City Bliss Market Cafe to close at end of month
City Bliss will close at the end of the month. Photo by Amanda Codispoti
City Bliss Market Cafe, which opened in downtown Roanoke almost two years ago, will close at the end of the month unless the owners find a buyer.
Owners Mick and Elly Cho said their business couldn’t survive the competition downtown.
“Business gets worse every time something opens,” Mick Cho said this week. “Everybody is struggling.”
His post on the cafe’s Facebook page also cites the couples’ inexperience.
“Inexperience has led to many miscalculations and mistakes that eventually took its toll on our efforts to do our best,” the Chos wrote on the business’s Facebook page.
The Chos are looking for an investor to buy the business. If that doesn’t happen, he hopes to sell the cafe’s equipment to recoup some of their losses. The space, on Campbell Avenue across the street from Orvis and Center in the Square, is for lease.
The cafe sold coffee, tea, juices and smoothies as well as sandwiches, wraps, desserts and more. It was also one of the only places in Roanoke to buy locally roasted Strange Coffee Company coffee beans.
December 7, 2012 - 5:00 AM
From your picture above, it looks like a nice place. From the outside I could never tell if they were open or what they served. I guess I should have went inside but what I saw outside never made me want to make that move.
It is not surprising that business was so slow there. The place seemed too dark and not inviting. I believe that spot will be sold and it will become
a success after C.I.S. opens next year. We have a yogurt shop, snowball spot why not a gelato ice cream store? The Charlottesville Mall gelato store is very popular. The many kids/families would make it work. The Market Building seems to be a failure so far in my opinion!
I have appreciated City Bliss – their great coffee, relaxed environment and always warm and friendly service. Thanks, City Bliss, for your time being a part of downtown life and energy.
I have to admit that I don’t get away from my own business much, but every time I have visited City Bliss, they have been warm and attentive. Sorry to see them close. I wish the Cho family well in their next endeavor.
You couldn’t find a nicer couple to deal with. I have recommended them to others. They are so friendly and concerned about their customers. Great sandwiches and coffee. I don’t know why others did not know they were open. They have a sign in the window indicating they are open. An exceptional friendly and Christian couple. Good luck in the future.
Oh, this makes me so sad. I love this place. They are so friendly, with such wonderful coffee. This really breaks my heart.
Nooooo!!! I loved that place because it was never crowded you could eat in peace as you watched tv or eat your food while people watch outside..It reminded me of Seattle where I moved from and it was my home away from home cafe.Sad day indeed.I will truly miss the ambiance and attentiveness they provided for customers.