Detroit's downtown coffee enthusiasts will soon have one less spot to grab their Australian-inspired brews, as Coffee Down Under announced it will be closing its doors on Saturday, March 15th. Open for four years at 607 Shelby St., this coffee shop has built a following around its offerings from Proud Mary Coffee and its unique Pink Magic beverage. However, it's succumbing to the economic pressures facing many businesses in a post-COVID Financial District struggling with persistently low office occupancy.
The coffee shop shared its struggles and plans in a statement that said, "The reality of a post-COVID Financial District — where office buildings remain low-occupancy — has made it tough for us to keep the lights on during our daytime hours," a predicament that has forced the shop into a one-person operation which brought along too much unpredictability for the quality service they wished to maintain. This information was highlighted on social media and reported by CBS News Detroit as the business contemplates its next steps in an evolving landscape.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Coffee Down Under expressed profound gratitude to its customers: "A huge thank you to everyone who supported us—every flat white and magic, every quick chat, and every visit has meant the world." The same post noted that the closing will not affect the business hours of @shelbydetroit, a different entity accessible through Coffee Down Under's entrance, assuring customers of continued service.
