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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... Reopening of the Siskiyou Line means trucking companies will take a hit ... Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... Reopening of the Siskiyou Line means trucking companies will take a hit ... ALLANN BROS. The Beanery coffeehouse in Ashland closes abruptly Pioneering gourmet coffeehouse had been open 40-plus years on Ashland Street Comment By John Darling For the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By John Darling For the Mail Tribune Posted May. 22, 2015 at 11:42 AM Updated May 22, 2015 at 1:50 PM By John Darling For the Mail Tribune Posted May. 22, 2015 at 11:42 AM Updated May 22, 2015 at 1:50 PM » Social News The Beanery, Ashland’s first gourmet coffee house in 1972, has closed its doors for good, much to the dismay of locals who appreciated basic, affordable espresso drinks, along with some quiche and scones. Unwary customers streamed to the door Wednesday to find it locked, with a sign saying the owners loved serving coffee for over 40 years but the shop is permanently closed. Customers who spoke with employees said they were notified early Wednesday morning not to come to work. Owner Allan Stuart could not be reached at the Albany headquarters. The company has seven coffee houses in the Willamette Valley. “It was like an institution. Where do we go now? I’m disappointed, even forlorn,” said Susan Hearn. “It’s the kind of place where you have relationships with the folks behind the counter and customers you see here. It had that quality of a time warp to earlier days.” Chris Muck observed, “You figure the old places are going to make it the longest. I came here three or four times a week. I like the independent shops. I wish they’d given me warning for one big last visit.” The closure of “the Bean,” on Walker and Ashland streets, follows, within weeks, the folding of Starbucks, only two blocks away, after many years. A new Starbucks has sprung up inside The Hawk, a giant cafeteria amid the new dorms at Southern Oregon University. Spillover has gone to Case Coffee on Siskiyou Boulevard, only a couple blocks from both the defunct Starbucks and Beanery, says Case manager Eric Loeffler. The visibly more crowded Case, he adds, has no plans to move to either of those larger spots. “I’m very sad,” Sharon Javna said about The Beanery's closing. “The had the best mochas in town. It was always a little rundown, but had a friendly and warm feeling.” Customer Gwen Overland notes, “I’m sad. I hate to see anything that’s been here this long, go under. The Beanery is an Ashland landmark. When you see this, you wonder what’s next. It was so unpretentious and had such a variety of customers.” The sudden shuttering was “pretty weak,” said long-time customer Bill Konigsberg. “I do my business here and I like their coffee. It was friendly and eclectic, always some goofy people.” “Sorry to hear this! Met 'my John' (husband) there in '96,” notes Brooks Leath Garten Hauschild. “In the 80s, I'd go there most mornings and catch up on my SOSC studies, starting with a cappuccino and oatmeal scone. Met with so many friends there over the years, new and old. So long to the Beanery. Say it ain't so, Joe! Too many changes and some stiffer competition, not enough interest or upkeep to stay afloat and fresh, literally." Rabbi David Zaslow says, “I went to SOC with Allan Stuart. He was a java visionary, and started the Beanery in 1972. It was the FIRST gourmet coffee house in the whole county. He really was a visionary.” “It’s the coffee house in my 'hood,” says Leslie Caplan. “I’m bummed.” The Beanery started in the building now housing Wiley’s Pasta, then moved to the larger space at the next-door corner a few years later, replacing a convenience store. Remaining Beaneries are located in Eugene, Corvallis, Albany and Salem, according to the Allann Bros. website . John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected] . By John Darling For the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By John Darling For the Mail Tribune Posted May. 22, 2015 at 11:42 AM Updated May 22, 2015 at 1:50 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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