Broadway Roastery closes its original location after 31 years

Saskatoon is saying goodbye to a cherished, family-owned, community hub as the Broadway Roastery closes one of its locations next month after 31 years of serving locals.

The roastery located on Broadway Avenue is known for its warm atmosphere and role as a popular spot for studying, meetings, and Monday morning coffee.

Aileen Barilla owns the roastery with her husband Vince, their inspiration came from her husband’s cousin who owned a successful coffee shop in Calgary.

Broadway Roastery will be closing one if its locations on August 12. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Rather than moving to Alberta, the two opened up the Broadway Roastery in 1993 keeping close to family roots in Saskatoon.

“This was before the big coffee craze, so we got in at the right time,” Barilla said.

But over the last six years, the small business has faced challenges such as the pandemic, city construction, increased competition and economic hurdles.

Barilla said it’s time to streamline down to its location on 8th Street. The building is larger, they own it and it’s home to the business’s roasting operations. She confirmed the name will remain unchanged.

“We’re still around,” she said.

The Broadway Roastery is known for its warm atmosphere and role as a popular spot for studying, meetings, and Monday morning coffee. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

What Barilla will miss the most are the “fun-loving” customers who have visited the shop over the years.

“Everyone is excited to have their first-morning cup of coffee right?” she said with a laugh.

She said a lot of regulars were devastated to hear the news, as well as staff members past and present who also share fond memories of the shop.

It’s more than just a coffee place. Barilla’s kids grew up alongside the kids of regulars, and they remain connected to this day.

Barilla’s advice for other small business owners is to persevere even during the tough times.

“This was our dream,” she said. “We weren’t out to make a million dollars, we were just out to have fun, open up our own place, and call it our own.”

The Broadway Avenue location will close on Aug 12.