Crestwood Coffee Company, a beloved coffeehouse in Birmingham, is closing its doors “for the foreseeable future.”
Camille Henry, owner of the coffee shop at 5512 Crestwood Blvd., announced the news via Facebook on Thursday, pointing to financial struggles prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
“It is with a heavy heart that I tell you all (our friends, neighbors, family), that CCC is closed for the foreseeable future,” Henry’s post says. “The pandemic losses have finally caught up to us, and we simply cannot sustain the business as is. I (Camille) have not lost all hope of being able to reopen at some point, but it’s something that cannot happen currently. I want all of you to know how deeply grateful I am for your support and love. And do stay tuned for an event next week to blow out some inventory. We’ll have some specials, some loud and inappropriate music, and hopefully some hugs. Details to follow. Love to all of you, my chosen family.”
A photo accompanying the post includes text that says, “It’s not goodbye, but see you later.”
Crestwood Coffee opened in summer 2004 in the Crestwood Shopping Center, serving sandwiches, soups, baked goods and breakfast items along with drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, iced coffee and more.
The coffee shop quickly became a favorite with folks in Crestwood and Avondale, known for its welcoming atmosphere, tasty food, artsy decor and, in recent years, a resident Betta fish serenely swimming in a small tank on the counter.
Wine and beer, live music and specialty brunch menus became part of the agenda at Crestwood Coffee, but many regulars simply enjoying having a neighborhood coffee shop where they could sit and chat with friends. Management of the coffeeshop changed over time, but Henry, the current owner, was a mainstay behind the counter and well-known to customers.
“The food is awesome and the people are nice,” says a 2013 Facebook review by Derrick Lord. “What more is there to say?”
Fans of Crestwood Coffee bemoaned the shop’s closing and offered support to Henry with comments on her Facebook post. (It had more than 260 emoji reactions by noon on Friday, most them indicating “sad” or “caring.”) Responses included:
“Ah, this breaks my heart. Thanks for ALL that you do for this community. Let us know how we can help make your reopen a sure, and hopefully soon, thing.” -- Burgin Mathews
“So sad to see you go! Maybe you’ll be back one day before long. We love you guys take good care of yourself!” -- Clara Melton
“Sorry to hear this, you have been an important part of our neighborhood for so long now.” -- Louis Alexander Heerten
“Dammit. Dammit. Dammit. I can’t believe it, but I know it’s been tough as hell. It’s been so great to hang there, plan there, play music there and just know that you ARE there. This makes me sad as hell. Is there anything we can do as a neighborhood to keep this from being permanent??” -- John Scalici
“Oh no! I’m so sorry to read this tough news. Thank you for everything, especially caffeinating my dad.” -- Glenny Brock
“Wow I’m shocked. Can we support a benefit event? So sad.” -- Griffith Gray
“This is a tough loss for the Crestwood community.” -- John Davis
“I can’t let go! I love y’all so much!!!! CCC is my favorite place in Bham of all time! I’m about to cry! I wish I could go just one more time!! This hit hard. I hope you guys do well in the future. If you need anything I’m a huge supporter!!” -- Dani Mims
“Noooooo. This place holds space in my heart. Following for next week’s details. So grateful for CCC.” -- Alicia Clavell McCall