PARK SLOPE — Gorilla Coffee is closing its original Fifth Avenue cafe after a 15-year run, but fans of its coffee won't have to go far to satisfy cravings for the extra-strong brew.
Gorilla will keep its nearby 472 Bergen St. location open after the 97 Fifth Ave. shop shutters Jan. 2.
Gorilla opened the Bergen Street location in 2013 and the owners had planned all along to close the Fifth Avenue cafe afterward, according to a sign posted at the Fifth Avenue store.
Gorilla's owners could not be reached immediately for comment Thursday. The impending closure was first reported by Bklyner. Gorilla had also once planned to build a combination roastery and cafe on President Street in Gowanus, but it never opened.
Employees at the Fifth Avenue Gorilla Coffee quit en masse in 2010 to protest what they called a "demeaning work environment," the New York Times reported. The cafe reopened with new baristas after a 16-day closure. Gorilla's owners then sued both the employees and the Times for defamation, but a judge tossed out the lawsuit.
Java junkies in the neighborhood have no shortage of options and more are slated to open shortly.
Blue Bottle Coffee opened earlier this month at 203 Seventh Ave. near Third Street. Everyman Espresso is moving into the spot at 162 Fifth Ave. (near Degraw Street) that was previously occupied by Venticinque. Uptown Roasters is slated to open at 355 Seventh Ave. between 10th and 11th streets.
And for people who just want a good old-fashioned frappuccino, there's a new Starbucks at 44 Seventh Ave. and Ninth Street, where Flipster's was.
Other recent Openings & Closings in the neighborhood include:
Comedy and Cocktails Coming to Park Slope's Fifth Avenue
Park Slope Retail Veterans Open Two New Boutiques in the Neighborhood
Photofaction Closes in Park Slope But Other Local Places Still Process Film
Brooklyn Brainery Opening Windsor Terrace Location
Flora Brings 'Authentic' Italian to Park Slope; Scalino and Lobo Close
Blue Bottle Coffee Opens in Park Slope with Free Drinks
'Ovenly' and 'Snowdays' to Open Near Barclays Center This Winter
'Top Chef' Alum Opens A&E Supply Co. in Gowanus With Coffee and Doughnuts
Soup Bowl Brings Cold Weather Comfort Food to Park Slope