Jay Richmond felt a bittersweet wave of emotions as he began his shift at Lucky Ones Coffee in Kamas. Since the shop’s second location opened in late 2022, Richmond has cherished his role there, never expecting that this Monday could be his last.
Lucky Ones Coffee, a nonprofit employing individuals with disabilities, had informed its team that an “unexpected lease proposal” might force the Kamas store to close. Co-owners Taylor Matkins and Katie Manhart, along with the board, consulted with legal advisors, but they were unable to find an agreement that would allow the café to remain on Main Street.
“We were blindsided,” Matkins said. “We had an emergency board meeting on Sunday to make a final decision and informed everyone at the end of the shift.”
The café’s three-year lease was due to expire on Nov. 1, and the new terms were introduced at the beginning of the 15-day minimum notice required by law. Matkins and Manhart were taken aback by the landlord’s proposal, which included a 150% rent increase and other “unusual” conditions.
According to Manhart, the rent had risen from $18 per square foot in 2021 to $25, and the lease now required Lucky Ones Coffee to sign a personal guarantee and cover potential building work, such as HVAC repairs.
“This is part of a broader trend in Kamas,” Manhart said, noting that several small businesses along Main Street have faced similar situations. “We love this space, so this is really hard.”
While attorneys were exploring compromises, all negotiations ultimately stalled. Taunya Munford, the building’s owner, described the situation as “unfortunate” and expressed regret about the confusion over the lease terms. Munford, who was traveling with limited access to communication, said she felt bad about the situation and enjoyed working with the café owners.
On Monday afternoon, the reality of the closure was still sinking in for Manhart. She had just finalized a six-month calendar of community events, including movie nights and cooking classes, and placed a large food order that left her with over 20 gallons of milk to either use or discard. Lucky Ones Coffee had also recently completed a new hiring round.
Around 15 employees, including Richmond, are affected by the closure. Living in Kamas without the ability to drive, the Main Street location was ideal for Richmond.
“It’s hard to imagine leaving,” he said.
Since opening in 2022, Lucky Ones Coffee has fostered a welcoming community in Kamas, cultivating a loyal customer base and offering inclusive programming. Matkins hopes nearby businesses will offer employment to the affected workers. Richmond, for instance, hopes to apply his skills in a local veterinary clinic, given his love for animals.
The business is adding shifts at its Park City location to help keep staff employed, and they plan to make more use of their food truck.
Amber Ohl, a longtime ambassador and one of the café’s first baristas, expressed relief about the opportunity to continue working in Park City, though she anticipated busier days ahead.
“Park City is going to be lively for a while as we navigate this,” Manhart said, adding that staff families are fully supportive despite the challenges posed by this transition.
Additionally, Lucky Ones Coffee is accelerating plans for a third location. Having won a bid in 2020 to open at the Marmalade branch of the Salt Lake City Public Library, their expansion was delayed by the pandemic. Now, the team hopes to open the new location by next spring.
Despite the blow, Matkins and Manhart are determined to remain positive. They view this as a stepping stone to greater opportunities, with a continued focus on eastern Summit County.
The owners, along with friends and family, had personally crafted the interior of Lucky Ones Coffee, painting walls, setting tiles, and installing equipment. For them, every effort was worth it, even as they prepare to vacate the space by week’s end.
Munford, meanwhile, reported significant interest in the Main Street space and suggested a new, food-oriented business might open there by mid-November.
Related Topics:
From Cebu to Toronto: Bo’s Coffee Expands Its Global Reach
A New Brew in Town: Biggby Coffee Arrives in Sheffield Lake
RECAPS: Brewing a Greener Future for Coffee Capsule Recycling