Bliss Bakery blames economy, rampant drug use for closure of Kelowna location

A popular downtown Kelowna coffee shop will be closing its doors for good.

Bliss Bakery co-owners Darci and Barry Yeo say they will be shutting down their Kelowna location “in the near future” after unsuccessful negotiations with their landlord.

But there appears to be far more behind their decision to abandon their high-profile location at the corner of Ellis Street and Cawston Avenue.

A statement from the Yeos blamed economic pressures on small businesses, including inflation and ongoing wage increases.

They also pointed to the challenges that come with the city’s homeless population, specifically citing rampant drug use around their neighbourhood that has even happened inside the business.

“Our team members have had to deal with situations that are simply unacceptable, including indecent acts, property damages and aggressive behaviour,” Yeo explained. “We worry that someone will get hurt in such circumstances.”

The Yeos say that the downtown Kelowna will close “in the coming months,” but Bliss Bakery will live on and they will continue to serve their loyal customers in West Kelowna and Peachland.

They added that it was not an easy decision to make after being part of the vibrant Kelowna Arts District for the past decade.