Friday ladies!! Love you!!
Bob Greenlee says
All the big memorable white tablecloth special occasion meals, all the small memorable bar dinners, the fried green tomatoes, the salad dressing, a couple of dark ‘n stormy’s … all great, but all pale by comparison to what you two meant to my children growing up … there aren’t enough thanks.
Martha Witte Suss says
What a wonderful institution you all have built. You will obviously be missed but you have earned you stripes. So relax…very glad it was sold and will continue on.