Longtime San Mateo Coffee Shop Goes Up For Sale

SAN MATEO, CA — A longtime San Mateo coffee shop that has been serving customers since 1968 is up for sale.

Nini’s Coffee Shop, described by the San Mateo Daily Journal as a “Peninsula institution,” now has a “for sale” on the building, according to Yelp users.

The owner, Rick Swartz, has run the shop since 1973. But it closed during the onset of the pandemic and has not reopened since.

The broker of Nini’s building told the Journal that he hopes to sell the place to someone who is willing to keep the spirit of the coffee shop alive.

“We are hoping that someone wants to re-create what Rick once had,” Greg Cohn told the Journal.

Since news of the decision became public, loyal customers have taken to social media to voice sadness and nostalgia.

“Such an iconic place, great family memories,” one Facebook commenter wrote. "The best chocolate shakes bar none, and food and their staff were loving and caring people. The best ever.”

Another wrote: “This was one of those hidden gems. So many family mornings there. I trust the right person will become the owner who recognizes how special it would be to continue this legacy.”

Read the San Mateo Daily Journal's report for more.