Sunnyside's popular coffee hub closes

SUNNYSIDE, Wash. -- Guerra's Coffee Co., the South First Street establishment popular with both locals and travelers, closed at the end of the business day Monday.

Lino Guerra, who owned the business with his wife, Hilda, said they had to close because they couldn't come to an agreement on rent with their landlord.

The Guerras, known in the past for their U-pick pepper farm north of Sunnyside, also own Guerra's Deli and Caf across town in the Mid-Valley Mall. That sandwich and ice cream shop, which they've had for six years, is still open.

The Guerras opened the First Street shop, just off Interstate 82's Exit 67, in April 2009.

In two years, it became a well-known destination for people to work, review for a test, hold Bible studies or converse.

"I wanted it to be a cultural melting pot," said Lino's son, Aaron Guerra, 29, who managed the business.

Aaron Guerra worked with local artists to hang paintings and photography in the shop each month. He also staged live musical performances and displayed artwork from local schools, catering the event with fruit trays and other snacks.

Aaron Guerra and the shop were featured in an October On Magazine story.

The shop had three employees, not including the Guerra family. Jason Raines, a substitute teacher and Sunnyside City Councilman, visited about once a week.

"It really captured a large cross-section of the community," he said.

High-profile political leaders had been known to visit the digs, too, including Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell and Dino Rossi, who ran unsuccessfully twice for Washington governor and the U.S. Senate.

Lino Guerra said the family may try to reopen the coffee shop someday.

"I just wanted to thank the community and friends for all their support," he said.

* Ross Courtney can be reached at 509-930-8798 or rcourtney@yakimaherald.com.