A beloved Los Gatos coffee and live music hotspot that’s been in the community since 1982 will have to temporarily shut its doors after a car barreled through the front of the business Thursday evening, sending the driver to the hospital.
In a post on social media Friday morning, Los Gatos Roasting Co. thanked the community for the support it has received thus far after a black sedan crashed through its doors on 101 W. Main St. around 9 p.m.
“Last night, a car accident caused damage to our café,” the business posted on Instagram. “Most importantly, we are thankful to report that no fatalities or critical injuries have been reported. As we evaluate the damage, we will be closed for the day and will keep you updated on our reopening plan.”
Founder Teri Hope and co-owner Gerry Ford were unavailable for comment Friday morning.
The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department said an investigation is ongoing after a 90-year-old Los Gatos man was extricated from his vehicle by the Santa Clara County Fire Department and transported to the hospital in serious but stable condition.
“It is suspected alcohol may have played a role in this incident, but all factors are being looked at as part of the ongoing investigation,” the police department wrote in a statement. “The business was closed and unoccupied at the time of this incident and the driver was the sole occupant in his vehicle.”
In photos and videos posted online, bystanders reported that an elderly man was driving the vehicle at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash.
“One of Los Gatos’ favorite hangouts — Coffee Roasting Company, the place that’s held so many of our mornings, our music nights, our memories, is temporarily closed after an elderly man came flying down University at what witnesses said was 80–100 mph and crashed straight into the building,” resident Linda Davis posted in a video documenting the wreckage.
In a post late Friday morning, the business said it was optimistic it would be back in operation, at least partially, within a few days.
Many commenters also noted that the situation could have been much worse with the coffee shop, with Thanksgiving being one of the few nights that the business did not host live music.
Within hours of the incident, the cafe received a deluge of support from the community, who spoke at length about its importance.
“Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co. is a pillar of the local community and Teri is so supportive for local musicians as well,” Jay van Biljouw said. “We have been running a very successful bluegrass jam (the Java Jam) every Thursday night for many years now at Teri’s shop. I have met many friends through this communit, and always see friends old and new when I visit her coffee shop.”
Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, who represents the area, also said she was heartbroken, calling the business a cornerstone of Los Gatos.
“This beloved shop—truly the heart and soul of downtown Los Gatos—has been a gathering place for 44 years,” Pellerin said. “Seeing it so badly damaged is a loss felt by our entire community. I’m grateful for the swift response of our first responders and relieved no bystanders were hurt. My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I’m sending hope for the driver’s full recovery.”