Insights into Blue State closing?

Submitted by boyfromthenorth t3_yyjehk in newhaven

Honestly, just surprised. Their locations are always packed (at least when I'm in there). Until I read the recent articles, I wasn't even aware of their locations in Hartford and Providence. Nevertheless, it sounds like all of them are closing and I honestly can't fathom why. None of the articles I found included any notes on that, so just wondering if anyone has any clues!

EDIT: Wasn't a huge fan of Blue State prior, but it sounds like they won't be missed!

44

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Gabbydog16 t1_iwulax1 wrote

I read an article (dont remember where) that the owner didn’t want to continue running it anymore and she wanted to retire.

I have fond memories of blue state but agree they were never really the “cozy” spot or the best tasting coffee spot. Unfortunately common grounds also isn’t really either of those things so im a little sad.

39

internet_czol t1_iwvr0nx wrote

A friend of mine worked there, I will add that it was shitty of them to close with apparently only 3 days notice for the workers. You'd think if the owner retiring was the only reason they could give a little bit more of a heads up.

26

Gabbydog16 t1_iwvuyv4 wrote

Totally! I think it may have been common grounds decision since they announced that after it was already sold? But still that stinks!

3

catsmash t1_iwvhj8e wrote

i think koffee is a pretty solid option if cozy is the thing. does get a little crowded, but lots of little nooks & stuff.

18

Gabbydog16 t1_iwvusmj wrote

Oh yes definitely and also my one true love, Pistachio.

13

eddie964 t1_iwufq8x wrote

I was never a fan. I found their locations to be uniformly overpriced and low on character. They never felt comfortable to me, and I was never tempted to spend an afternoon there lounging with a cup of coffee and a good book.

38

boyfromthenorth OP t1_iwuhlzg wrote

Fair. Yet they were typically quite busy, though if I'm honest if they weren't busy in their respective locations they'd really be screwing up. If anything, the owners picked solid spots for foot traffic.

12

editorgrrl t1_iwuitp8 wrote

>The owners picked solid spots for foot traffic.

Common Grounds opened yesterday in the former Blue State location at 320 Congress Avenue.

10

boyfromthenorth OP t1_iwukcc6 wrote

I heard that. I believe Common Grounds is set to take over its spot on Orange as well.

1

WholeComparison130 t1_iwurntp wrote

I think G Cafe is taking over the spot on Orange

20

Gabbydog16 t1_iwvys3a wrote

Oh that would actually be great! They have legit food and much better coffee!

7

Songolo t1_iwuixdc wrote

Overpriced, slow, bad tasting coffee and my favorite item disappeared with covid.
Won't be missed.

38

vegetarian_slut t1_iwuznaq wrote

Good. I worked at that shit hole for two weeks. Easily THE most pretentious coffee shop ive ever been to or worked for. It was literally started as a Yalie's "thesis project" or some shit. Good fucking riddance to that garbage spot

25

millionthan t1_iwvagmd wrote

Dang I miss new haven townies, and yeah, this place was bunk

9

SovietRaptor t1_iwwwd1i wrote

They fired their workers with 3 days notice. Fucking miserable owners. Why highlight that you donate so much to charity when you can’t even take care of your own workers, or even have the basic decency to keep them in the loop about them losing their jobs.

Infuriating.

21

GlitteringTone t1_iwx3ydt wrote

The workers were organizing to unionize and the owners got scared. They didn’t need the money, so they just shut it down. Just shitty all around, including their coffee. They won’t be missed.

9

m11cb t1_iwx5vof wrote

Oof, union busting? Terrible. Good riddance then.

6

green_lemonade t1_ix8p49y wrote

I haven't heard anything about this from any of the news sources unsurprisingly, would love to know more.

2

stinkbeast666 t1_iwulym5 wrote

I'm sure Drew and his dad got tired of this project and wanted to move on to something that would make more money with less attention. If you have a pile of money and a family full of Yalies, I'm sure you can spend your time on higher income pursuits. I wouldn't be surprised if they shut the spots down and we're investing in something else.

6

welovetomatoesyum t1_iwuybc7 wrote

I have heard of this "Drew" person but the official article that talked about closing refers to a seemingly older woman wanting to retire as the reason for closing all of them. What's the relation between Drew and older woman?

7

stinkbeast666 t1_iwvh50s wrote

I worked at the Wall St location when it first opened, which was also the first in New Haven, and I believe the first outside Providence.

From what I gathered at the time, Drew and his dad were both Yalies, and as another poster mentioned Drew basically was like "Why not make a democrat, progressive branded coffee shop, I bet that would work well at college towns". His dad pulls some strings and makes it happen. It's not even a bad idea, and if his dad is filthy rich and wants to take his son's idea and "teach him the ropes" who can blame him?

It looks like Drew moved away from the company in 2011, got his JD at Yale and is now the senior attorney for the Federal Reserve Board. I bet the woman in question is his Mom.

12

Plantpoweredbeeyotch t1_iwuuvdv wrote

Never had them and from the looks of it from other comments, I was better off.

4

pleasantpodcasts t1_iwvkl3v wrote

The one on congress Ave is still open?? Unless it already changed hands? Drove by and saw people in there.

2

viagraeater t1_iwwt06y wrote

Seems blue state is getting a lot of hate. I thought it was okay, I always got an iced latte and it always met my expectations. I thought prices were normal too.

2

green_lemonade t1_ix8pcpt wrote

drink wise they were decent, there wasn't a lot of variety in their coffee program though. The Jitter bus is better.

3

HartfordResident t1_ix64fc7 wrote

I think they are all closing including the one in Hartford and Providence. Those were never as vibrant as the ones in New Haven though.

The New Haven ones are all reopening as fancier/better places I hear. Not sure if Hartford will reopen since the downtown is pretty dead.

1