The owners of at least three area establishments announced recently that they have made the difficult decisions to close, citing staffing issues among their reasons.

A recent Port City Java email announced that Port City Java at Barclay Commons, which opened at 2512 Independence Blvd.in 1997, is expected to close July 2. 

The email was sent to patrons of the coffee shop June 18 explaining the situation and providing a $10 credit good at any PCJ location, excluding the Barclay Commons location and university locations, through July 31.

The email stated, “We have loved serving this area and are extremely proud of the coffee community you have helped us build here over the years. This was not a decision made lightly. As our lease expires we have been reflecting on the past year and planning for the future. In addition to our lease end, the inevitable effects of COVID-19, and resulting staffing challenges, we felt it was wise to reassess our resources and find new ways to serve our community during this difficult time which so many businesses are experiencing.”

In a message posted to Facebook on June 25, Eternal Sunshine Cafe announced that its Leland location at 117-G Village Road NE, which opened in August 2019, would be closing June 26.

The post stated, “As we get busier with the progression of Summer, we have made the decision to close our Leland location in an effort to amply staff for our Wilmington location with the purpose to provide our guests with consistent quality product and service, but more importantly to give our team members the support needed during these trying times.

"Consolidating our staff to our Wilmington location will reduce the stress of workload, improve quality of life, and accommodate our employees paid time off.”

The cafe also announced that the Wilmington location at 420 Eastwood Rd. will be extending its hours and now be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Earlier this month, the owner of Niche Kitchen and Bar at 5954 Carolina Beach Road announced that it would be closing, saying in a message, "After 11 years and with much regret, Niche Kitchen and Bar has closed its doors. To all our loyal customers we thank you for supporting our restaurant over the years."

A note posted on the door of the resturant stated the government's unemployment policies led to a staff shortage, Port City Daily reported.

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