After nearly three years in business, Kummba Juice & Coffee, 274 E. Keefe Ave., will close its doors for good on Sunday, November 15. The Riverwest/Harambee cafe and community hub made the announcement on social media over the weekend.
“After much thought and reflection we have made the difficult decision to end operations here at Kuumba Juice & Coffee,” wrote co-owner Alexander Hagler. “Our last day will be Sunday, November 15th.”
Kuumba was originally opened by Hagler, Ellie Jackson, and Joe Ferch in February 2023. The cafe takes its name from the Swahili word for “creativity” and the sixth principle of Kwanzaa. It is located in the Connector Building situated along the Beerline Trail.
Kuumba’s impending closure comes on the heels of Riverwest cafe The Daily Bird closing up shop on October 31. A new cafe, Know Good, will take The Daily Bird’s place.
Here’s the rest of Hagler’s message regarding Kuumba:
Over the past three years Kuumba has been exactly what we wanted in a coffee shop. It has been a gathering place for neighbors, artists, organizers, friends, and strangers who have become familiar faces.
We’ve had the privilege of providing a space for meaningful conversations, community initiatives, movement building + solidarity, celebrations, and everyday moments of connection. Building and sustaining this space has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Updates on what will happen with the space will be communicated as they become available. In the meantime we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported Kuumba over the years.
To our staff, customers, neighbors, community partners, and all those who have contributed to making this place a staple in the neighborhood.
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
Whatever comes next I hope the spirit of Kuumba continues to live on in this space and within all of us.
-Alex
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