Rosanna’s Ice Cream has announced plans to close at the end of February.

So, the big news is that I’m closing down at the end of February. The main reason is that the toll Rosanna’s has been taking on my physical health is unjustifiable. I’m ready to let go, get healthy, and try something new before diabetes gets more of a toehold (which it’s threatening to do).

There are always some business closings at this time of the year but there does seem to be more this year. Since the start of November we’ve seen the closing of the Commercial Street Rosemont, Bolster Snow, the All Those Who Wander coffee shop, Fuji turned into N to Tail, Grace, Federal Spice, Juiced, Little Bigs, Ice It Bakery, Maine Wraps closed 2 of their 3 locations, CBD will be closing their Washington Ave coffee shop, and now Rosanna’s.

Coffee by Design owners Mary Allen Lindermann and Alan Spear have announced plans to close their coffee shop at 43 Washington Ave as of February 28th.

Opening our doors at 43 Washington Avenue in January 2005 offered us a wonderful opportunity to add to the Coffee By Design family of neighborhood coffeehouses and increase the space we needed for our growing coffee roastery. Over the years we have come to know many of you and feel that you are part of the CBD family. There are many memories we will cherish.

It is bittersweet to share the news that after months of careful review, we have decided against renewing our coffeehouse lease at Washington Avenue. 

Coffee by Design sold the building to Duckfat last year. In the closing announcement Lindermann and Spear make the interesting comment that,

Having been tenants, they had ties with the neighborhood and had dreams of what they wanted to do here. We look forward to seeing what they choose to do, which will surely add to this already wonderful neighborhood. 

Maine Wraps has closed their shops in Scarborough and South Portland to redirect their focus and energy on the Maine Wraps on Congress Street in Portland.