B’Towne Coffee Co. Closing After 17 Years On Old Main Street

BRADENTON, FL — The B’Towne Coffee Co. will shut its doors for good after operating on Old Main Street in Bradenton for 17 years.

The restaurant’s last day will be Saturday, the owners shared on its Facebook page.

“It is bittersweet, as we have put our blood, sweat and tears into the business,” owners Greg “Smitty” Smith and Mike Gold said in a Facebook post. “There have been plenty of ups and downs along the way. Downtown has seen plenty of changes in this time. We will miss seeing our regular customers on a daily basis. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.”

The restaurant has been a mainstay in the heart of downtown Bradenton for nearly two decades.

“If you want to get to know the character of Bradenton's bustling downtown district, park yourself at a table outside The B'Towne Coffee Co., perfectly situated on Old Main Street,” the owners wrote in the about section on the eatery’s Facebook page.

On social media, some fans of B’Towne expressed their sadness to learn about the restaurant shutting down.

“Sad to hear it's closing. As an occasional visitor from (the United Kingdom), it was my go-to for breakfast (and) coffee after an early morning walk along the river,” Niki Babington commented on Facebook. “I even had a favorite seat tucked up against the window. Shame I won't get to visit again as no idea when will be in (Florida) again. Good luck to all the friendly staff.”

Edward Nichols commented, “So sad, another victim of this COVID economy.”

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Bradenton newsletters and real-time email alerts.

Gold told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that when B’Towne’s lease came up for renewal, they decided not to renew it for several reasons, including the challenges of operating during a pandemic.

"With everything going on in the world right now, we just don’t see all of the downtown day business coming back the way it was," Gold said. "So, in order for us to stay open, it’s constant hiring people, getting them to stay, paying, price increases. We just decided that it was time to go.”

The reduced on-site staffing at the nearby Manatee County Administration Building also affected the amount of customers visiting B’Towne, Gold told the Bradenton Herald.