Community Puts Up Fight To Keep Davis Coffee Shop From Closing
DAVIS (CBS13) - The owners of a Davis coffee shop prepared to brew their last cup of coffee, until the community and their customers stepped up to save the small business.
"I know that we have the support of the community behind us," said Son Chong.
It began with a landlord and tenant with no common ground, but ended with a sweet deal for the coffee shop.
For the last 12 years, Chong has perfected the art of making espresso.
"Son is the doctor of mochas," said one customer.
So, his customers were steamed when they heard the landlord told Common Grounds to move out so Starbucks could move in.
"They're just like, the nicest people in the world," customer Alan Bennett said. "You know they're not corporate and it's a good, local thing."
The owners say they were negotiating a new lease for months, but then talks suddenly stopped. Then an eviction letter came from the landlord.
But the small town of Davis put up a big fight, getting a petition together to keep the beloved coffee shop open.
Chong says people from Woodland also got involved, as well as politicians.
Finally, the landlord seemed to see the loss would be someone else's gain.
"A lot of hassle, but I think it was a blessing in disguise," said Chong.
Common Grounds is staying in the Oakshade shopping center, but is moving to a bigger place with a patio.
Most of all, the coffee shop won't have any competition. It turns out that the coffee giant taking their spot was all just a rumor.
"It's very exciting to see what it's going to be. So I'm very happy for them," customer Rick Holmes said.
The Common Grounds' owner says they'll open up their new shop in about three to four months.
"I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart," said Chong of his customers.
The new business taking their old spot will be a pet store.
