LYNN — The Lazy Llama Cafe, a coffee shop located at 23 Central Ave., announced Tuesday it will be shutting its doors on Feb. 11. The Almendarez Family, who owns the café, said they hope to reopen the business one day in a new location.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that The Lazy Llama Cafe will be closing the business as of Feb. 11. 2022,” the Almendarez family wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday. “This was a very difficult decision to make. We are hoping to one day reopen at a new location.”
In the post, the owners thanked their staff for supporting the café with two years of service, even as the shop faced turbulent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want to thank first and foremost the team that has stood by us for two years. They are truly the heart of this business,” they wrote. “They took pride in their work, and we could always count on them. They are a true blessing.”
The Almendarez family also thanked their patrons and promised this is not the end of their business.
“To our customers, thank you for all your support with us during the past two years, including 2020, which was a difficult year for all of us,” the family wrote. “Please continue to support small businesses around the area. It is not easy, especially during these times.”
Facebook users commented on the post and said they were sad to see the business shut its doors.
A Lynn resident, Mary Vaughn, said the café was one of her family’s favorite places to eat.
“My family and I enjoyed your place; sorry to see you go,” she wrote. “Best of luck.”
Marty Cooke said the coffee at the Lazy Llama Cafe was the best and hopes they will succeed in the future.
“This is terrible news! Always friendly and GREAT coffee,” Cooke commented. “I truly hope you open again.”
The café sells coffee, juice, pastries and other breakfast items. They are known for their mascot, Larry, a llama who wears sunglasses and drinks coffee.
Economic Development & Industrial Corporation of Lynn Executive Director James Cowdell said EDIC/Lynn spoke to the owner of the building this week and will work with them to find a new restaurant for that space. Cowdell said Central Avenue and the surrounding areas in the downtown are hotspots for restaurants in Lynn and it would make sense to have a new one operating out of the building.
“We called them this morning to discuss the process and begin advertising,” Cowdell said. “They haven’t returned our call yet but as soon as they do, I expect the process to begin immediately.”
