A popular coffee shop in downtown Barrie has shut its doors and its most familiar face says she's sad to see it go.
Casa Cappuccino had been at its 91 Dunlop St. E. location since around 2001, with the current owner having taken over in August 2020 — right in the thick of the pandemic. The coffee shop closed last week.
Owner Amit Hossain says it was a tough decision.
“During and after COVID, the business slowed down. People were trying to stay away from downtown,” Hossain said. “Bottom line was there was not enough business.”
When asked how he would describe opening a business during the pandemic, Hossain replied with one word — ”crazy.”
Lori Penny was one of the friendly faces behind the counter at Casa Cappuccino for almost 15 years.
“It's been an up-and-down, emotional time, but I am doing OK," she said.
She says she found out March 14 of the intentions to close.
“My almost 15 years working at Casa has come to an end," Penny said. "I was heartbroken, shocked and extremely emotional. My last three days that week were the hardest thing I have ever gone through. I was a mess and surprised I got through it.”
Penny, 58, started working there in September 2008 and saw three owners over the years.
“It has been part of my life every day and I enjoyed every minute of it. I will miss working downtown,” she said. “I will miss seeing all the wonderful people I have met over the years. I've made a lot of friendships over that time.”
Penny says she's thankful for all the people who have reached out to her to see how she is doing. Many said they were sad to hear that Casa Cappuccino was closing.
She says she will now focus on family for a while before figuring out what's in store next for her.
“I’ll spend time with and help with my grandchildren and visit my mom in Montreal, as my dad passed away last June,” Penny said. “I’m not 100 per cent sure yet what is after that — I don't want to rush things."
She also says she's looking for a shorter work week.
"Big changes for me (are) ahead. They say all good things come to an end," Penny added.
Downtown Barrie BIA chair Sarah Jensen said she and the business organization were also sad to hear the news.
“It was a downtown landmark for close to 20 years and acted as a community gathering place," she said. "Our thoughts go out to the owner and staff during this transitional time. As one door closes, another opens and we look forward to seeing what will fill the space that Casa Cappuccino occupied."
Casa Cappuccino’s location — right next to Memorial Square/Meridian Place and just a short walk to the waterfront — made it an ideal meeting place in the heart of downtown. It also hosted things like political announcements and showcased work by local artists on its walls.
On busy days, the coffee shop would see approximately 400 to 500 people — some grabbing drinks to go and others meeting up with friends and colleagues to enjoy the ambience and views from the huge windows overlooking downtown.
Hossain praised his time serving downtown customers and it was a big part of his daily life.
“It was great. I have met so many great people and I liked the chit chat with them, being part of their daily routine," he said. "The kids coming in on the weekend are very refreshing. It is a great location, but the demographics had changed so much in the last couple of years during COVID.”
