A popular Korean-style bookstore cafe in Duluth is closing its doors this month. The closure comes after 10 years in the neighborhood. The announcement prompted an outpouring of reactions from customers on social media.
Cafe Rothem Announces Upcoming Closure
Cafe Rothem announced it will close on July 18. It is located at 3585 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, in the Howell Center shopping plaza. The cafe is popular for its coffee, books, music, and quiet atmosphere.
Over the years, the café has served as a gathering place for students, remote workers, and local residents. In the social media post, the owners did not reveal the reason behind the closure. The café is also holding a clearance sale on retail merchandise. It will offer a 40% discount on its collection of books, CDs, and other items.
The upcoming closure will bring the end of a favorite community space in Duluth. The café’s menu includes Korean-inspired pastries, light meals, and specialty beverages. Offerings also include Korean waffles, rice bowls, espresso beverages, and specialty drinks such as the Burnt Sugar Latte.
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Customers Share Farewell Messages
Cafe Rothem thanked the community in its farewell post for the wonderful 10 years. Customers have expressed their emotions over the closure on social media. Many also reflected on memories at the café and said they planned to visit before it closes.
One Instagram user wrote, “We don’t live in Georgia anymore, but when we did live there, we visited this place often to have work sessions. I even remember the open mic poetry nights. The waffles and the iconic bookshelf wall were my favorites. Thank you for being a part of our lives & the community!”
One customer also wrote, “I just moved into the community and loved visiting you guys.”
Cafe Rothem’s closure will mark the end of a beloved neighborhood gathering place in Duluth.
