Darwin’s Ltd., a well-known Cambridge espresso store chain, introduced the closure of all 4 of its areas on Wednesday, simply two weeks after revealing plans to shut its authentic retailer in Harvard Square.
Owners Steven and Isabel Darwin introduced in an Instagram put up that they’re retiring and shutting the chain’s areas on Cambridge St., Massachusetts Ave. and Putnam Ave. The Darwins personal and function the espresso chain, which grew in recognition. for its sandwiches, since 1993.
“We are grateful to the 1000’s of staff, clients and the City of Cambridge for enabling and supporting the 30-year expertise and success of our household enterprise,” Darwin wrote within the Instagram put up.
The announcement got here lower than a month after the Darwins introduced the closure of the chain’s authentic location on Mt. Auburn St., citing workload and private well being points. While the lease runs via Dec. 1, the house owners stated Wednesday they’ve reached an settlement with Darwin’s United, the staff’ union, to shut the place on Nov. 22.
The Darwins added that cut-off dates for the opposite three areas have but to be decided, pending a response from Darwin’s United.
In response to the preliminary closure, members of Darwin’s United staged a rally at Cambridge City Hall on October 29, calling on house owners to make sure employment of employees on the Mt. Auburn location, increase wages to $24 per hour , present three weeks of paid day without work, and provide well being care with no deductible.
The choice to shut the chain follows a long-standing effort by Darwin staff to unionize and safe a brand new contract with extra ensures. Tensions between the union and the property got here to a head final month when union members protested exterior the Darwin house in Cambridge.
Rebecca Patterson, a frequent buyer, stated she was disenchanted to lose a long-time native enterprise.
“I want the negotiations with the union had gone higher as a result of I believe there is perhaps a method ahead,” Patterson stated.
Alexandra C. Stanton, a member of the Harvard Graduate Student Union, beforehand referred to as the closing of the Mt. Auburn location a tactic to “probably demoralize employees and scare them away.”
Before the Darwins’ announcement final Wednesday, the couple stated they deliberate to work in good religion with the union to retain as many employees members as potential.
The Mt. Auburn location is slated to get replaced by a bakery, in line with Cambridge Day.
—Staff author Kate Delval Gonzalez will be reached at kate.delvalgonzalez@thecrimson.com.
—Editor Brandon L. Kingdollar will be reached at brandon.kingdollar@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newskingdollar.