[URBAN NOTE] On the departure of the Linux Caffè

[rfmcdonald]

I've fond memories of the Linux Caffè, located at 326 Harbord Street on the intersection of Harbord and Grace across from Bickford Park. For years, I used to go there regularly, to soak up the Linux vibe and drink the coffee and enjoy the WiFi. The Linux Caffe was a notable point for me on the map of Toronto, and has been for a long time; I took the above photo in August 2008.

But the last two times I was there, I've noticed that its windows have been papered over, and the sign on the front door promising a reopening this month blew away. blogTO's Chris Bateman consigns the establishment to the deadpool.

Things aren't looking good for popular coffee shop and tech hub Linuxcaffe. Earlier this summer, management papered up the windows and posted signs announcing a temporary closure for renovations. Sadly, it seems the store has failed to emerge from its cocoon. The notices have come down without explanation and the store's phone has been disconnected.

Speaking with other store owners in the area, it seems as though Linux has now been dormant for some time. Next door neighbour Tosca Teran, who runs Nanopod: Hybrid Studio, a jewellery workshop, says the landlord has a signed lease with another "well-known" local cafe that's ready to take over the space.

As the name suggests, the coffee shop was a home for Toronto's open-source software developers as well as a meeting place for less technologically minded locals. Opened in 2003 in an old convenience store, the shop specialized in dark roast coffee, home baked treats and friendly cyberphile welcomes.

The Harbord and Grace cafe is listed as "permanently closed" on Google Maps, and no-one seems to have disputed that fact through the available channels. Emails and phone calls to Linuxcaffe have so far gone unanswered.

Bother.