Novel Book Bar & Cafe in Portland, Maine, will close on April 17 after more than two years in business, but "a business disagreement between the two partners could mean its closure will also end up in court," the Portland Press Herald reported.
"The major reason that we're closing is primarily because of money. Money, stress and pressure. I've done as much as I can to make it functional," said co-owner Joshua Ames, who runs Novel's day-to-day operations and also holds a full-time job outside the business. Money issues and a health scare in March persuaded him it was time to step away. He added that attempts to sell the business--a combination bookstore/cafe/cocktail bar--have failed.
Nate Donovan, the other co-owner, said Ames shut down his own attempts to sell: "If we can't keep it operational, it needs to be sold at a reasonable price to someone who can.... It's been a struggle since Day 1." He cited city regulations, the joint impacts of ICE's Operation Catch of the Day raids in Maine, tariffs, and general economic uncertainty, along with the rising price of Green coffee beans, as some of the contributing factors.
Donovan owns 49% of the venue and Ames 51%. Both men put hundreds of thousands of dollars into the business, and Donovan expects the dispute will end up in court.
"We started this to build community in our local area, and I've been so grateful and appreciative of the community that has come out, the lifelong friendships and connections that have been made at Novel," he added. "I know the community. A lot of those connections are going to continue on."