Alameda coffee lovers’ hearts sank when they read the words—in all capital letters—on social media: “WE’RE CLOSING.”
So that’s it. Coffee Cultures, the popular pour-over coffee spot on the corner of Park Street and Blanding Avenue, known not just for its java but also for its yummy soft serve, Dole whip, and dog-friendly patio, is closing at the end of the month. The last day will be Saturday, January 31.
“This isn’t goodbye forever — it’s goodbye for now,” the announcement continued. The new owners are set to take over on February 1, “and will be using our coffee.”
Owner Jason Michael Paul, who was born and raised in Alameda, offered “an extra special thanks to my hometown for supporting us through the years. We’re going to miss serving you and this wonderful community.”
Fans on Facebook returned the sentiment. “We’ll miss you,” one commenter wrote. “You’ve been one of my favorite coffee places in town since forever, and I’m picky.”
A follower on Instagram said it all in a few words: “Coffee Cultures changed my life. Long live the Cult.”
Coffee Cultures opened in Alameda on May 30, 2021. Prior to that, there were four locations in San Francisco. The first one opened in 2013 at 255 Bush Street, in the heart of the Financial District, and was sold in 2018. All of those San Francisco cafes are listed as “past locations” on the Coffee Cultures website.
The name of the company came from owner Paul’s world travels as a concert producer, according to the Coffee Cultures website. “In every city he visited, he made it his mission to find the best coffee shops and local roasters. He was infatuated by the different ways people consume coffee around the globe. …The coffee culture in various places around the world was so unique yet so similar. Coffee brings people together and makes them happy. When a foreign place can sometimes be overwhelming, there was always something so comforting about being in a coffee shop.”
Alameda will miss Coffee Cultures.
