Caffe Roma to Close Amidst North Beach’s Changing Landscape

Following the trouble with Caffe Trieste, North Beach is losing another classic coffee shop with the imminent closing of Caffe Roma. The Columbus Avenue cafe has operated in the neighborhood for 20 years, serving espresso drinks and beans; now it will close September 30.

The closure is due to rising rents, reports Hoodline. The two other locations of Caffe Roma at Bryant Street (885 Bryant St. at 7th) and Millbrae (143 S. El Camino Real) won’t be affected. Fans of the Italian-style coffee can still buy it via the website, or hunt it down at one of the area restaurants that serve it.

Founded by Sergio and Anthony Azzollini in 1989, the North Beach shop opened in 1997. Now Irene Azzolini, Sergio’s daughter, says that the decision to close is also personal, as she needs time to care for her ailing father. That, combined with the rising rents in the neighborhood, means the end of one of the North Beach family businesses that has defined it for so long. Nearby Pantarei and Rose Pistola recently met similar fates.

Stay tuned for more details on what might take over the space, and head over to 526 Columbus Avenue for one last coffee before it shutters on September 30.

• Arrivederci: North Beach's 'Caffe Roma' To Shutter Saturday [Hoodline]