UPDATE: The beloved Abide Coffeehouse in Wilkes-Barre has announced an indefinite closure, as shared by the owners through a social media update on Thursday morning.
“With indoor temperatures expected to exceed 100°F, we have no safe option until our landlord decides to fix our AC,” the post reads. “We are currently pursuing long term resolutions and legal options.”
Amidst soaring temperatures, Abide Coffeehouse had to cease operations early once more on Wednesday, marking the third such occurrence in less than a week. As the indoor climate neared a stifling 100 degrees, the shop owners sought help from city officials to address the ongoing issues with the building’s landlord.
The coffeehouse’s plight, shared on social media platforms, drew extensive support from its clientele, especially as the owners criticized the landlord, Howard Klotzkin. Owner Austin Shission expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re weeks away from no return … We try to handle our business in-house, but he’s made that impossible now, and now he’s retaliating.” Shission further lamented the operational challenges they face due to equipment failures and unbearable heat.
However, Klotzkin, who purchased the building shortly after the Shission family acquired the coffeehouse in 2022, refutes these claims. He assured that a new heating and air conditioning system is slated for installation by the week’s end. “I felt that they shouldn’t have posted those things up on Facebook,” said Klotzkin, a New Jersey-based property owner with multiple downtown holdings. He added, “Of course, they have the right to do whatever they want to, but you know, I’m a good landlord.”
Dispute with Landlord
The conflict between the Shission family and Klotzkin intensified when they accused him of trying to force them out. The Shissions wrote to city leaders, alleging deliberate neglect on Klotzkin’s part to worsen conditions and compel them to leave. Yet, Klotzkin denies these allegations, expressing contentment whether the coffeehouse stays or leaves. He acknowledged the rent charged is below market value to support the coffeehouse’s community role.
In response to the allegations, Klotzkin stated that the new HVAC system, costing $30,000 and ordered seven weeks prior, would resolve the temperature issues.
Additional Allegations
Beyond the HVAC concerns, the Shissions have documented numerous grievances, including recurring fire alarm disruptions. Klotzkin claimed these alarms, triggered by tenants in upstairs apartments, were not due to faulty systems. In past incidents, such as the prolonged closure caused by water heater flooding, Klotzkin mentioned disputes with insurance payouts and noted a $48,000 settlement to Abide.
Furthermore, an incident occurred on Wednesday when Klotzkin’s employee removed industrial fans from the coffeehouse. Shission viewed this as retaliatory, while Klotzkin argued the fans were needed elsewhere and not a contractual obligation to Abide.
Seeking City Intervention
The Shissions have now turned to Wilkes-Barre city officials for assistance, hoping to find a resolution that would allow them to continue operations. They have provided records, documentation, and an incident timeline to the city, while Klotzkin has offered to present invoices and other evidence if requested.
Though attempts to contact Mayor George Brown for comments were unsuccessful, the Shission family remains hopeful for a resolution. Austin Shission expressed gratitude for the community’s support but emphasized the financial implications of the situation. “Our customers are backing us, and we really appreciate it,” he said. “The words of encouragement are great, but like I said, when it comes down to it, there’s a financial cost here on whether we move or not, or we continue. And right now, there’s no good avenue the way it looks.”
