Well-known coffee spot Panther Coffee is forced to shut down its Sunset Harbor location on February 28 after operating there for over 10 years. The team running the cafe cited challenges in lease negotiations with the landlords that led them to shut down the spot.
Beloved Panther Coffee Café in Sunset Harbor to Close
Located at 1875 Purdy Ave, Panther Coffee has become one of Miami’s go-to hangout spots. Owners Leticia and Joel Pollock announced that the location will be shuttering in a social media post. The post said the restaurant wanted to stay and tried everything possible, but the landlords were unwilling to compromise.
“After 13 years, they’re closing our doors at the Sunset Harbour location. We did not want to leave, and we did all we could. Our option at some point was signing a new 10-year lease at the highest rate ever for the area. A lease our small business could not afford,” said the post.
The post said the owners tried to renew the lease, but the landlord ultimately declined to negotiate.
“We tried to negotiate with no success. Although we were still searching for creative ways to make it work, we recently received an official notice that the landlord will not renew our lease,” the post read.
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It said that they were told to allow the new tenant to take measurements. “In the same email, they already asked us to allow a new tenant to come take measurements. Just like that, it’s game over for our time in Sunset Harbour,” the post continued.
Panther Coffee will serve its last day on February 28. Upset with the decision, the founders said they were not leaving because it was a choice, not because they failed. “It stings. As someone said at the shop last week: “We’re being dumped.” It sucks,” it said.
Panther Coffee Offers Relocation Options to Sunset Harbor Staff
The social media post also offered hope for the Panther Coffee team, assuring them of options to relocate to other Panther locations. The founders added that the past 15 years have been a learning experience for them, but it was the first time they’ve had to close a location.
“Joel, I, and the Panther team have never closed a location in the 15 years we’ve worked together, and I’m sure there will be a lot of learning for us,” it said. The duo also offered some advice for all small business owners.
“One lesson already feels clear, and it stays as unsolicited advice for other small business owners: be choosy when it comes to a landlord. The role it plays in a small business’s longevity cannot be understated,” the post said. Expressing gratitude, the post urges its followers to visit the Sunset Harbor location for coffee while it lasts.
“We remain grateful. We’ll learn what we’re ready to learn, carry the memories, and move forward content, knowing we have enough,” it read. It concluded, “So come get some coffee and remember the good times at 1875 Purdy while it lasts. Thank you to the wonderful guests we love and shared so many moments over the last 13 years in Sunset Harbour.”
As the Sunset Harbor chapter comes to an end, Panther Coffee’s focus remains on celebrating 13 years of memories and community.
