News Summary
SheyGirl Coffee Company in Ashland City is closing permanently after the owner was informed of non-renewal of the lease. Owner Sheyenne Rivers expressed shock at the news, which comes amid rising rents affecting small businesses across Tennessee. The coffee shop, established in 2016, has become a beloved community spot. Rivers is attempting to find a new location as she launches a GoFundMe campaign to support her efforts. This closure highlights the broader challenges faced by small businesses struggling with increasing operational costs.
Ashland City, Tennessee – The beloved SheyGirl Coffee Company, a cherished establishment on Main Street, is set to close its doors permanently after its owner was notified that her lease would not be renewed. This decision comes as part of a broader trend affecting small businesses across Middle Tennessee who are facing rising rent costs, leading many to relocate or shut down altogether.
Owner Sheyenne Rivers expressed her shock at the lease decision, which she received with no prior notice or justification. The coffee shop opened in 2016, quickly becoming a community fixture known for its unique blend of coffee and vintage culture. Rivers crafted SheyGirl Coffee Co. as a reflection of her personal passions, incorporating elements of vintage style, music, and movies into the shop’s ambiance. Over the years, the coffee shop has fostered close relationships with its customers, many of whom became like family to the staff.
Rivers’ search for a new location has been challenging, as she encounters rent prices exceeding $2,500 per month. This is a significant aspect of the current climate for small businesses, as nationwide rent payments have escalated by 11% year-over-year, which is double the rate of housing inflation. This rapid increase has created a strain on many local entrepreneurs who lack the financial flexibility to absorb such costs.
The coffee shop’s final day in its current location is scheduled for this Friday, operating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. As part of her effort to keep her business alive, Rivers has launched a GoFundMe campaign, which aims to cover storage fees for her vintage collection and assist in finding a new space for SheyGirl Coffee Co. Her hope is to relocate the coffee shop within Ashland City, maintaining the connections she has built over the years.
This closure highlights a larger issue faced by small business owners in Ashland City and the surrounding areas, as many struggle to keep their establishments open amid rising operational costs. Rivers has expressed disappointment regarding the situation in a small town where she initially felt secure in building her business. Her story is reflective of the broader struggles that small businesses face in maintaining their presence and viability in an increasingly challenging economic environment.
As SheyGirl Coffee Company prepares to close its doors, Rivers is not only urging the community for support but also advocating for the importance of supporting local businesses during these difficult times. Her plight serves as a reminder of the vital role that small establishments play in the economic fabric of their communities, providing not only goods and services but also fostering strong community relationships.
The situation at SheyGirl Coffee Co. serves as a warning to other small business owners in Ashland City and beyond, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to sustain their operations in the face of rising costs. Small businesses are essential to local economies, and their challenges often mirror broader economic trends affecting many communities across the country.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- News Channel 5: Ashland City Coffee Shop Closing
- Wikipedia: Ashland City
- Columbia Missourian: Ashland Draws New Entrepreneurs
- Google Search: Small Business Challenges Tennessee
- Bloomberg: Downtown Office Real Estate Suffers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coffee Shop
- 3 News Now: Ashland Becomes a Popular Spot
- Google News: Ashland City
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
