Less than a year after opening in a shopping center in one of Carrollwood's busiest intersections, Alba Coffee is closing its doors on Sunday.
Ian Craig, owner of the family-owned coffee shop, said high rent along Dale Mabry has forced out small businesses like his, citing the recent closure of a sandwich shop nearby as another example.
"The rent here is very expensive for a small, independent coffee shop," he said. "You can't keep it open without making money."
The coffee shop at 15000 N. Dale Mabry Highway opened last May between Great Clips and a Ross clothing store, allowing residents an opportunity to patronize an independent business on a busy thoroughfare known for big box retail stores and popular chains like Starbucks.
Taylor Raynor, who entertained customers at the coffee shop just north of the intersection of Dale Mabry and Bearss Avenue, sent an email on Monday afternoon about the business closing.
"I am sad to inform you that the beloved family coffee shop Alba is closing down this weekend," he said in the email. "We are keeping Alba in our hearts and saying good bye this week with multiple events."
Those include trivia on Wednesday night at 7 p.m., open mic night on Thursday at 7 p.m., and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
At the end of the email, Raynor wrote: "Thank you all for your support, see you there at Alba!"
Alba Coffee can be purchased at locations such as Brianna's Fine Foods, 4920 Newkirk Drive in Tampa. Call 813-962-2022 for more information.
Chrissie Owens Price
8:17 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
It's a shame to see a small business that did such a great job with branding and design fail. We enjoyed our Alba coffee and hope they try again at a better location.
Christopher Nank
8:23 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I will really miss this place. What a shame. I always did work there on Thursdays and appreciated the friendly staff.
EddyDean
8:33 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
So sorry to hear that Alba Coffee is closing...I had an oppurtunity to sing & entertain there last year! It was a GREAT place to meet up and have some great coffee, I was able to get a few contacts/gigs from other customers who came in to listen and have a cup of coffee.
Thanks Alba Coffee for the time you were opened for business, but we're gonna miss you!
EddyDean
http://carrollwood.patch.com/users/eddydean
Camille C. Spencer
8:42 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Good points, everyone. I loved how friendly they were, and the location, too.
Tiffany Kirby
1:14 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Alba is no longer closing! They posted the news on their Facebook wall last night. :)
Camille C. Spencer
1:20 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
@tiffany: thanks for the info!