ANN ARBOR, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – Ten days later Bitty & Beau’s closed its doors on Main Street for renovations, and for rent signs were placed in the store windows Monday morning.
Commercial real estate company Colliers confirmed Monday that it is looking for a new tenant to lease the space.
On October 15, staff received an email from brand co-owner Amy Wright.
Wright explained that the store manager decided to leave and that the store would close at the end of the day on October 25 for renovations.
“As a result, there is no need to report services after that date,” read Wright’s email. These improvements will expand our space and enhance the customer experience, making it even better for our great community.”
Although the space was quickly cleared, renovations never began.
Employee Ken Harrington said the news was a total shock.
“When we found out they were closing, they said they were moving and renovating everything,” Harrington said. “And when we found out they did, we were all heartbroken, sad and crying. And it’s just hard for all of us.”
It was also difficult for longtime customers, who said Bitty & Beau’s was a bright spot in the community.
“If you work downtown and just need a place to stop by for a meeting or a cup of coffee, this was always such a nice place to be and spend some time, so it was really sad to hear they were closing,” said customer Barb Chaffer Authier.
“They always wrote something little on the cup that made your day brighter,” said customer Phyllis Goodman, who also volunteers at Ten Thousand Villages next door. “I was happy to see them come; I believe in their mission, and I’m sad to see them go.”
Bitty & Beau’s has 19 other locations across the country and says it is a “human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop.”
The brand did not respond to CBS News Detroit’s request for comment.
Meredith Bruckner
