The Wild Goose Meeting House in downtown Colorado Springs will permanently close its doors Sept. 14.

The business opened in November 2013 and was approaching its 11-year anniversary this year. In a social media post Thursday, the business said that due to various challenges, ongoing competition and inflation, the coffee shop would be closing down.

“We were lucky enough to bring third-wave coffee to downtown Colorado Springs just as our city was growing significantly and ready for a locally focused space to build community,” the post read. “Ultimately, we are proud of what the Wild Goose has meant, and recognize it’s time to close this chapter.”

The post goes on to speak about meeting house’s original mission, to bring together different people from all over Colorado Springs to connect and build relationships.

“Over the course of this decade+, we have seen partnerships forged, businesses and nonprofits launched, and friendships cemented,” the post said.

Financial manager Michael Gemm spoke to The Gazette just hours after the news broke. While Gemm was unable to comment more specifically about the factors that led to the closure, he did speak about his gratitude.

“We’re just really grateful for the community,” Gemm said. “We’ve been open 11 years and many restaurants don’t make it even five years.”

Wild Goose was one of two restaurant locations opened in Colorado Springs by current mayor Yemi Mobolade before he was elected to office in 2023. The other location being Good Neighbors Meeting House.

Back in April, Mobolade’s wife, Abbey Mobolade, said in a written statement she, alongside other partners, would be managing the businesses and the mayor “is not involved in the management or operations of the cafes.”

This statement came shortly after Mobolade was named as a co-defendant in two lawsuits alleging he and a former business partner owe a food distributor nearly $100,000.

The Gazette reached out to Mobolade’s office for a statement following the closure.

“My family and our community have 11 years’ worth of incredible memories at Wild Goose,” Mobolade stated. “It has served as an important third space for many, and I am forever grateful to my business partners, our staff and all those who have supported its success over the years.”

Both Mobolade and Gemm agree that while the decision to close was difficult, it made the most sense.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and, as Mayor, I have empathy for the tough decisions faced by business owners who everyday are navigating rising prices and a challenging economy,” Mobolade stated.

The Gazette asked Gemm if legal woes like the Shamrock foods lawsuit played in this decision at all, to which he simple responded, “there’s a lot of things.”

According to Gemm, while being named together in the lawsuit, the Good Neighbors Meeting House is a separate entity from the soon-to-be-closed Wild Goose.

“As far as we know, business is as usual there,” Gemm said.

The meeting house has held special memories for patrons. As of Friday afternoon the business’ Facebook page post announcing the closure had 100 comments, nearly all of which lamented the closure and shared personal stories of time spent there, recounting first dates and treasured musical performances.

Gemm smiled softly while recounting his own various memories from the Wild Goose.

“My wife and I had dinner with my sister and brother several years ago here,” Gemm said while pointing at a table toward the back of the café. “It was nice to be able to come here for many years.”

Once the doors shut for good in September, Gemm said he is looking forward to putting more energy into his day job as nonprofit consultant.