Black N Brew has been a staple at its Passyunk location for 17 years; however, after its owners learned that the building’s landlord has refused to renew the coffee shop’s lease, a relocation is very likely, writes Ali Mohsen for Billy Penn at WHYY. 

They are expected to vacate the space by the end of February. 

Colleen DeCesare, co-owner and co-operator, said that while this puts them in a hard position, she and her wife and fellow co-owner and co-operate, Jennifer, are hopeful to find a nearby spot to relocate the shop.

“We see our customers two-to-three times a day sometimes,” she said. “We’ve seen families grow here.”

In the meantime, however, the cafe owners are speaking up in hopes of securing more time to plan for a reasonable location and pay their four-member staff without interruption.

They pride themselves on being a go-to establishment.

“We’re not just selling breakfast and coffee and lunch,” said Colleen. “We love the community, and we realize that we have an obligation and an opportunity to be involved.” 

The cafe has also been used as a space for charity dinners and exhibitions by local artists over the years.

Those are elements the owners hope not to lose when the relocation happens.

Read more about the details behind Black N Brew’s relocation in Billy Penn at WHYY. 

_____