Alba Coffee Closing This Weekend

Less than a year after opening in a shopping center in one of Carrollwood's busiest intersections, 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.

, 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.