Kommune Snack Bar closes after rising downtown costs
The Scandinavian-inspired café on Jasper Ave. shut its doors Sunday after 14 months, citing construction and rising business expenses.
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Kommune Snack Bar, the Scandinavian-inspired café and music venue on Jasper Avenue, has closed after just over a year of operation.
The downtown spot opened in spring 2025 and closed its doors June 15. In an Instagram post, the team reflected on their time running the space.
"We set out to create more than a café, bar, or music venue. We wanted to build a place for kommunity, conversation, music, culture and connection. Along the way we shared countless coffees, meals, records, DJ sets, performances, laughs, ideas and a few tears," the post read.
The closure reflects the broader challenges facing independent businesses in downtown Edmonton. "We tried hard to navigate the construction outside our doors, rising costs and the challenges facing independent businesses. In the end, we couldn't make the numbers work," the team wrote.
Neighbouring businesses including Sip Liquor Market and Spilt Bar posted their support on Instagram, expressing sadness over the loss while wishing the team well for what comes next.
There is some optimism ahead: "We're closing the doors, but we're not closing the book," Kommune's team concluded. "We don't know exactly what comes next, but we have a feeling this won't be the last time you hear from Kommune."