After recent health/permitting issues that saw Public Espresso’s downtown and Elmwood locations shuttering for a short period of time, a sad announcement has been made that the small-batch coffee roaster and café operator is closing its retail operations, including Shea’s Seneca. In a recent social media post, the operator stated, “It is with deep gratitude and profound sadness that we share the news that Public Espresso will be ceasing operations. Our last day of business will be Saturday, April 4th.”
Over the years, Public Espresso had earned a reputation as a solid espresso shop and pour-over bar, with a dedicated customer base that came to expect the finest products and service. Unfortunately, there were mounting operational issues at play that eventually become insurmountable. While it is unclear what all of those issues are at the moment, the writing is, unfortunately, on the wall.
“The last 13 years have been some of the most rewarding and challenging. But the landscape of operating a small business has changed dramatically in that time. It has ebbed and flowed in many directions, and we have finally found the changing tides too difficult to navigate. We thank you for your loyal support, business, and friendship over the years. It is difficult to end on a sour note, but it doesn’t diminish the many sweet ones along the way. We hope you’ll stop in to one of the cafés in the coming days to have a coffee and say goodbye. For now all 3 cafés will remain open with normal hours and full menus. We’re turning off delivery services to focus on the in-cafe experience.” – Public Espresso
What’s especially sad is that all three deserved retail outlets will be adversely affected by the closures, of course. The Elmwood location finally had what appeared to be a long lasting café after years of seeing openings and closings of numerous coffee shops.
I can’t imagine The Hotel at The Lafayette with Public Espresso, which was considered a retail anchor for the building. And now with M&T Bank bringing more employees back to their offices, it’s bittersweet news for the hotel, as that was one of their go-to coffee shops.
Of course it is also sad to see the café at Shea’s Seneca close its doors… all three locations appeared to thrive thanks to the presence of Public Espresso.
Now, all three venues will now be stuck with big question marks, unfortunately. Let’s hope the spaces won’t sit around empty for too long. I’m also hoping that Public Espresso will continue to operate in the background as a small-batch coffee roaster, which appears to be the case. In their farewell address, they stated, “This does not affect the cafés operated by Dash’s Market. They will remain in operation.”
I suppose that that is a silver lining.