More than 100 customers and neighbors of JavAmore Cafe in Penngrove immediately took to social media on Oct. 26 to share fond memories and express their sadness at the announcement of the downtown landmark’s impending closure at 10:45 that morning.

“It is bittersweet that after 22 years, JavAmore will be closing at the end of the day on Saturday, November 2, 2024,” the cafe’s owner, Kim Hanson, wrote in a statement posted on the restaurant’s website. Facebook page. “This was an extremely difficult decision to make, but it was a necessary one.”

News of the closing and Hanson’s retirement prompted an outpouring of well-wishes and thanks from regulars and staff, including those who no longer live in the area.

“With the exception of being a mother, working at Javamore was the best job I’ve ever had,” former staffer Amanda Crockett Osterhoudt wrote. “It never felt like a job. We were a family. It was my first time leaving home and you took me under your wing. Many memories were made that I will cherish for the rest of my life! I cannot thank you enough for the impact you have made on my life! Thank you Mama Kim and Javamore for being a part of my family! I hope you enjoy your retirement, you deserve it!

“Kim, your spirit, your kindness, your talent, your love for your community, your heart, and your oh-so-delicious food will be sorely missed,” customer Holly Curtin wrote. “You have also trained an incredible staff. Their work ethic and love for their ‘leader’ was evident. Not a day goes by when you or your staff greet anyone who enters your magical space without a kind word, a smile, and amazing service.”

Expressing his gratitude to “everyone who has walked through these doors over the years,” Hanson used his announcement to thank customers “for making this café what it is in this treasured community.” “This place wouldn’t exist without you and my amazing team.”

Known for its casual, old-fashioned vibe and Hanson’s large-scale catering capabilities, JavAmore Cafe opened its doors at a time when Sonoma County’s Telecom Valley businesses were providing a broad customer base. As nearby telecom businesses moved away, the small downtown cafe struggled to stay afloat, though it remained a beloved hub for the small Penngrove community.

During COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020 and 2021, the neighborhood held frequent demonstrations in support of Hanson and his staff. One The story of the Argus-Courier In a piece published in December 2020, contributor Clark Miller described the “Barbie Bush” tree that stands near the JavAmore cafe, decorated with Barbie dolls outfitted in quirky and fun shapes, lying on hammocks made of COVID masks. Barbie Bush, a creation by artist Susie Rosenthal that has become a popular attraction in the area, was created specifically to attract people to the café, where they might be tempted to order coffee and sandwiches.

“The café is of great importance to our town,” Rosenthal told Miller at the time. “It’s a common meeting place for locals, like the ‘Cheers’ program.”

Shortly thereafter, in February 2021, a drive-thru crab feed was held as a benefit for the cafe as indoor sit-down restaurants remained closed.

“Kim Hanson is our town darling,” our old friend and Penngrove journalist Lyndi Brown said at the time. “He holds the Penngrove Parade and the Holiday Lights Parade. He will gather soldiers if needed.”

But now, after more than two decades, Penngrove’s little cafe appears to be closing for good, at least because Hanson owns it.

“It is now time to close the doors and open them to someone else who I hope you will embrace,” Hanson said in the Facebook announcement.

Hanson plans one last meeting with the community that supports him; A “Thank You Meeting” at the cafe on Saturday, November 2, from 16.00 to 20.00. There will be light food, music and beverages.

“And,” Hanson said, “I give lots of hugs.”