Shimba Hills Coffee Closing

I feel very bad for the owners, who according to articles from when Shimba Hills first opened, put everything they had into the store, quit their jobs, etc. I hope they land on their feet, and wish them the best.

I only went in Shimba once, back in early Winter. Found the staff to be unfriendly and the gelato a real dissapointment, so I never went back. The post byPQGirl & comment by Mr. T in DC make me think I caught Shimba on an off night, and should have given them another chance.

Juan Valdez I really miss though, I loved their coffee.

Unfortunately, if anyone is hopes to compete with the plethora of Starbucks in the area they’re going to have to offer something more than sterile environments.

If I were going to open a coffee shop downtown (or anywhere for that matter), I’d have a funky decor, cool music (free wi-fi, exotic coffees (organic, shade grown) along with the usual fare. And I’d advertise and promote like hell. And if I hadn’t operated a specialty coffee shop before I’d hire someone who had.

I’m sorry these people didn’t make it.

As strange as this may sound, I think that space is a bad location. It simply blends into the Verizon Center far too much because it is such a small store front. And I am sure being a part of the Verizon Center building meant an astronomical rent. You have to feel for the owners.

I agree with Ryan. Most folks don’t want to walk further than a block or so for their office coffee. And it isn’t a night destination really. And it’s kinda hidden from sight unless you are walking right by it.

The coffee was not very good. Juan Valdez served good coffee and was a great place to do work. I think there are too few residents in lower Penn Quarter to support a business that tourists won’t go to.

When I first walked past Shimba, I noticed the decor inside was pretty sterile and it seemed kind of dark. After walking past a number of other times, it just didn’t look like a place I wanted to go into. It is a shame they are closing though, because occupied stores are always better than vacant ones.

I must admit that when I first saw this shop open up I scratched my head. it is in an isolated spot and the sidewalk across the street is closed because of all the NPG construction.

The space has two other problems that help to obscure the store from being noticed:
-the diagonal concrete supports across the storefront
-the bus shelter on the sidewalk almost in front of the store, which causes a pedestrian bottleneck on the sidewalk

The insane lease prices being charged by the developers in our neighborhood will likely force out more local businesses in the near future as well. Someone needs to conduct an extensive market analysis to identify the demands PQ residents and tourists alike both seek so there are no more cell phone stores or banks.

Shimba Hill wasn’t very good. Juan Valdez had great coffee but the atmosphere was too sterile – and the seating was sooo uncomfortable – felt more like a school cafeteria. People like fluffy sofas, comfortable chairs and cool decor. Yeah independents can make it here but they need to do it right.

it wasnt perfect… but there was NEVER a line.. so i frequented it often…guess ill be in line at starbucks with everybody else…
xoxo

yeah, the coffee wasn’t very good and the service was poor. if i only ordered a coffee, the girl at the counter gave me dirty looks. and now the starbucks is open 24hrs on Fridays and Saturdays…woohoo

I was a frequent patron of Shimba Hills, and was caught by surprise to find the doors locked and closed signs posted on the doors. The green tea smoothie was the best I have ever had – Starbucks version made with powder doesn’t even compare. I was always met with friendly faces and great service. I always found Shimba Hills to be a relaxing place to enjoy a drink and a snack. One time I had forgotten my card and the server gave me my drink for free on my word that I would come back and pay. I did, and hour later, but I can’t imagine anyone at your typical high-strung Starbucks would let a customer pay on his or her word.

Anyone have any idea what is going to take the place of that Juan Valdez Coffee shop?

I think that would make a great spot for a restaurant. Maybe a sushi place. Seems like that corner gets a lot of foot traffic and the area could use a little variety foodwise.