The recent closure of Coffee By Design's India Street location marks a significant change for the Portland coffee roaster, which has faced challenges over the past year and a half. Once boasting four locations, the company has now reduced its presence to just one at Diamond Street. The decision to close the India Street shop was announced on social media, expressing gratitude to loyal customers but providing no details on the reasons behind the closure or potential job losses.
• The India Street location is the third closure for Coffee By Design in a short time frame.
• Previous closures include the original Congress Street location and the Freeport shop, which shut down due to a major renovation at L.L. Bean.
• Financial struggles intensified by the pandemic and decreased foot traffic have contributed to the closures.
• Despite these challenges, the company recently became the first independent coffee shop in Maine to ratify a labor union contract.
This situation highlights the difficulties faced by small businesses in adapting to changing market conditions. The closures reflect broader trends in the coffee industry and the impact of the pandemic on local businesses. As Coffee By Design navigates these challenges, its future will depend on customer support and the ability to adapt to the evolving landscape.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.