Simon Yu of Simon’s Coffee will hold a farewell event for his shop’s long-time space from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31. Yu announced the event Sunday on Instagram and in a flier posted on the door of the shop.
Simon’s Coffee has been at 1736 Massachusetts Avenue for more than 20 years, but the building it is in will be torn down to make way for Old North Development’s six-story mixed-use project. Yu has created a community of customers he calls neighbors and friends.
Yu expects to continue running a coffee shop in the neighborhood, across the street at 1741 Mass Ave, which is mentioned in other farewell signage on the coffee shop’s storefront. But he could not confirm a re-opening date because an agreement has not been finalized and signed. He said people who come to the farewell event will be offered coupons to use in the new location. Attendees can also take posters and decorations that cannot be moved and write their names on the soon-to-be demolished walls.
“I’m privileged and honored to serve the past 20 years of community here. We all grew up together,” said Yu earlier in August.
Though he could not yet share details about the shop’s new home, Yu was ecstatic that Simon’s would remain a part of the neighborhood. “I’m very happy that we can continue the shop’s legacy, and continue offering the same products and services,” he said.
While “the culture and feel” may be different where Simon’s lands, Yu said Simon’s people will be the same and he expected no employees would be laid off.
Yu said he was in a far better position now than he was a year ago, when he learned that he had to vacate the space. With a likely path forward, Yu said he has been able to take a breath and look at the move through a different, less stressed-out, lens. “Everyone has to close a chapter and move onto the next one.”
Yu said his kids, two of whom are still in high school and are hoping to go on to college, asked whether they would be forced to forgo their plans. “I was joking with my kids, now dad can work 10 more years for you guys.”
Longer-term, Old North’s team has been in active discussions with Yu to bring him back once the development is complete, expected to be in two years. They have signaled previously that they expected to sign an agreement offering Yu a below-market lease. One of the project’s lead developers, Adam Siegel, told Cambridge Day that Old North would cover the cost of building out Yu’s shop in the new building.
Yu called Siegel and partner Brendan Seaver “very approachable” and said he sincerely appreciated their focus on bringing Simon’s back, something he “wouldn’t expect” from many large developers. Though an agreement has not been signed to seal a return move, Yu said he expected the sides to settle on a deal that was of “mutual benefit” for both parties. Another tenant in the building, Keezers and Le Couturier House of Alterations, has moved to a different location with a five-year lease.
He has also been given a bit more time to keep his stuff at the 1736 location past the utility cuts which are expected next week, though he does need to be out before demolition begins in the first few weeks of September.
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.