Beloved Cafe Reverie is closing its doors after nearly 21 years amid a “worrisome trend” of San Francisco business closures.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Tucked away in the trendy streets of Cole Valley, you’ll find the Reverie Cafe, a local favorite that’s been a staple of the local community since 2002.

“We have had many events here over the years. We’ve had marriages, we’ve had baptisms,” Reverie Cafe owner Roger Suda said.

But on Sunday the Reverie will close its doors for the last time.

Its owner says he was forced out of business due to disputes with the landlord over issues such as rent increases and lease terms.

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But it’s not just the Reverie Cafe.

Across San Francisco, small businesses continue to struggle.

“Our streets are tragically dirty and we don’t have enough cops, so law enforcement is difficult,” Suda said.

The closure of the Reverie stirred up even the mayor’s office.

Cole Valley chief Rafael Mandelman posted on Facebook about the “disturbing development” of storefronts in San Francisco neighborhoods.

The Golden Gate Restaurant Association says that in addition to the challenges of doing business in the city, recent economic realities have hit the hospitality industry hard.

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“Of course, other costs are rising. Food prices continue to rise. And then the staffing costs went up. It creates a lot of problems,” said Amy Cleary of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.

Despite these very real obstacles, context is also key, says the Bay Area Council.

Their data shows that more residential areas have actually flourished since the start of the pandemic, while places like the city center and surrounding areas continue to suffer.

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“During the pandemic, many more businesses closed in these places than opened. But in many southern areas, more businesses actually opened than they closed,” said Abby Rice.

But at the Café Dreams, they are focused on the next few hours.

Trying to make the most of the time they have left.

“I will really miss my employees. The future is uncertain,” Suda said.

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