With lease negotiations apparently having broken down and an April 9 move-out deadline looming, a GoFundMe page has been created to help the Pannikin La Jolla find new digs.
“Save Pannikin La Jolla,” proclaims a flyer distributed throughout La Jolla Village, about the iconic cafe and coffee shop at 7467 Girard Ave.
“Pannikin has served the community for more than 50 years,” states the Pannikin flyer. “For many, both young and old, Pannikin provides a simple place to unplug and listen to the birds sing. A place all are welcome to study, enjoy nourishing food, and most importantly, slow down to connect with one another. Please consider donating to Pannikin La Jolla GoFundMe or share the link with friends and family.”
As of March 29, $35,505 from 197 donations had been raised on the Pannikin Go Fund Me page toward a $75,000 fundraising goal.
“Pannikin, which has been in La Jolla since 1968, is losing its space,” said James P. Rudolph, author of the GoFundMe petition. “This news is devastating for all who love and cherish this institution. Our good friends and neighbors need help with many things, not the least of which is finding a new home.
“This fundraiser recognizes the shock of this sudden news and is meant to assist in the search for a new location,” continues Rudolph’s petition. “There is no obligation, of course. But please consider helping if you are so inclined. This cafe isn’t just part of the community; it ‘is’ the community. If you feel similarly, please consider supporting this cause.”
“I’m not in a space where I am doing any comments at the moment,” said Amanda Morrow, a longtime Pannikin employee who purchased the establishment in 2007 and operates the coffee cafe along with partners Gloria Serna and Dan Grunow. “But as soon as that changes, I will happily reach out. I am manifesting a positive outcome.”
Rudolph said now is the time to contribute toward saving this 54-year-old community hub. “The owners and operators of Pannikin and the holders of the lease are, from all appearances, at an impasse,” he said. “In other words, there’s a real risk the lease will not be renewed.”
Added Rudolph, “Staying put obviously is the preferred option, both for the operators and the public. But moving, though less attractive as an option, is also on the table.”
Rudolph said he started the GoFundMe page for two reasons: He’s a longtime customer and supporter, and because it deserves to be saved.
“This is where people gather, converse and, most importantly, connect,” he said. “La Jolla is a more vibrant community when family-owned businesses thrive. I’m hoping the money raised can assist the owners with any possible upfront costs associated with securing a new location.”
Pannikin Coffee and Tea was founded by Bob Sinclair. The cafe originally opened in 1968 in the Green Dragon Colony cottages on Prospect Street before moving to its Girard location in 1971, where it has been ever since.
“So the vast majority of Pannikin’s rich history has taken place where the store is now located,” pointed out cafe supporter Rudolph. “This is why so many longtime La Jollans, reminiscing about the ‘good old days’ from high school or college, have been shocked and saddened by the news of Pannikin’s imminent closure.”
Noting there are other “fantastic coffee options” in town, Rudolph pointed out that Pannikin brings something unique and is, therefore, in a sense, irreplaceable.
“Pannikin is a uniquely eclectic ‘coffee culture’ whose purpose has always been to welcome people from all walks of life,” Rudolph said. “This is something worth protecting.”
Concluded Rudolph about the Pannikin fundraising drive: “The outpouring thus far has been overwhelmingly positive, and it demonstrates the cohesiveness of this community.”
