A series of recent closures and uncertain futures among small businesses in Newman and Gustine has left residents concerned about the changing landscape of their local dining and retail options.
In downtown Newman, All Things Cheetah, a boutique clothing shop, shut its doors earlier this year. The space is expected to be filled by Reforma Studio, a wellness center with an existing location in Los Banos. While the new tenant brings a different type of service to the area, the closure marked the loss of a locally owned retail shop that had become familiar to downtown shoppers.
Just blocks away, Joe’s Coffee Shop announced it will close permanently on Feb. 28. In a message to customers, the owners said the decision was difficult but necessary, thanking regulars and newcomers for their support. “You all made it worth it, but the time has come,” the announcement read.
Another Newman café, Crema y Nata, has temporarily closed, telling customers it is exploring the possibility of relocating. The owners said they do not yet have a reopening date but expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and support.
In Gustine, L & E Cafe and More abruptly closed more than a week ago. A brief message posted online stated the café would be “closed permanently,” though no further explanation has been provided.
The closure comes after a challenging time for owners Elias Perez and Lucia Téllez. Perez suffered a sudden aneurysm in November 2024, leaving him in a coma for a month and facing a long recovery. Téllez continued operating the café while caring for her husband, a balancing act that drew widespread community support. Customers rallied around the family, offering encouragement and donating to a GoFundMe effort launched by a Gustine resident to help with medical and business expenses.
L & E Cafe had become a staple in Gustine since opening several years ago, known for its bagels, desserts, smoothies and popular pit chicken. Its warm, family‑style atmosphere made it a gathering place for locals.
The recent wave of closures has sparked conversations in both communities about the challenges facing small, family‑run businesses — from rising costs to personal hardships — and the role residents play in sustaining them.
For now, customers in Newman and Gustine are left with unanswered questions and the hope that some of their favorite spots may return in new forms.
