Loop Business District President Calls Demise of Brandt's Cafe 'Unfortunate'

The president of the Loop Special Business District says it's "unfortunate" to hear that it's doors after 25 years. 

"As a second generation business owner, I can empathize with (Brandt's Cafe owner) Adam Brandt in the difficulty of transitioning the family business from one family member to another," Jessica Bueler told University City Patch via email. Bueler has owned  for four years.  The store was founded 37 years ago by her late father.

"It's unfortunate that Brandt's was not able to continue to operate profitably after the transition," said Bueler.

Brandt's closure was first announced on the venue's Facebook page. According to The Riverfront Times the message read: 

Unfortunately ... Brandt's Café is closed.
The Loop has been declining steeply over the past two years, and has only gotten worse in recent months.

In an interview with the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Adam Brandt  blamed crime in the Loop for his businesses demise. However, Bueler rebuffed that claim, suggesting instead that outside forces had very little to do with Brandt's decline.

"I do not think that anything other than management issues attributed to the closing of this establishment," said Bueler.

When University City Patch walked by Brandt's Cafe on Wednesday there was a for lease sign on the front window, touting the location as a prime spot.