REGINA – For the third time in just a couple of months, a business in Cathedral Village is closing its doors.
The coffee won’t trip much longer at Roca Jack’s Coffee House. After a decade at its 13th Ave. location, the shop will close at the end of January.
“There is not enough parking for a good come-and-go, there’s not enough room for a good sit-down,” said Rosie Armistead, who has worked at the shop for over five years. “We can’t really put in a kitchen to get good food service.”
“It’s time to let it go.”
Disappointed regulars question what’s happening to businesses in Cathedral, after A la Carte Catering shut down due to a retirement and Buy The Book, a used bookstore, will have its final chapter written in a few weeks.
The Cathedral Village Business Association, which represents shops in the district, says there is no reason to worry.
“Businesses have always come and gone. It’s part of the nature of small business,” said Leslie Charlton, who sits on the association’s board and also owns Groovy Mama.
The three closures appear to be for three distinct reasons – from changes in personal lives to rising costs.
Charlton says it is still a great time to be an independent.
“(When) huge megastores open, there is sort of a backlash. People want to shop local, support local. They want to keep their money in the city.”
Still, Roca Jack’s is a loss for the village.
“It’s been like a second home for a lot of people,” said Armistead. “I know a lot of people are going to miss the beans.”
There’s no word yet on what will replace any of these businesses, but the hope is whatever comes will match the district’s unique flavour.
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