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Josh Allen called a few of the usual suspects this AM to officially announce the closing of his Companion cafe at 4651 Maryland Ave. in the CWE. The two year old store had been under-performing in the critical 6 AM to 6 PM daypart. "Our business model missed by 8 hours," admitted Allen, "the CWE really comes alive after 5 PM." He also noted there had been a decrease in hospital-related traffic, due to newer, closer alternatives and/or the downturn in the economy.
The two remaining cafes, in Clayton and Ladue, will remain open.
A reminder: Companion's year-long CollaBREADtive is in full-swing...the current feature is David Guempel's Lemon and Kalamata Olive rustic loaf, available at both Companion cafes, at grocery stores that carry Companion's other products, and is showcased on a roasted chicken sandwich at Guempel's restaurant, Cafe Osage.
Allen will continue to explore a city location for integrating his wholesale and retail operations and is toying with a mobile concept as well. -- George Mahe