Backstory Cafe

R.I.P. Backstory Cafe

/ Shane / Leave a comment

Well, unfortunately, my favorite coffee shop the Backstory Cafe is out of business.

From their website:

BACKSTORY CAFE IS NOW CLOSED FOR BUSINESS.

Backstory would like to thank all our valued staff and customers for your support over the years.

Several factors contributed to the decision to close the cafe including a serious financial blow in the spring of 2010. In short, a variety of resources required to run the cafe have been depleted.

While the many people involved over the years were growing a business, we were also engaging in what is best described as a “hopeful human endeavor”. So although the cafe is now closed, hope remains that this quiet corner of Woodlawn will be home to a new initiative when the time is right.

Peace-Backstory Cafe.

I don’t know exactly when they closed, but I think it must have been a while ago. I saw when they took their sign at the corner down, but I thought maybe it was due to the ongoing construction there. I never in a million years would have thought they were going out of business. It always seemed busy in there. I guess the above paragraph sort of implies that there were financial circumstances that weren’t necessarily related to the actual profitability of the cafe itself.

I feel very sad that it is gone, but on the other hand, we never went there. It probably closed months ago, and I didn’t even notice. So in a way, I guess it was kind of my fault that they’re gone, and I can’t really complain. It’s kind of strange but, even though we never went, it was comforting knowing it was there. It was the only thing close to our place, and having a coffee shop in the neighborhood made it seem…more like a real neighborhood somehow. I know we still have Robust, but I liked Backstory better, and it was closer.

Oh well, I guess that’s what happens when you don’t vote with your wallet. Another victim of my cheapness! 😦

Backstory Cafe

/ Shane / 3 Comments

Given that I did a big write-up a while back about Robust Coffee Lounge, I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to the Backstory Cafe.

Backstory is a really cool place. It’s cozy, it has great coffee and the decor is cool. They are environmentally and socially conscious. They even feature a used book store section! They have sandwiches, pastries and sometimes even brunch. Some of my favorite features are the giant chalk boards (this is definitely Evie’s favorite part) and the outdoor seating area that is walled off by old, different sized and colored doors. I almost forgot, live music, film screenings, etc.

In short, what’s not to love?

The place is very well hidden, so I am always surprised at how busy it is. I don’t think I’ve ever been the only one there. It’s close to home, and Evie loves it. It’s so easy to take a great place like this for granted (hence me just getting around to writing a post about it). It hasn’t even been open that long, but it is already a part of the local landscape. I say that as a compliment.

Now, since I did write that review of Robust, I can’t help but compare the two. However, they really are totally different. I would say if I’m looking to sit back and relax for a while, then I prefer Backstory. However, if I wanted to just run in and grab a coffee to go, then Robust is the way to go. Robust’s seating area is bigger and more open, so it might be better for big groups.

So if you are looking for a most excellent hang out spot in the neighborhood, come and find the Backstory Cafe and Social Center. You will be glad you did!