Island Brew Coffee House closes after couple of years, citing Edmonton's small-business struggles

Island Brew Coffee House announced its closure on Monday, Sept. 21, with the last day of operation set for Wednesday, Sept. 23. The cafe, located at 10802 124th St., offered Caribbean-inspired food and drinks and operated as a community gathering space.

In an Instagram post, the team reflected on their time downtown: "A couple of years ago, we opened our doors on 124th Street with a simple hope: to create a space where Caribbean warmth could meet the Edmonton community, one coffee at a time. What we found was so much more than we ever imagined."

The team thanked patrons in their closure announcement: "To everyone who stopped by for a coconut latte, stayed for the conversation, supported an artist, or sat down to study, thank you. You are the reason Island Brew ever felt like a community hub and not just a coffee shop. That was always the point, and you made it real."

In the post, the team acknowledged the broader struggles facing small businesses in Edmonton but did not specify a reason for the closure. The closure is part of a larger trend: at least six downtown Edmonton restaurants have closed since early June, with some operators citing downtown construction as a contributing factor.