Business

Popular SLO coffeehouse to close its doors this month: ‘We can’t thank you enough’

Skipper’s Brew Coffee House, located at 1242 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo, opened in 2020. The owners announced it would be sold in February 2024.
Skipper’s Brew Coffee House, located at 1242 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo, opened in 2020. The owners announced it would be sold in February 2024. ldickinson@thetribunenews.com

Beloved queer-owned Skipper’s Brew Coffee House in San Luis Obispo is closing its doors on Feb. 18, according to an announcement on the shop’s Instagram.

Owners Shari Rubino and Karen Pike just opened The Platypus — a new all-ages queer cafe at 1901 Broad St.

“Life has thrown us an unexpected curveball requiring Karen to travel back home for an undetermined length of time,” the post read.

The Platypus will remain open with Rubino spending her “time and attention” there.

Shari Rubino and Karen Pike are a couple and the owners of Skipper’s Brew Coffee House in San Luis Obispo. Pike, who’s from Australia, is looking to bring Australian inspired flavor profiles to the new queer cafe, The Platypus, she and Rubino are opening. The couple announced that Skipper’s would be sold to a new owner in February 2024.
Shari Rubino and Karen Pike are a couple and the owners of Skipper’s Brew Coffee House in San Luis Obispo. Pike, who’s from Australia, is looking to bring Australian inspired flavor profiles to the new queer cafe, The Platypus, she and Rubino are opening. The couple announced that Skipper’s would be sold to a new owner in February 2024. Courtesy of Shari Rubino

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According to the post, Skipper’s is being sold to a new owner, who will change the name of the shop but will continue to serve coffee and keep many of the same staff members. Notably, the post said that the location would remain LGBTQ+ friendly.

“Rest assured, Skipper’s isn’t going to just anyone!” the post said. “The new owner, whom we know personally, is a beautiful human and a Skipper’s regular.”

“We can’t thank you enough for all of the continued love and support,” the post concluded. “Stay tuned for some upcoming sales & specials before our doors close!”

This story was originally published February 6, 2024 at 3:11 PM.

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