After 13 years, Java Jamboree, a local coffee shop in Cochrane, will be closing its doors this March.
The announcement was made in a letter posted on their Facebook page Jan. 14. The letter stated that it has ‘been made virtually impossible’ for Java Jamboree to continue to run their business ‘in a sustainable way.’ It goes on to say that their rent ‘continues to increase with little to no consideration for these small, independently owned businesses.’
“There has been a massive outpouring of love and support,” said owner Jessica Johnston of the reaction to the news.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the letter had been shared over 60 times on Facebook.
“It is really striking a chord with people in this town about the sustainability of local businesses,” Johnston added.
Bentleys Books, which was located in the same complex, also closed last March. Owner Mary Lou Davis said in an interview last year with the Eagle that she also could not negotiate what she believed would be a ‘favourable lease.’
Johnston said that not only have the regulars been reacting, but Cochrane residents in general. She said they are concerned about the issue and have also been showing their support.
“The best thing that can come of this is that it has started a dialogue,” she said.
In terms of how residents can help local businesses, Johnston said to try and make a conscious decision to support them if they can.
There are no definite plans of a closing event for Java Jamboree, but Johnston said she and her staff would have something to celebrate in the store in the weeks before it closes. She said to keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates at facebook.com/javajamboree.
