[Update: as of April 2023, it appears the Mountain View, California location has reopened!]
I’ve been going to Specialty’s Café & Bakery for work lunches for over 15 years. So when I learned that the San Francisco Bay Area-based chain would be permanently closing their doors after today, May 19, 2020, I was shocked!
The reason for the closure? The pandemic.
Their website explains that “Current market conditions attributed to COVID-19 and shelter-in-place policies have decimated company revenues.”
Founded in 1987, the company operated over 55 cafes in California, Illinois, and Washington state. Before the pandemic, Specialty’s was popular among busy office workers who wanted a quick, but nutritious lunch, like salads, sandwiches, and soups.
I will miss their Priority Pick-up mobile order system. It was convenient and easy to use.
Most of all, I will miss their Spicy Thai Salad, Chicken Tortilla Soup, Spinach and Cheese croissants, avocado on toasted ciabatta, walnut brownies, and giant fresh-baked cookies.
Thanks for all the work lunches, Specialty’s! You’ll be missed! 🍪
Bonjour: A Francophile Blog 
How awful. I hope that they re-emerge in some form when life returns to something like ‘normal’, whatever that might eventually look like!
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They sell chocolate chunk cookie mix and I’ve seen it on Amazon. It would be great if they continue to make it so fans like me can make their cookies at home. But probably unlikely since it sounds like they’re completely shutting down. I agree- if they re-open someday, that would be fantastic 👍🏼
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I’ll keep my fingers crossed! I really hope that small businesses can recover from this massive blow!
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Fingers crossed here, too 🤞🏼
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I’m afraid lots of nice places like this will fall victim to the pandemic.
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I know that immediately following the shelter-in-place orders, like many restaurants they stayed in business, and prepared and delivered meals to frontline workers. It’s sad how the pandemic is forcing many businesses to close and leaving many people unemployed.
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What a shame; their food sounds delicious. I feel so sorry for all those small, independent businesses that have closed or will have to close in the immediate future.
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It’s sad! Although I think Specialty’s has a chance to bounce back and maybe operate as a pick-up only place once people return to work in office buildings. I’m wishful thinking 😀
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I think small businesses have been very creative in trying to stay afloat. It must be very difficult but I hope they are successful.
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So sad
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They will be missed, especially their giant cookies 🍪
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I am afraid that they will be the first of many small businesses we love that will be gone. I wish it wasn’t so. Thank you for posting this.
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Hi Geri, I feel for so many small businesses out there. Thank you for your comment. Stay safe.
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