Say it ain’t so!
Tri-cities coffee and tea drinkers are in shock today as Geneva 3rd Street favorite 318 Coffee House announced that it will be closing its doors on April 28.
Its sister establishment down the street, Graham’s Chocolates, will remain open, it was announced.
In a statement, Jayni Wunderlich, CEO, expressed how difficult the decision was to close such a beloved institution.
“This decision has not come easily. When we embarked on this journey back in 2005, we poured our hearts and souls into creating a warm and welcoming space where friends could gather, conversations could flourish, and memories could be made over steaming cups of coffee. Our vision was to create more than just a business; we wanted to create a home away from home for each and every one of you.”
Not surprisingly, the “tumultuous” COVID years played a major role in the family’s decision.
“The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, challenges that tested our resolve and resilience” Wunderlich explained. “In March of 2020, just 3 weeks into unveiling our beautifully renovated space that we were closed all of 2019 for, the world ground to a halt. Despite our best efforts to weather the storm, the weight of the circumstances proved too heavy to bear.
“In addition to the pandemic, we also faced the unexpected loss of my father [Robert Untiedt], who was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2020 and passed away in March of 2021. It was his dream to bring this coffee shop to life— his passion and dedication were the driving forces behind this endeavor, and his absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts.”
Regular patrons expressed sadness at the news.
“I am truly sad,” said frequent patron Laura Spencer upon hearing the news. “Graham’s 318 gave us a space to grow together, not just as individuals but as part of a larger, interconnected family.
“Here’s to Graham’s 318—thank you for the memories.”
