Business & Tech

Paddy's to Shut Down Next Month, Seeking New Location

The last day of operation at the Smith Street coffee house will be Dec. 14, with a party scheduled for the next day, according to owner Paddy Iyer.

The rumor has been swirling for a few weeks, but Paddy Iyer, owner of Paddy’s Coffee House, has confirmed college students’ worst fears: the beloved — and only independent — Union City coffee shop will be closing indefinitely.

In a heartfelt message posted on his website (dated in October but shared publicly Thursday night), Iyer said that the coffee shop’s lease at its current location at 3900 Smith St. will expire at the end of the month. Because of the economy, Iyer won’t renew the lease and will search for a new location, Iyer wrote.

The last day of operation will be Dec. 14, with a going away bash scheduled for the following day.

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“It has been a veritable task running the business at this current location for the past few years so we are opting out,” Iyer wrote. “Paddy’s Coffee House as you know it, at the corner of Smith and Watkins will now be a wonderful memory of the past.”

The coffee shop anchored the Old Alvarado district for nearly 10 years.

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But more than just a café for a quick drink, Paddy’s Coffee House has served as a true community venue, hosting countless music concerts, comedy nights, film screenings, poetry readings, meetings, forums and other events for the community.

With Iyer’s announcement Thursday night comes an outpouring of public support for the local business.

“Union city is at a loss without Paddy's. Now, there is no cultural hub. I am saddened,” Neil Malkin wrote on the Paddy’s Coffee House website.

“I have had so many great memories at Paddy’s. From laughing with friends, studying all those late college nights, walking in after yoga or the farmers market and listening to good music. We will miss you and will wait patiently to hear about your future endeavors,” Trina Armas wrote on the coffee shop’s Facebook page.

Iyer said he is currently scouting a new location and hopes to return with an expanded menu and more offerings for the community.

“We see the Paddy’s brand continuing with product offerings including a diverse range of ethnic and contemporary baked products,” Iyer wrote. “We are partnering with a local baker to give you the best that there will be in terms of coffee, tea, sandwiches and baked pastries while staying true to our philosophy of community service.”

For more updates, stay tuned to the Paddy’s Coffee House Facebook page at www.facebook.com/paddyscoffee and follow the business at www.twitter.com/paddyscoffee.

Read Iyer’s blog post here.

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