CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A longtime Cambridge coffee shop is closing its doors after more than two decades, but customers may not have to say goodbye for good.
Simon’s Coffee Shop, a familiar presence on Massachusetts Avenue for 23 years, is shutting down at its current location. The closure marks the end of a long chapter for the neighborhood business, which has served generations of customers with coffee, tea, sandwiches and other casual fare.
News of the closure was shared through the Friends of Boston’s Hidden Restaurants Facebook group, where a poster indicated that the shop would be closing today.
However, a note on Simon’s Coffee Shop’s Instagram page suggests that the closure may be more of a move than a permanent goodbye.
The business is reportedly looking at a potential new space directly across the street.
Owner Plans Possible Move Across the Street
According to information reported by Cambridge Day, owner Simon Yu is planning to move the business from 1736 Massachusetts Avenue to 1741 Massachusetts Avenue.
The potential move would keep Simon’s Coffee Shop in the same general area, allowing longtime customers to continue visiting a familiar neighborhood business if the plans move forward.
There is still an important caveat, however. An agreement for the new space has not been finalized, meaning the future location is not yet guaranteed. For now, the coffee shop is closing at its existing address while discussions about the possible relocation continue.
That uncertainty means customers may have to wait before knowing exactly when — or whether — Simon’s will reopen across the street.
Development Plans Behind the Closure
The closure of the current Simon’s Coffee Shop location appears to be connected to larger development plans for the property.
The existing space at 1736 Massachusetts Avenue is slated to be torn down, according to Cambridge Day, as part of a planned mixed-use development.
That redevelopment is forcing a change for the longtime coffee shop, but rather than walking away from the business entirely, Yu is reportedly exploring an opportunity to relocate nearby.
If the move is completed, Simon’s could remain part of the Massachusetts Avenue neighborhood while operating from a new address.
For longtime customers, that could mean the end of one location without the end of the coffee shop itself.
Simon’s Has Served Cambridge for 23 Years
Simon’s Coffee Shop has been part of Cambridge’s local food and coffee scene for more than two decades.
Over the years, the shop has offered a straightforward menu featuring coffee, tea, sandwiches and more, making it a familiar stop for customers looking for a casual meal or drink.
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Businesses that remain in one neighborhood for decades often become more than places to grab food. They become part of the daily routines of residents, workers and students.
That makes the current closure particularly notable for people who have known Simon’s as a fixture along Massachusetts Avenue.
Although the future location remains uncertain, the possibility of reopening nearby offers some hope to loyal customers.
What Happens to Simon’s Coffee Shop Next?
For now, the biggest question is whether Simon’s Coffee Shop will successfully secure the proposed location at 1741 Massachusetts Avenue.
Because the agreement has not yet been finalized, there is no confirmed reopening date or guarantee that the move will happen.
Still, the owner’s reported plans suggest that the closure is not necessarily the final chapter for the longtime Cambridge coffee shop.
If the deal comes together, Simon’s could soon return just steps away from its longtime home, giving customers a chance to continue supporting a business that has been part of the neighborhood for 23 years.
Until then, the closure of the original location marks an important transition for a Cambridge institution that has served countless cups of coffee and meals over the years.
Have you ever visited Simon’s Coffee Shop in Cambridge? Would you like to see it reopen across the street? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments.