Caffe Posto to close for good after Sunday

WICHITA — A challenging economy and increased competition is forcing Caffe Posto to close less than two years after opening near Douglas and Oliver.

“The economy is the biggest part,” co-owner Kay Conklin says.

She and her husband, Cory, and Jacob Liquor Exchange wine director Jamie Stratton opened Caffe Posto in March 2008.

Conklin says not long after that, new competitors like Sugar Sisters Bakery & Cafe and the Donut Whole opened nearby.

“Certainly, they’re all close enough that it affects us,” Conklin says.

Caffe Posto will have normal hours through Saturday. Sunday, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with reduced prices on coffee and gelato to say thanks and good-bye to customers.

“We know that something great will come into the neighborhood,” Conklin says. “We’re working with our landlord to try and find someone.”

For now, she says, they’re trying to “exit as gracefully as possible.”

The plan is to “just keep our heads up and smiles on until . . . Sunday.”

Tweet of the week

WICHITA — “Okay, inventory counted. Yes, once a month I literally count lemon bars, paninis, coffee, gelato. There is now one less scone to count. :)

Caffe Posto co-owner Kay Conklin, tweeting as @caffeposto on July 1