CHAMPAIGN — A local coffee shop is closing its longtime downtown location, with the owner saying the business never returned to normal post-pandemic.
Café Kopi has announced that, after operating downtown for over 30 years, Dec. 15 will be the final day of business for its location at 109 N. Walnut St.
“It’s a pretty sad day for all of us, because it’s never fun to close a café, especially one as special as that one,” said owner Douglas McCarver.
He said the main reason for the closure was that it felt like “the right time,” as their lease was up. Their last renewal was in 2019, just before the world and business landscape changed dramatically.
“Kopi has never gotten back to where it was before (the pandemic),” he said.
McCarver added that downtown “isn’t what it used to be,” and he’s seen several social media posts from other businesses in the area that are struggling.
“It’s not just Kopi,” he said. “It’s everyone.”
Still, while the countdown to closure may have begun, Café Kopi is still hoping to have a bit of fun before the doors shut for good.
“We are looking forward to spending one last Parade of Lights serving up hot cocoa to all of you, so on November 30 we will have extended hours,” the business wrote in a social media post.
Gift cards and loyalty rewards will be honored at Café Kopi’s campus location in the Gies College of Business and at all Espresso Royale locations.
“We are so very grateful to the wonderful customers who have supported us through the years,” McCarver said. “You are what has made Cafe Kopi such a special place. Coffeehouses are not just businesses; they are communities where lasting connections are made, and lifelong friendships are forged.”
Champaign Center Partnership officials likewise said that Café Kopi is more than just a place to get lattes; it is “a gathering place, a melting pot of ideas, creativity, and friendships.”
“It’s these local gems that form the heartbeat of our community, making Champaign a truly unique place to call home,” the organization wrote in a social media post. “In a world where convenience often outshines authenticity, it’s more important than ever to celebrate and support our local businesses. They are the true artisans, creating not just products, but experiences that enrich our lives and shape our community’s character.”