Eastside Coffee set to close in November

After over two years of serving Logan city and the students of Utah State University, The Eastside Coffee Company must close after being given just over two months’ notice to be out of the building.  

 Posted on the front door of The Eastside Coffee Company is a sign that reads “NAI Excel/Mark 3 Investments (new owner of the building we are in) is terminating our lease as of Nov. 1 2022.” 

 When Eastside Coffee first opened, the building was owned by a local businessman. Earlier this year, the ownership changed to an investment company. When the change was made, the rent increased; eventually, the owners proceeded to terminate the lease with Eastside Coffee altogether.  

 The owners of The Eastside Coffee Company are Diane and John McMorris. They also own The Westside Coffee Company, another coffee shop in Logan.  

 “For years and years and years, we talked about having a coffee shop here in Logan,” John McMorris said. “Twenty years ago, the choices were pretty limited here in town, and we’ve always been, you know, very fond of coffee and drinking coffee. So we just wanted to recreate some of that feel of our favorite coffee shops throughout the year in our hometown.” 

 The McMorris’ have tried to find another location to move Eastside Coffee to but said they have not been able to find a location in the same area and in the same market.  

 “We started out a bit angry, of course,” Diane McMorris said. “Because we were told in January that the lease would be extended. So we did not expect so suddenly to be given two months’ notice.”  

 The McMorris’ will not be able to relocate Eastside Coffee, but they plan on moving forward with other business ventures such as continuing Westside Coffee and their coffee roasting. They also have future plans to open up a drive-thru in Smithfield. 

 Eastside Coffee is located just off campus up the street from Aggie Ice Cream and is frequented by USU students, often found studying while enjoying treats and drinks.  

 “This time of year when school is in, you know, probably 70 plus percent [are students],” Diane McMorris said.  

 Beth Bagley, a student at USU, was a regular customer at Eastside Coffee.  

“What I like about coming here is the atmosphere,” Bagley said. “I really like how I know a lot of the baristas and if I don’t know them beforehand, then we kind of create a relationship just through, you know, being a regular.”  

 “I also like how it’s pretty calm, so it’s a good place to study,” Bagley said.   

 Emma Deberard, an employee of Eastside Coffee, is also a student at USU.  

 “I really love all the people that are here,” Deberard said. “The environment is really fun and obviously, the food and drinks are really good.” 

 The McMorris’ said they had an outpouring of love and support after they announced the closing of Eastside Coffee.  

 “People are angry at the company that is kicking us out,” Diane McMorris said. “People are sad to lose this spot — work spot, homework spot.”  

 Losing Eastside Coffee means many people will lose their place to work, study and do other activities.  

 “I was sad — it was really sad,” Deberard said. “Especially now that I’m a student up here, it’s really easy to walk here and even taking shifts here is easier, and it’s closer to all my classes. I love the location, I love working at this location.” 

 The McMorris’ said it is hard to see that the investment company kicking them out does not seem to care about their small business. They both wish there was more they could do to prevent something like this in the future.  

 “We’re glad we got three years and a great location,” Diane McMorris said. “Great support from the Utah State community and the Hillcrest community.”