READY FOR WHAT'S NEXT. Shift Cyclery & Coffee Bar has entered the new year with a new vision, and that includes saying a warm farewell to the bike portion of the business to make way for what's next – whatever that 'next' is.

From the beginning, Shift Cyclery & Coffee Bar has been a unique business: an art-infused downtown coffee shop with some of the best espresso drinks around that’s co-located with a bicycle shop. Whether you were a coffee drinker seeking a relaxing spot, a bike-rider who needed a tune-up, or someone seeking a jolt of energy before your big ride, Shift had you covered.

“I feel many people sought us out in the beginning because there wasn’t a place for bike hangs, specifically,” says co-owner Laura Lash. “It’s a great thing to commune around. There were existing coffee shops and bike shops in town, but we wanted to put out there what we thought was the best of the best on both fronts.”

Now, however, seven years have passed and the business (615 Graham Ave.) is evolving, which means saying goodbye to its bike-shop element. After a big sale late last year, the 330-square-foot “bike side” of the business is ready for something new, Shift announced in early February.

“After much consideration though, we have decided that while we’ll always remain the bike friendly cafe you know and love, it’s time to let go of running the bike side.”

“The tenant would be a fledgling, creative business with proven success that wants to move in, share space in our cafe, and keep the Shift community vibes going,” Shift said in a social media post.
Since December, the currently vacant “bike side” of Shift has been hosting a pop-up library on the second Saturday of the month, thanks to the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.

For the small business, it’s all part of a cycle of change. “For seven seasons, we’ve loved being the bike shop for all riders. Group rides, repairs, new-bike-days, race watching and bar hangs have filled the space with joy and togetherness. Thank you for every part you’ve played in that,” the business said. “There are new group rides, advocacy efforts, new bike shops and a whole hell of a lot of community that has blossomed from friends moving through this space and we’ve loved the journey. After much consideration though, we have decided that while we’ll always remain the bike friendly cafe you know and love, it’s time to let go of running the bike side.”

On its website, Shift elaborated that the new tenant would be a separate business that, depending on its needs, could access more square footage as well. While the owners, Lash and Aaron Salmon, would consider another bike business, they “are open to any creative business that would fit the space, and Shift’s personality.”

Lash added that it has been “bittersweet” saying goodbye to the bike part of the business. “We’ve met so many friendly, fun cyclists,” she said. “We hope they will still congregate around beer and coffee with us!”

Think your small business might be a good fit? Reach out to Laura Lash at mgmt@eaushift.com or visit eaushift.com.