High Point Coffee stores close

Breaking business news story for The Commercial Appeal

September 10, 2009

As the economy continues to hammer small businesses nationwide, it has claimed another local victim: All three High Point Coffee stores are shutting down.

Two of the stores — one at 1680 Union and another at 4610 Poplar — are owned by High Point Coffee founder Thomas Blanche and have already been closed. About 25 jobs were lost.

The third store — in Germantown and owned by franchisee Tracy Gossett — is closing Sept. 18 after being open for about a year and a half. The number of jobs lost was not disclosed.

“It’s a unique time in that you had simultaneous effect where food prices increased dramatically and at the same time revenue dropped drastically,” Blanche said. “I’ve enjoyed it, and it made economic sense for a long time … (read more)