Earlier this week, we reported that Alba Coffee, a family-owned independent coffee shop in Carrollwood, was closing its doors due to high rental rates for businesses along north Dale Mabry Highway.
Turns out, the coffee shop, which opened last May, is staying open.
"We won't be closing this weekend," said Fiona Craig, who co-owns the coffee shop at 15000 N. Dale Mabry Highway at the corner of Bearss Avenue.
Craig wouldn't elaborate on the development, but last night, a message from someone at the coffee shop was posted on Alba Coffee's Facebook page confirming her sentiments:
"It would appear we have been given a last minute reprieve from closing. A unexpected development this week means that we will not be closing Alba on Sunday as announced. Alba will be continuing, and we ask that you continue to support us to ensure its survival during these economically difficult times. Saturday night will now be a celebration instead of a good bye.
A lot going on this weekend, live music Friday and open mic on Saturday, so get yourself down. Jeez - I will need to stock up the supplies now, just when I had let them all run down!!!!"
Christopher Nank
4:30 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Awesome! Even if it is only a temporary reprieve. We'll be there Sat.
Sara
8:37 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Sounds like the landlord came through with some rent relief. I am curious though that the article blames high rental rates for their closing. Weren't the rental rates the same last May when the lease was executed?
Camille C. Spencer
9:36 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
@Sara: thanks for commenting. for clarification, the article doesn't blame the high rental rates for closing, the owners of the business did. i don't know if the rates are the same as they were last year, though.
Sara
3:13 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Camille, sorry I didn't mean to imply that it was written as the excuse, but that the owners said the rental rates were the reason. I am in commercial real estate and typically you negotiate your lease rates for several years up front, so there is no unknown as far as rent. If the rents are too high now why were they previously agreed to? Maybe they have a differently structured deal but I find often that the lessee's realize after the fact that they can't meet their monthly demands and it is not always the big bad landlord.
Camille C. Spencer
3:18 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
@Sara: No problem. I understand your point.
Paul Streicher
6:56 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
It's hard to compete against Starbucks. Take a look at the two of them. Starbucks has a noticeable green paint color that's hard to not notice on the corners. Starbucks has a sign posted out front also. Maybe Alba Coffee would do better at another location with less restrictions in their lease. Not sure what restrictions there are but I can assume there is no additional sign posting allowed near or at the corner of the intersection. I didn't know about this coffee shop until now. I will have to take a visit soon.
Camille C. Spencer
9:41 am on Friday, February 10, 2012
@Paul: it's a great place. i know a lot of residents hope they stay around for a long time.