Popular gift and smoke shop, The Black Smoke Shop, announced its closure through a recent social media post. The store is winding down operations at its location on 5017 Newport Avenue in San Diego. The store has served the Ocean Beach community for 57 years.
Black Smoke Shop Closing Following Owner’s Retirement
The Black Smoke Shop has been a fixture on Newport Avenue for more than five decades. Founded in 1968 by Kurt Dornbusch, the store is widely known for offering smoking accessories. Along with that, it also features a wide mix of records, musical instruments, clothing, jewelry, incense, housewares, and quirky gifts.
Located in Ocean Beach, just half a block from the ocean and near the OB Pier, the shop sits in the heart of the neighborhood’s main shopping district.
The team behind the Black Smoke Shop recently announced the store’s closure in a social media post. In the message, they described the shop as a longtime Ocean Beach staple and thanked the community for its support over the years.
The post also explained that the owner of the store has decided to retire. “Kurt is officially retiring, closing this chapter with deep gratitude for this community,” the team behind the store said.
Community Shares Emotional Online Responses
Following the news of the sudden closure of the store, many longtime customers and fans shared their sadness on social media.
One of the fans highlighted the significance of the store in the area and said, “The Black represents the counterculture of the 1960s; it should be preserved at all costs for future generations of hippies, artists, musicians, and skaters. I will treasure all my memories at The Black.”
Another customer shared a cherished memory: “Remember walking in here when I was 14? The most eye-opening, sickest spot to wander in and explore. I will be missing this place; no one else will ever top this store. Here’s to fond memories.”
The closure of the Black Smoke Shop marks the end of an era for the Ocean Beach community. While the store is closing its doors, it leaves behind decades of memories.
