After getting robbed five times in four months, and then going “cashless” in an effort to prevent thefts, a popular Bolton Hill café has closed its doors permanently.
Park Café and Coffee Bar announced on Facebook that it would close permanently on July 6. Owner David Hart did not give a reason for the closure in his message, other than saying he wanted to leave while the business was “on top.”
“It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of the café at the close of business today,” the message said. “Our decision has not come easily. Over the last several months our priorities have shifted and we feel it is best to leave while on top of our game. We are proud of what we accomplished and we are very grateful for each and every customer who has visited Park over the past two and a half years.”
Located at 132 McMechen Street, Park Café made headlines when it announced earlier this year that it would stop accepting cash payments from customers. The decision came after the business had been robbed five times.
“I think anytime you go through a traumatic experience like that, it takes a toll on you mentally, it takes a little bit of a toll on you physically,” Hart said in an interview shown on WBAL-TV.
Hart said he began thinking about closing in January, after the fifth robbery.
“I think, for me, what it did is it sort of rejiggered my priorities,” he told WBAL.
The owner said on Facebook that he is looking for “an interested party to continue what we started.”
