San Francisco Bay Coffee closing Kona shop

KAILUA-KONA — San Francisco Bay Coffee said Monday it’s closing its Kona Coffee Bar store in the Kona Inn Shopping Village effective Jan. 31.

“After considering a variety of options, it is with great sadness that we announce our decision to close our Kona Coffee Bar location in Kailua-Kona at the end of this month,” said John Segale in a statement from the company. “We sincerely appreciate all the support both from our regular customers and many visitors to Kona over the past four years. It has been an honor to serve and support the community including the annual Ironman World Championship event.”

The Northern California company buys coffee beans from growers around the world, roasts the beans and sells the coffee to retailers. Kona was the only retail store, located in the popular shopping village off Alii Drive for four years, that it operated, meaning offering employee transfers isn’t an option.

The store employed one full-time employee and nine part-time employees.

“Our family has been blessed with having a wonderful team serving our clients since we opened. Their dedication, commitment and ability to serve the needs of our customers will long be remembered and appreciated,” Segale said.

Messages left for Kona Coffee Bar and Kona Inn Shopping Village were not returned Monday.