It’s been a strange start to the year for patrons of The Local Market. The brightly colored and unique West Ashley coffee shop went through a couple subtle name adjustments, staff changes and slight modifications that were tough to keep up with. If that wasn’t enough, it has now closed its doors.
On Sunday Local’s official Facebook page mentioned the coffee shop would be closing and transforming into an “Espresso Truck.” The post read in part: “…We’re ‘hittin’ the road’ with our Espresso Truck so we’re closing the West Ashley shop! Follow us for the same amazing coffee, etc. that you’ve loved from us…”
The move seems to have caught many off guard. The business had recently built a new bar, revamped its menu and added beer taps. All of this makes the closing even more unexpected.
The Local Market was one of my favorite hang-outs and I’m sad to see it go. Sure, there will be a version of it traveling the Holy City streets, but you can’t hang out and relax in a food truck. I’ll certainly miss downing an iced coffee while reading the Charleston City Paper in the comfy confines of that funky teal building on Ashley River Road.